I get many emails asking about the legality of alarm companies using Service Timers, especially when configured to Lock out the customer from his own System.

We dont use them, and never will. But i can think of a few reasons where there use may come in handy.

Are there any Laws or Legalalities concerning the usage of these timers, and does anyone know the SSAIB`s or NACOSS`s stance on there usage...?

I use them, until thier cheque has cleared.

Once bitten twice shy!

Go back and knock them off after!

I can understand companies using them, until payment has cleared, or in cases of recurring billing until the alarm has been purchased. But apart from those instances I cant think of any other reasons for them being used.

Once the user has fully paid for his alarm, what right has a company to lock out the user from his own equipment....?

Hello all,

I'm new to the forum !

Found this forum whilst browsing the net and just spend 1-2 hours going through the posts of most topics

only question i have is about maintenance of alrm system. Basically is there such thing as a regular service ? if so what does it entail ?

Thanks

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Bash

Follow this link to another page on the site Info on Maintenance.

There are set Industry standards for this(although they are currently being reviewed)

Bell only ----- once per annum.

Monitored ---- Twice per annum(every six months)

You should have your Panel battery changed every three years(depends on usage) But will be checked every service. Theres also one in the outside bell.

Colin.

I think if the engineer has written permission in the right circumstances they can be used, but i would never lock out the custoner unless they didnt pay.

I also remember the "Watchdog Special" that covered a small installation company, fitting "timers" to generate random faults on customer equipment. This allowed them to visit sites shortly after any agreed or documented "warranty or settling period" had expired. Although I don't think NSI or any other bodies would have too much say on the operation of these, there are other methods of locking out systems that don't involve external hardware.

The industry is slowly (too slow for my liking - hey ho) moving towards systems with integrated modems/diallers that are used for monitoring of residential systems. As soon as you have a system that can operate uploading/downloading you have the remote ability to lock out a system if that is required.

In a demonstration to a customer some time ago I was able to show how messages can be broadcast on the LCD Keypad to attract customer attention. In addition to this since the system was upload/download compatible, the installation engineer could access the configuration and effectively "turn off" the User authority, or change their PIN.

With the system inoperable and the display showing "Maintenance Due. Call 01xxxxxxx", the customer only had one option: contact the number quoted, and pay the outstanding bill. The installer can then access the system, and re-instate their PIN/Authority.

As always however, it is open to abuse and should really only be something that is written into the maintenance contract.

Wow, I can ramble when I get something in my head. Anyway . . my opinion only of course.