YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, WE HAVE ANSWERS

Find the answers to some frequently asked questions about Fisher Security’s intruder alarm systems.

Will my insurance company be interested in my alarm being NSI Gold approved?

Yes, since the risk of a loss is dramatically reduced and for commercial premises it's likely to be a requirement of cover. Insurers don't normally insist that you have an alarm, but following a loss the specification required for renewal is likely to be far more onerous than before.

Are security systems complicated?

No certainly not. Operating a correctly programmed alarm system is really quite easy. On leaving your premises simply offer your alarm fob towards the keypad OR enter your code, wait briefly for the exit buzzer then leave. On your return, enter through the normal door and again offer your entrance fob to the alarm keypad OR enter your code and the system stops buzzing and displays disarmed.

Will I get an insurance discount if I have an alarm?

You can usually expect a discount for a maintained system and the percentage will vary depending on risk and company. It would be reasonable to expect 10% but we have encountered customers who have received an annual discount greater than the entire cost of the alarm.

You will also find that some alarm companies are regarded more favourably by insurers depending on their level of accreditation. Fisher security have the highest level of NSI Accreditation and therefore adhere absolutely to the NSI specification.

If my alarm goes off, will I be unable to use it until an engineer has been to reset it and will I be charged for this?

This is not the way Fisher Security works. Though we know other companies operate such schemes, it is not and never has been our policy to treat our customers like this. If you have a Fisher Maintenance Contract and know the cause of the trip (we verify with remote diagnostics) the system is reset promptly free of charge.

My alarm keypad displays "line fault". What does this mean?

It is likely that there is a fault with your phone line and the alarm system is warning you of this. Firstly, test each handset on your premises to verify that the phone line is still live. If it is not we would suggest contacting your phone line provider. On the other hand if your phones appear to be working normally then please contact us as there may be an equipment fault.

My alarm system beeps at random but displays no message on the keypad. What does this mean?

It is possible that the sound you can hear is not coming from the alarm system. Please check that your smoke alarms do not require new batteries. Most make this sound to warn you they need replacing. It has also been known to emanate from hand held games, children's electronic toys, etc.

My alarm went off but the monitoring station didn't call me. Why is this?

If you subsequently entered your code and disarmed the system within 90 seconds, the monitoring station will have received an "abort signal". The operator then knows that an authorised person is onsite and there is no need to contact you or your keyholders.

I am having broadband installed on the phone line used for the alarm system. Is there anything I need to do?

Yes, we will need to attend to fit an ADSL filter into the alarm panel so the alarm system can continue to send signals to the monitoring station (if your system is monitored) and to enable the remote diagnostics to our office in the case of a fault

Is it possible for me to have a hard copy of my maintenance inspection docket?

Yes, please supply your email address and we will email you a copy to print for your records. We can automatically email all dockets to you in future should you require this.

My phone bill shows numerous calls to the same number at roughly the same time each day. My phone company says it is my alarm, is this the case?

Very probably. Your alarm system is programmed to send short test signals - usually in the middle of the night to avoid disrupting your normal usage. The system contacts the monitoring station receiver (there may be two different numbers) to confirm that it is online and working correctly.

We usually program this to occur every 24 hours but can extend the interval to 48 hours if you wish. On your insistence we can disable this functionality entirely but would not recommend it.

Your system may also be programmed to send "open & close" signals when it is disarmed and armed respectively. This should only be required if your system is on police call and is required under the current ACPO policy. It is also necessary if you have requested "failed to close" or "failed to open" reports from the monitoring station.