Testing your security devices

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors can save lives – but only when they’re working properly. Test your smoke detector regularly to help ensure that it is in working order.
Before testing, if your smoke detector is monitored by Wilsons Security, call the monitoring station to put your system on test mode so that signals are disregarded during the test.

Test each device monthly by pressing the test button located on your smoke detector. If it’s working, you will hear both the smoke detector and the alarm siren go off. Enter your 4-digit code into your keypad to silence. If you press the test button and nothing happens, the batteries may need to be replaced. If you replace the batteries and the smoke is still not functioning, reach out to our service team for support. Your smoke detector may need to be replaced.

Once a year, test your smoke detectors with canned smoke, which can be purchased from many major retailers. The alarm should sound if the device is working properly.

Check for the expiry date. Smoke detectors have an expiry or “replace by” date. Take note of this date and plan to replace your devices beforehand so you don’t have a gap in protection.

When you’ve completed the testing of all your monitored smoke detectors, don’t forget to let the monitoring station know to take your system off of test mode.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide detectors are an essential safety device for all homeowners. Whether you have an attached garage, fuel appliances, use a generator, or just want peace of mind, these devices help you take timely action against this invisible, odourless, and dangerous gas.

Before testing, if your carbon monoxide detector is monitored by Wilsons Security, call the monitoring station to put your system on test mode so that signals are disregarded during the test.

Test monthly with the test button. Most devices should have a ‘test’ button that you can press. If it’s working, you will hear both the detector and the alarm siren go off. Manufacturers differ, so it’s best to check your device’s manual. If you don’t have a manual, try doing an online search for the brand and model number.

Check for the expiry date. Carbon monoxide detectors have an expiry date; using the device after this date may result in poor performance and a loss of protection. Take note of this date and plan to replace your devices before the listed expiry date. You will find it either directly on the device, or on the inside cover.

When you’ve finished with the testing of all your monitored carbon monoxide detectors, don’t forget to let the monitoring station know to take your system off of test mode.

Door and Window Contacts

Your alarm system can provide immense peace of mind that everything at your property is just as you left it. Door and window contacts can track which windows and doors are opened, and when, so that you can be alerted to any unexpected activity at your property. As always, regular testing is key to making sure all of your contacts are operating as they should.

First, call the monitoring station to put your system on test mode. This will allow you to trigger alarm signals for the test without accidentally dispatching emergency authorities.

Arm the system ‘Away’ when it is in test mode.

One by one, open and close each window with a window contact. If the contacts are working, you will hear your siren or keypad sound an alert upon opening. If they aren’t working, you shouldn’t hear anything coming from your keypad. Any contacts that aren’t working may need a new battery (if wireless) or may need to be replaced.

While your system is still in test mode, it’s a great time to also test your other devices. If you are finished with your testing, don’t forget to call the monitoring station and ask them to take your system off test mode.

Motion Detectors

Motion detectors are an important part of your intrusion alarm system, helping keep watch over basements, entries, garages, and more. Help ensure yours will work when it needs to with regular monthly testing.

Put your alarm system on test mode by calling the monitoring station and requesting it.

Arm your system ‘Away’ once it is in test mode.

Trip your motion detectors by walking in front each one. If they are working, you should hear your siren or keypad sound an alert. If you motion detector appears to not be working, it may need its battery replaced (if wireless) or you may require a service call to address the issue.

If you have other devices, now is a good time to test them as well, while your system is still on test mode with the monitoring station.

When you’ve finished all your testing, remember to call the monitoring station and ask them to take your system off test mode.

Flood Sensors

Water damage can be extremely costly, so monitored flood sensors can be the difference between mopping up a small puddle and doing an unplanned basement renovation. Test your flood sensors monthly to ensure that they’ll be ready to notify you of pooling water before it becomes a bigger problem, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in clean-up costs

Call the monitoring station to place your system on test mode. This tells them to temporarily ignore alarm signals so that you can test your devices.

Get a small cup of water (not too hot or too cold) and gently dip the probe from your flood sensor into the cup of water. If the sensor is working, you will likely hear your siren or keypad sound an audible alert (however, if you’re set up for silent reporting, you won’t hear the alarm, so keep your smartphone with you to check for the app notification). If it’s not working, you won’t hear or see any alert, and may require a service call to fix the issue.

Don’t forget to call the monitoring station to take your system off test if you’ve finished testing all of your devices.

Temperature Sensors

Help protect your property from damage with monitored low temperature sensors. These sensors can detect if the temperature within your home or business dips too low, giving you the opportunity to call a contractor to fix your heating issue before pipes start to freeze or burst. If you operate a food service or agriculture business, your sensors can let you know if the temperature in your fridge, freezer, greenhouse, or barn starts to deviate from the required level. Frequent testing is critical to ensuring that these sensors work when you need them.

Put your system on test mode by calling the monitoring station.

If your sensor is set to detect low temperatures, cool it down by either placing it in the freezer for a few minutes (if wireless) , or placing an ice pack against the sensor.

If your sensor is set to detect warm temperatures for example, if you use it to monitor a freezer, briefly remove it from the freezer to allow it to warm up (if wireless), or place a microwaveable heating pad on the sensor to speed up the test.

If your sensors are working, you should hear your siren or keypad sound an audible alert (however, if you’re set up for silent reporting, you won’t hear the alarm, so keep your smartphone with you to check for the app notification); if you don’t hear or see an alert, your sensor may need service.

Be sure to return your sensors to their original positions once you’ve finished testing them, and call the monitoring station to take your system off test mode.

Elevator Phones

Communications are critical to elevator safety, so that staff, residents, and visitors can call for assistance if needed. We recommend you regularly test your elevator phones to help ensure that they will work if needed.

Press the elevator call button or pick up the receiver and wait for the call to be answered.

Ask the monitoring station to confirm the address for you.

If the address given is incorrect, update it by contacting the monitoring station via email at info@armcom.ca (you will need your All OK password for this).

If the call does not connect, we require the caller ID number associated with your phone line. We kindly request that you promptly provide us with this number by emailing support@armcom.ca with the subject ELEVATOR. Be sure to include your Account Number or Account Name, and Account Address. When you’ve heard back from the monitoring station, please test your elevator phone again. If it still isn’t working, please contact Wilsons Security for further troubleshooting.

Fast Fog

Your Fast Fog fog machine from Wilsons Security is an excellent addition to your business’ security system. With its ability to fill a room with visibility-reducing fog in mere seconds, it can effectively help prevent theft if a break-in occurs.

Wilsons Security does not advise testing your Fast Fog machine yourself.Please contact us to book your Fast Fog inspection to help ensure your machine stays in good working order if and when you need it.