How to Program User Codes in a First Alert Alarm, Model FA145C

Call the central station to put the system on "test" mode, if you have a monitored alarm system. This will prevent police from being dispatched in case of an alarm while you are setting the codes.

Enter your master code on the system keypad. Press the "code" key (8). Enter the single-digit user number -- usually 3 through 8. (The number 9 may have been assigned as a duress code; check with your installer to be sure.) Enter the new 4-digit user code. Listen for the keypad beep that indicates it accepted the code. Go through the steps again if you don't hear a beep.

Change your master code in a similar way. Enter the master code and press 8. Enter 2 (the user number), then enter the new four-digit master code. Enter the new master code again. Listen for three beeps that indicate the master code has been changed. Repeat the procedure if you don't hear beeping.

Set a duress code, which can silently notify the monitoring center that you're activating the system under threat. Enter your four-digit master code, press 8, then press 9 and enter a four-digit duress code that is different from the master code or any user codes. The keypad will beep if the code has been set. Repeat the process if you don't hear a beep.