After all the hassles of choosing a security system, purchasing it, and then installing it, it is normal to feel annoyed or frustrated when your alarm system keeps going off.
The Vivint security system is a top-notch choice in the security game. People love it, mainly because of its fancy pro installation, but in cases like this, there might just be some things you need to check and put in place.
If your alarm is acting up, there are a few quick things you can do to sort it out and get back to enjoying your cool Vivint gear. Ensure you read this to the end before you call for professional help.
Why Does My Vivint Alarm Keep Going Off?
Your alarm system “going off” typically refers to being triggered and sounding an alarm. The control panel, the sensors and detectors, and the monitoring station are the three main components of the Vivint alarm system.
When a sensor trips, it sends a signal to the control panel, which contacts the monitoring station. At this point, the station will call you to confirm that you require assistance.
Based on the design of the alarm system, there are situations in which your Vivint alarm has been designed to go off. These include
Burglary /Intrusion Detection
When an unauthorized person tries to enter your home through a door or window monitored by the alarm system, it can trigger the alarm, which then goes off after a while. It also occurs when the motion sensors detect movement inside your home.
Smoke or Fire Detection
Vivint alarm systems often include smoke detectors that can trigger the alarm in case of a fire or smoke detection.
Panic Button Activation
Pressing the panic button on your Vivint control panel or keypad can also activate the alarm in an emergency. When a panic alarm is activated, your alarm system siren is triggered.
Duress Alarm
If you enter the duress code, your alarm system will be triggered. This should be used only when emergency aid needs to be dispatched to your home, but you don’t want to reveal that you are calling for help to an intruder.
For instance, if you are being held against your will at your house, you can use this code to disarm your panel. Then, your alarm will go off, but Vivint will be notified that you are in crisis and want emergency assistance.
Medical Alarm
This type of alarm can be triggered by pressing the “+” button on your panel or the app’s shield, followed by the “+,” and then holding the emergency button for two seconds or longer.
Apart from the above reasons, here are five other possible unusual reasons why your Vivint Alarm might keep going off:
Pet or Pest Activity
Pets and pests moving around your home can trigger motion sensors, leading to false alarms.
Sensor Damage or Dirt
Over time, sensors can become dirty or damaged, leading to malfunctions and false alarms. A damaged or dirty sensor can malfunction and trigger false alarms.
Power Issues
Low batteries or power interruptions can lead to erratic behavior in the alarm system, including false alarms.
Improperly Closed Windows or Doors
If windows or doors with sensors are not closed tightly, the alarm can be triggered. If these sensors are not securely closed or make proper contact when the alarm is armed, it can trigger false alarms.
Faulty Installation
Incorrect installation of sensors or control panels can cause the alarm system to malfunction and trigger false alarms.
How to Fix Your Vivint Alarm That Keeps Going Off?
It is important to note that you do not have to panic when your security alarm goes off. On average, a Vivint security representative will contact you in just eight seconds to confirm the alarm, contact the authorities, and assist you in making decisions.
However, in unusual cases where your alarm keeps going off, do the following:
Pet or Pest Activity
Consider adjusting the sensitivity of your motion sensors. Most modern alarm systems, including Vivint, allow you to change the sensitivity levels of motion sensors to differentiate between human movement and smaller movements caused by pets. You can usually find this option in the settings or the configuration menu of your alarm system’s control panel or mobile app.
Additionally, suppose pets frequently trigger certain areas of your home. In that case, you may consider relocating the motion sensors to areas less frequented by pets. This can help reduce the chances of false alarms while still maintaining adequate security coverage in critical areas of your home.
For Sensor Damage or Dirt
It’s essential to regularly inspect all sensors in your Vivint alarm system and clean them as needed. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe away any dust, dirt, or debris that may have accumulated on the sensors. Be careful not to use harsh cleaning agents or abrasive materials that could damage the sensors.
Suppose you notice any physical damage to the sensors, such as cracks or loose components. In that case, it’s crucial to replace these sensors promptly. Contact Vivint’s customer support or your authorized technician to obtain replacement sensors and ensure they are installed correctly to avoid further issues.
Power Issues
Start by checking the battery status of all components connected to your Vivint alarm system, such as door/window sensors, motion detectors, and the control panel. Replace any low or depleted batteries with fresh ones according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Also, ensure your alarm system is connected to a stable power source. If your system relies on AC power, check that the power outlet is functioning correctly and that no power surges or fluctuations could disrupt the system. Consider using a surge protector or uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect your alarm system from power-related issues.
Improperly Closed Windows or Doors
To address this issue:
- Check all windows and doors equipped with sensors before arming the alarm system.
- Ensure they are fully closed and latched securely to seal appropriately.
- Adjust the placement of sensors if necessary to ensure they align correctly with the corresponding magnet when the windows or doors are closed.
Faulty Installation
If you suspect that faulty installation is the root cause of your alarm issues, addressing this promptly is essential. Start by reviewing the installation guidelines provided by Vivint for your specific alarm system model. Check for any discrepancies between the actual installation and the recommended guidelines. Look for loose connections, improperly positioned sensors, or any signs of physical damage that may have occurred during installation.
If you’re unsure about the installation or suspect it was not done correctly, contact Vivint’s customer support or schedule a visit from a qualified technician. They can inspect the system, identify installation errors, and make the necessary adjustments or replacements to ensure your alarm system functions correctly and minimizes false alarms.
FAQ.
Why does my security alarm go off for no reason?
The following are the top six reasons your alarm system might keep going off:
You recently completed electrical or networking work.
Electrical or networking work could have inadvertently disrupted the alarm system’s functionality, causing it to go off unexpectedly.
Pets or bugs in your home are setting off sensors.
Pets or bugs triggering sensors can lead to false alarms, so adjusting sensor sensitivity or relocating them may help.
One of your sensors is dirty or broken.
Dirty or broken sensors may malfunction and cause the alarm to sound, requiring cleaning or replacement.
A power problem exists.
Power problems, such as low batteries or electrical issues, can result in erratic behavior and false alarms.
Your doors and windows aren’t closed firmly.
Improperly closed doors and windows with sensors can trigger alarms if not securely shut.
Faulty installation
Faulty installation of sensors or control panels can lead to system malfunctions and frequent false alarms, necessitating professional inspection and adjustments.
Why does my motion detector go off randomly?
Due to their sensitivity to even the slightest movements, motion detectors are easily set off by the following:
- Decorations
- Balloons
- Pets or household pests like bugs or rodents
- Moving curtains or blinds when a central air or heating system is turned on.
Summary
This article contains reasons why your alarm keeps going off and easy fixes! If you’ve recently had electrical work or noticed pets are setting off the sensors, that could be it. Dirty or broken sensors, power problems, and doors/windows not shut properly are common culprits.
If you’ve tried all the solutions in this article and still haven’t made any progress, don’t forget to call Vivint for professional help! They’ll get your alarm back on track and keep your home safe and sound.
About Author
I'm Maroun, the seasoned technology writer crafting compelling tutorials and posts since 2013. With over a decade of versatile experience spanning the IT, Security, and High-tech industries, my main qualities are adaptability and perfectionism. Join me in this journey, where every word is a masterpiece!
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