Methods of Arming Your Alarm System

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Learn the Different Methods for Arming your System

There are 4 methods that can be used when arming your alarm system.

(Important to note that all methods of arming will give you ‘exit delay time’ when leaving through an entry/exit door.)

The first method is to arm in ‘AWAY’.

This gives you entry/exit time through your entry/exit door and arms all devices, including your motion detectors. You will not be able to walk around the house in ‘AWAY’ mode or you could set a motion detector into alarm. Use the ‘AWAY’ mode if your going to be away from the house.

The next method is to arm in ‘STAY’.

This gives you entry/exit time through your entry/exit door and arms everything but the motion detectors. A person or pet can move freely around the house in ‘STAY’ mode without setting the alarm off. This mode allows for someone to open entry/exit door and have time to disarm the alarm system. Use the ‘STAY’ mode if someone is in the house, but your expecting someone to come through your entry door later.

Another method to arm is ‘INSTANT’.

This gives you exit time but no entry time through your entry/exit door. All devices will be armed except motion detectors. Use the ‘INSTANT’ mode if your in the house and your not expecting anyone to come through your entry door. If someone opens your door after exit delay expires, then the alarm system will go instantly into alarm. This mode is also referred to as ‘Bedtime Mode’ because it is common practice for people to arm their system in ‘INSTANT’ before bedtime. 

The last method to arm is ‘MAX’. 

This mode arms all devices and does not allow any entry time through your entry door. If you arm in ‘MAX’ mode, you will not be able to walk around house without setting off a motion detector. If you leave house after arming in ‘MAX’, you will not be able to come back in without setting off alarm. You can use ‘MAX’ mode if you have a safe room with a keypad and no motion detector within room. You would have to disarm system before leaving room.

‘MAX’ mode is rarely used, but is an option for the right scenario. AWAY, STAY and INSTANT modes are the more common ways to arm your alarm system.

If you have any questions about your system, please give us a call and we would be happy to assist you!