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Using an ADT alarm system without monitoring?
We recently purchased a home with an ADT security system already installed. If we are able to get the code from the previous owners, are we able to use the system without purchasing their monitoring service?
If we can't get the code from the previous owners, is there a way to reset the system to factory settings so that we can set our own code?
10 Answers
- 1 decade agoFavorite Answer
This comes up a lot these days, with lots of folks moving - great question. The large companies (and ADT is certainly one of them) routinely cross-reference the monitoring services against the billing database, possibly each month. When a particular system is not being paid for after a certain period time (usually 90 days) the company will commence termination of services. In other words, having the code is not enough - no pay, no play (eventually). And as for having it monitored, it just makes sense - for intrusion and also for fire. A discount from your insurance company should offset the cost, especially when you add fire monitoring
The real question to ask is whether the system is safe in the first place, and does it serve your needs. Odds are (90%, anyway) that the system you have uses your home phone line to communicate with the central monitoring station. The nasty little secret that casts a shadow over the alarm industry is that millions of these systems are hardly safe: all it takes is a $3 pair wire cutters to take them out. Sadly, that is true for internet-based systems as well. The only truly reliable systems use cellular technology to communicate. Here are some points to consider:
1) ADT is not known for their service level. Just do some on-line research on your own to check out their reviews, and Google is good place to start. Bigger does not mean better.
2) ADT will charge you for adding a cellular radio (probably a bolt-on solution), and will also add to the monthly they charge. There are companies who do not charge extra for the radio, or extra for the cellular monitoring. In fact, you may be able to buy a new system for less than the ADT upgrade, AND save money on the monthly. These are options you want to explore.
3) You also want the latest features, and the "big" companies do not offer them: cellular monitoring for no extra fee, same for fire monitoring, remote arm/disarm. email and text notifications, special apps for smart phones, and even video and smart phone functions. Don't buy the past!
4) You can even get DIY 100% wireless systems that you can upgrade at any time, and even move with you. You could even change service providers if the equipment can be used by another provider - so you are not stuck by any means.
So shop hard, check the on-line reviews, and do your due diligence. You have choices, and now is the time to learn how much home security has evolved - and what you can get today!
Source(s): With over 20 years in the alarm industry, I work for FrontPoint Security (www.frontpointsecurity.com), a leading nationwide wireless home security provider. Our company offers cellular monitoring and next generation features the “big boy” traditional companies have not figured out yet. I am offering this advice to increase awareness of what alarm systems can (and should!) do. The more we all know, the better! - Anonymous5 years ago
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It depends. Do you have the code to the alarm system? If you do, then you can use it for a while. As far as disconnecting the telephone line from the alarm system in the other comment, do not do this. Reason is that once your system detects that there is a communication failure, it will possibly beep from time to time, and once this happens you cannot make it stop without either powering down the system or connecting it to an alarm company for monitoring. If you do not have the code to the alarm system, then you can contact the installing company to see if you can possibly reset the code with an installer code. Depending on your system, ADT may/may not be able to help reset it over the phone. If you do have the code, then you can use the system however long it will work for. But just advising you, eventually it is possible that it might one day detect a communication failure, and it might make those trouble beeps. Personally, I have an ADT system and have been using it for years unmonitored. Good luck! :)
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- 6 years ago
I have an old ADT system that was installed prior to buying our house last month. I don t really need monitoring but would like the alarm features and fire detection of the installed system. I have the code but the system is unplugged. I don t want a $25/mo fee. What would you do?
Would we be better off using something that is wireless and purchased by us???
4) You can even get DIY 100% wireless systems that you can upgrade at any time, and even move with you. You could even change service providers if the equipment can be used by another provider - so you are not stuck by any means.
- 6 years ago
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Using an ADT alarm system without monitoring?
We recently purchased a home with an ADT security system already installed. If we are able to get the code from the previous owners, are we able to use the system without purchasing their monitoring service?
If we can't get the code from the previous owners, is there a way to reset the...
Source(s): adt alarm system monitoring: https://tr.im/Ht6P3 - 6 years ago
Hard to say. I use voip now, and get a FC code, which is no communication with phone line. ADT naturally hangs up on you ,unless you offer them more money for their seriously lowsy service ! Alarm panel currently monitors the sensors and bell goes off when triggered. Good enough I guess, since these alarms are so easy to over-ride anyway.
- 1 decade ago
You would be able to use the system if you were able to get the codes but unless you can reprogram the system it is always going to have a trouble on it for not being able to connect to the central station. Chances are it is going to beep at you at regular intervals and drive you crazy. You would have to have the system reprogrammed to get it to stop. It might be able to be reset it to factory settings depending on what equipment manufacturer you have, but you would still have the same issue, it would need to be reprogrammed.
Just because it is an ADT system does not mean they have to monitor it. Any company can monitor it. I would check with a local company and see if they would reprogram it for you and what that would cost. Some may, some may not if you are not going to have it monitored.
Also be aware that ADT may actually contact you and tell you that you have to have it monitored with them or they need to remove the system because they own the equipment. Tell them to take a hike.
If you contact us through the site below we might be able to walk you through getting it to work.
Source(s): http://www.aillc.us/ - proseyLv 51 decade ago
Get in touch with ADT for the reset codes. they will have you remove the panel from the main command center and you may ned to verify that you have purchased the home. I could have used mine w/out monitoring--but why not pay the few dollars a month?