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Index

Troubleshooting Wired Security Systems

Problem: What are the basic troubleshooting steps?

Question

Suggested Action

Is this a new installation?	Yes: Go to the Panel Testing section below.
	No: Go to the next question.
Has it always done this?	Yes: Go to the next question.
	No: Determine what has changed. Check any new equipment for malfunction. Also, check for RFI (radio frequency interference). RFI may be causing problems with the system. For example, radio transmissions, stationary transmitters in the area, new appliances, florescent lights are a few examples of products that can cause RFI.
Was a new sensor added?	Yes - go to the Zone Testing section below.
	No: Go to the next question.
Is Grade A service involved?	Yes: Go to the Grade A Service section below.
	No: Check the wiring. Normally-closed (NC or N.C.) switches should be wired in series. Normally-open (NO or N.O.) switches should be wired in parallel.

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Problem: How do I troubleshoot a problem with a new zone?

Possible Cause

Suggestion

Bad connection or cable	Check the wiring. Normally-closed (NC or N.C.) switches should be wired in series. Normally-open (NO or N.O.) switches should be wired in parallel.
Bad sensor	Replace the new sensor with one that you know works (such as from another zone).
Electrical or Radio Frequency Interference	Check for environmental changes (RFI, appliances which cause unusual drain, etc.)

Question

Suggestion

What lights just started blinking?	All lights? Go to the Panel Testing section below.
	PANIC zone? Go to the Panic Zone Testing section below.
	FIRE zone? Go to the Fire Zone Testing section below.
	A motion sensor zone? Go to the Motion Sensor Testing section below.
	Any other single zone? Continue to the next question.
Is the door/window closed?	Yes: Go to the Panel Testing section below.
Is the door/window closed?	No: Close the door/window and recheck the panel. If the zone is still violated, go to the Panel Testing section below.

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Problem: How do I check for a bad panel?

1. Remove all wires except those for the keypads, labeling each wire as you remove it.

2. Install either the Fire EOL Module or 2.2kohm resistor furnished with panel. Do not install both!!

Does it arm?	Yes: The panel is okay. Go to the Door/Window Sensor Test section and the Motion Detector Sensor Test section below.
	No. You have a bad panel. Take it to your local RadioShack store so it can be sent in for repair.

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Problem: How do I check for bad door/window sensors?

Possible Cause

Suggestion

Bad connection or cable	Check the wiring. Normally-closed (NC or N.C.) switches should be wired in series. Normally-open (NO or N.O.) switches should be wired in parallel.
Bad sensor	Test each sensor to see if it triggers the alarm. If multiple sensors are used on a single transmitter, each sensor must be tested in sequence. To do this, all but the first must be disconnected. Then add the each sensor one at a time and test the system until all have been added back in.

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Problem: How do I check motion sensor 49-208 or 49-208A?

Question

Suggestion

Is there power to the sensor? (Is the red light on?)	Yes: Check the sensor wiring. If the wiring matches the documentation, then the sensor is bad and should be replaced.
	No: Test the accessory terminals for the proper voltage. Using a multimeter should indicate a voltage of between 12- 18 volts. If the voltage is not within this range, then the panel is bad. Take the panel to your local RadioShack store for repair.

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Problem: How do I check motion sensor 49-550?

Question

Suggestion

Is there power to the sensor? (Is the red light on?)	Yes: Check the sensor wiring. If the wiring matches the documentation, then the sensor is bad and should be replaced.
	No: Test the accessory terminals for the proper voltage. Using a multimeter should indicate a voltage of between 12- 18 volts. If the voltage is not within this range, then the panel is bad. Take the panel to your local RadioShack store for repair.

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Problem: How do I troubleshoot a fire zone?

Possible Cause

Suggestion

Are smoke detectors installed?

No.
If 2.2k ohm resistor is not installed, install it.
If 2.2k resistor is installed, check it with a multimeter.

Yes.
1. If EOL not installed at end of smoke detectors, install it.
2. If a 2.2k ohm resistor is also installed, remove it.
3. If EOL is installed do the following:

Disconnect the EOL from end of smoke detector run.
Then disconnect smoke detector wiring from panel.
Connect EOL directly to panel.
If there is still a problem, disconnect the EOL and connect resistor as above. If you still have the problem, you have a bad panel.
If the problem is corrected, you have a bad EOL.
If the panel and EOL both test good, you have a bad smoke detector. Disconnect all smoke detectors, then connect only one smoke detector and install the EOL after it. If the system arms properly, disconnect the EOL, and add the 2nd detector, putting the EOL after it. Test the system again, and keep adding smoke detectors in the same fashion until the system will not arm. You have then located the bad smoke detector.

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Problem: How do I troubleshoot a panic zone?

Situation

Suggestion

System shows PANIC and FIRE ZONE violations?	go to the Zone Testing section above.
System shows only PANIC ZONE violation?	Disconnect the wiring on NC and NO (normally open) terminals and jumper the NC and COM terminals. If there is still a problem, then it is a bad panel. If the problem goes away, check the panic switch wiring and accessory tamper switch wiring.
Is this panel the 490-0485?	Be sure Zone 8 NC jumper has been removed. If there is still a violation and the wiring is correct, then it is a bad panel.

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Problem: How do I check Grade A service?

Grade A service allows constant monitoring of the zones wired as Grade A. Check the Grade A: diagram below. It involves hooking a normally-open (N.O. or NO) sensor in series with a normally-closed (N.C. or NC)loop and then installing a 2.2k ohm resistor at the mid-point of the loop.

We suggest the 2.2k ohm resistor be placed after the last switch in the loop. That way if the wire is cut anywhere on that loop, the alarm will sound. Wiring a series of NC switches in series with a 2.2k ohm resistor, and connecting the wire to the NO and Common terminals (instead of NC and Common)also creates a Grade A: Service installation.

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