FAQs
What is alarm monitoring?
Upon receiving a signal from your home or business, Alarm Relay dispatchers will immediately call the location to verify whether you set your alarm off accidentally. Whoever answers the phone is required to give a secret password that is stored securely in our records. If we do not receive an answer or if an answering machine picks up, we will immediately dispatch your nearest local authorities and/or contact your approved call list. If a panic button is triggered, we will immediately dispatch and then call your home. In any event, it is your nearest local authorities (Police, Fire, and Paramedic) that respond.
How does it work?
Your security system is designed to plug into a standard phone jack installed at your premises on a regular telephone line. When activated, a relay in your security system dials the central station and the signal is received. The call to our central monitoring station is placed over a toll-free number, radio or internet. Our monitoring team uses the latest technology to promote the security management of South Carolina (SC) residents.
What happens during a power failure?
Your security system runs on the AC current in your home normally. However if the power fails, your system will automatically revert to its own back-up battery for several hours if necessary. Once the power to your home returns, your security system automatically reverts back to the AC current.
What is an RJ31X Jack?
Your security system is also designed to plug into an RJ31X jack. The RJ31X provides additional security through a feature known as “line seizure.” When activated, a relay in your security system “seizes” your phone line and gives the security system priority use of this line, allowing the security system to report its signals to Alarm Relay’s central monitoring station. Therefore, if you are talking on the phone when the alarm is triggered, the call will be disconnected and the alarm signal will be received by our central monitoring station, which responds rapidly to your alarm ensuring the efficient security South Carolina needs in an emergency.
What if I want to test my system?
By calling the Alarm Relay monitoring station and requesting that they put your system into a “test” mode, you can activate the system and then test any feature you have including the popular Honeywell SC feature, Total Connect. Alarm Relay representatives will be happy to inform you about the signal they received and where it came from in the home.
What if I accidentally set off my security system?
If you ever accidentally set off your security system, don’t worry. Alarm Relay representatives will call you immediately upon receiving a signal. When you answer the phone they will identify themselves and ask you to do the same. Here is where you will give them your secret password, providing the extra security South Carolina residents need. They will not dispatch the police to your home if you simply tell them your password. CAUTION: If the signaled received is a “panic”, we dispatch the authorities first and then call you.
What if I am currently under an alarm-monitoring contract?
If you have an existing monitoring agreement with another security service provider, you have to wait until it expires. Most providers require advanced notice before you can cancel. Also, it is common practice in the security management service industry to use “automatic roll-over agreements.” Watch your expiration date closely. Once you are free from your obligation, give us a call. Given the opportunity to earn your business, we will help ensure the best security management of South Carolina.
We recommend that you send a certified letter to your provider immediately. Inform them that you want to continue your service on a month-to-month basis once the term of your agreement is completed. Sending a letter now will protect you from automatic rollover agreements.