FAQ

What is our procedure and process? 

We setup sensors in a building so that they report signals to the panel on site. Then the panel communicates over a phone line, cellular communicator, or internet communicator to report the signals to Central Station. Dispatchers are ready to handle these signals, whether it is a trouble or alarm condition.

What types of security cameras are there and what are the differences? 

Coming soon...

How do I schedule service for my system? 

Call our office at (530) 243-2521 or email us at info@californiasafety.com. 

What should I do if I set the alarm off? 

For standard keypads: disarm your system by entering your 4-digit code and then 1 for off. For touch screen keypads: select Security, then disarm, then enter your 4-digit code. Then call your dispatching station to alert the monitoring company that you set the alarm off. If you are experiencing difficulty disarming your system, call your dispatching station so they can help you. 

What does it mean when it says Zone(s) are Faulted? 

A zone/sensor is faulted when a door is opened or when a motion sensor detects movement. If you're home or in a business and the system is disarmed, do not be alarmed. It will clear when the motion or opened door is restored (no longer detecting movement or the door is closed).

What do I do if a zone is showing faulted but there’s no movement in front of the motion or the

 door is secured?

Double check that the door(s) are closed and there isn't movement in front of the motion sensor. Double check that there are no decorations, bugs or animals moving around in front of the motion detector(s). Disarm the system two times in a row. When that doesn't work, call your dispatching station to get assistance. 

What is chime and how do I turn it on and off? 

Chime is when you enable the system to alert you when exterior doors and windows are opened. You can turn it on and off by entering your 4-digit code and 9 into the security panel. The keypad will read "Chime On" or "Chime Off". 

What's the difference between arming your system to away or stay? 

When the system is armed "Stay": it arms the perimeter but not the interior sensors. When armed "Away": all sensors will be active. 

What should I do if the alarm system is not operating properly? 

Refer to your alarm system owner's manual (if you do not have it on hand, you may look it up online or try our page labeled Manuals to see if we have one online for you) to see if the problem you are experiencing is described there. If you find a solution to the problem in the manual, please call your Central Station before trying to correct it yourself - just in case your corrective measures trip the alarm system by mistake. If you cannot get the problem resolved, call your security company.

Does my alarm system have a direct link to fire/law enforcement? 

They do not. Alarm systems are setup to communicate signals to your Central Station. Then, the monitoring station will dispatch the responsible law enforcement agencies. 

How does my system communicate?

We have various communication methods. The most popular are cellular or internet, but we also use phone lines. When your system reports a signal, it travels via those routes to our Central Station. Then our lovely dispatchers give you a call to advise you.

Is it safe to use wireless sensors with my system?

Wireless sensors are reliable; Since they aren’t constrained by hard wiring or wall mounts, they can be placed out of view. If a sensor is tampered with it will report to Central Station and our dispatchers will give you a call.

Since I went wireless, does that mean my whole system is wireless?

If your zones are hardwired but the communicator is wireless, then no. If your zones are wireless but your communication is over a phone line, then no. If you have a wireless communicator and wireless zones, then yes.

What is a protection loop trouble?

When there is a short or exposure in wiring for a group of sensors that are connected.

What does it mean when my system experiences a loss of supervision?

A loss of supervision occurs when the panel loses connection with a device. It can be caused by various things. If this signal shows on your keypad, try to consider any changes that were made recently within your building. Call your security company to troubleshoot further.

What is a loss of RF supervision?

A loss of RF supervision means the system lost communication with a wireless device. Something could be interrupting the signal, wirelessly or physically.  If the sensor had a low battery signal previously, the battery likely died. Call your security company to troubleshoot further.

What is an expansion module and what does it mean when it fails?

An expansion module extends the distance between wireless sensors and the control. A failure means that something interrupted the signal between the expansion module and the control. The wireless sensors it was expanding will no longer communicate with the control.

What is a ground fault?

One of the wires connected to the system is grounded out. Meaning, it could be exposed in some way.

Someone set the fire alarm off on accident, what do I do?

Restore the point of activation. For smoke detectors: clean the sensor carefully with canned air and check the keypad to see if it restored. Manual pull stations: some require a key to restore to the original position properly. Then check the keypad to see if it restored.

Can I cancel my phoneline?

Call your security company to find out the method your system communicates over before changing anything regarding phone lines in your home.

Does my business require a fire system?

Yes.

For Businesses:

Who should I contact if I have issues with my sprinkler system? 

We do not handle maintenance of sprinkler systems. Typically, a plumbing company will assist with these matters (i.e. Murray Plumbing and Fire Protection, Foothill Fire Sentry)

What should I do if a Holdup alarm is set off on accident? 

As soon as you are aware, contact your Central Station to make sure they received the signal. They can provide you with the correct phone number to contact law enforcement to cancel the dispatch.

What should I do if someone is working in or nearby my business? 

i.e. Heating and air company, plumber, electrician.

Please give your Central Station a call to advise them. Let them know how long the company will be working, who to contact if you go past that time frame, authorize putting the system in "test mode" while they're working (if a burglary system is at the location). If there is a chance the Fire Alarm will be set off, please give the responding Fire Dispatch a call just in case a neighbor overhears and calls to report the alarm. 

For Residences: 

Do I need an alarm permit to install a security system in my home? 

Yes, but we will handle that for you.

Will having a security system decrease the cost of homeowner's insurance? 

Yes, but every company has different discounts.

Can there be animals in the home while the security system is armed? 

Absolutely. When you have animals in the building, it’s important to arm your system to “Stay” instead of “Away”. That way, your system will arm all of the exterior sensors but the interior sensors will ignore the movement of your pets.

What should I do if my panic alarm is set off on accident? 

Make sure to call your Central Station to report it is an accident.