How to Activate a Home Security System

Find and locate the keypad alarm panel. It should be at your front door or main entrance. You will then need to locate the registration code, which is a series of numbers typically on a sticker on the bottom of the keypad alarm panel door. You should also find the make and brand of the alarm on the keypad.

Check to see that the alarm keypad has power. It will either be illuminated, or you will hear sounds when you press any of the keys, or you may see digits in the small LCD screen on the keypad. If you have no power to the keypad, find and locate the main alarm panel. It can usually be found in a closet or in the basement or crawlspace. Once you have located the main panel, check to make sure that it is plugged into an outlet. You may also open the alarm panel to look for any numbers and codes for this alarm. Most alarm companies will store this type of information here. The make and model number may also be located here.

Use the phone book or Internet to call a reputable alarm company. Make sure you call the alarm company from your home landline because this will be the phone number the company will use to monitor the system. For instance, when the alarm is triggered, the monitoring service will immediately call the phone number to check on the status of the alarm to determine whether it is a false alarm or if there is a break-in. When contacting alarm companies, be sure to ask questions on rates and the services that they offer. Once you have decided on the company you want to use, they will ask you for the registration code and the make and model of your alarm. Most alarms can be activated over the phone with the activation code given to you by the alarm company that you have chosen. If not, they may have to send out a technician to reprogram your unit. The alarm company will also ask you to decide on the monitoring program and payment at this time.

Input the activation code provided to you after you have agreed and paid for the activation and monitoring plan, and then test your alarm. You can do this by arming and disarming the system to make sure it is working.