Q: Who is ADT?
A: ADT Security Services is America’s number one provider of electronic security systems and services. Since 1874, ADT’s leadership has been-and still is-based on providing all our customers with uninterrupted peace of mind.
Q: What is the relationship between Ranger American Security Systems and ADT?
A: Ranger American Security Systems has developed a partnership with ADT Security Services to provide all your monitoring and service needs. Because of the powerful relationship of these two companies, there is no better monitoring service in the country. The result is the best personalized, convenient and reliable monitored protection for your family and home.
Q: Am I responsible for testing my system regularly?
A: Yes. It is your contractual obligation to make sure that your system is in good working order. ADT regularly initiates a communications performance test. It's easy to test your system; just refer to your owner handbook or call 1-888-238-7374 and follow the simple instructions. If you find that a part of your system is not working properly, call ADT at 1-888-238-7374 to request repair service.
Q: Can I sign up for monitoring without an analog phone line?
A: Customers that do not have an analog phone line must use a cell back up system as the primary communication system for security monitoring in order to be monitored. The monthly fee does increase with this system and there may or may not be additional costs for the equipment. Customers with digital phones must also use a primary communication system for security monitoring and must sign a Non-Traditional Phone Rider (2x) waiver.
Q: Do I need to register my alarm system with the police department?
A: Yes, to receive assistance from the police department, the security system MUST BE registered with the customers’ local police department. At the time of sale, the sales person will provide a permit application. It is the responsibility of the customer to file and pay all appropriate fees with local authorities. They will sign off with the sales person and then the tech when the system has been turned on.
Q: How do I change the people listed on my call list?
A: Call the ADT Customer Monitoring Center at 1-888-ADT-RESI (1-888-238-7374) or visit www.MyADT.com with your changes. Have your personal identification code ready in order to make your changes. Make sure to tell everyone on your call list what to do in case they receive a call from ADT.
Q: How do I sign up for monitoring through ADT?
A: You can sign up for a security system and monitoring services through Ranger American Security Systems by clicking on the “Contact Us” tab of rangerhouston.com.
Q: How does my ADT alarm system work?
A: The alarm system may be armed in the "Away" or "Stay" mode. Once the system is activated, each monitored zone has the ability to recognize a violation. Once a zone has been violated, the alarm system then dials ADT and transmits the message through a telephone line. Once the signal is received, the alarm system will wait to send another message if another zone is tripped. Entering the code and turning off the system will end this process.
Q: I have call waiting on my phone line. Can that affect my service?
A: No. The ADT system is designed to seize your phone line in order to call the ADT Customer Monitoring Center. It will then release the line in order for the Customer Monitoring Center to notify you that an alarm signal was received.
Q: If I have an emergency, should I call ADT first?
A: No. If you have an emergency, call 911 first. If you are unable to call 911, then depress the panic or fire alarm button on your touchpad, and ADT will request emergency services.
Q: If I lose electric power, will my alarm system still work?
A: Yes. In case of a power loss, the back-up battery will activate to maintain your alarm protection for several hours. In the event your battery is low, a low-battery signal will be sent to your Customer Monitoring Center so you can be notified.
Q: If I move, will I have to pay again to put a security system in my new house?
A: If you move from your home more than two years after becoming an ADT customer, ADT will install a Premium Mover’s Security Package for FREE in your new home. Includes a free home security package and installation (up to $349 value) with a 25% discount on additional equipment (up to $500 value).**
**To qualify for the Mover’s Security Guarantee, you must be a current or former ADT customer who has had active ADT contract monitored service for 2 years (24 months) and your ADT account must be in good standing or have been in good standing when you left ADT. Offer valid for two years following cancellation of ADT service in your prior home. 36-month monitoring agreement required at the then prevailing monthly monitoring rate. ADT may substitute a comparable home security system package. Local permit fees may be required. Satisfactory credit history required. Certain restrictions may apply. Additional monitoring fees required for some services.
Q: If there is a problem, can you turn my system off from the ADT offices?
A: No. Your system is an independent unit and can only be turned off at your control touchpad.
Q: My alarm went off accidentally, but I quickly put in the code and shut it off. I expected a call from ADT, but no one called. Why not?
A: The system allows a brief period for you to turn off your system before an alarm signal is sent to the Customer Monitoring Center. This gives you enough time to cancel the signal and prevent a false alarm.
Q: What are Ranger American Security Systems’ hours of operation?
A: Ranger American Security Systems is here to serve you and answer your questions Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, 713-470-6594.
Q: What are the hours of operation for service calls from Ranger American Security Systems?
A: Ranger American Security Systems is available for service calls Monday through Sunday, 24 hours a day, 713-470-6594.
Q: What happens when I press the panic or fire alarm buttons on the touchpad?
A: If you hold down the panic or fire alarm buttons on the touchpad for 1 to 3 seconds, an alarm is transmitted to the ADT Customer Monitoring Center, and emergency services are dispatched immediately. An alarm received in this manner cannot be canceled.
Q: What if my system isn't working right?
A: ADT will be happy to investigate any problems you're having with your equipment. Just call 1-888-238-7374 for any service-related issues.
Q: What is an undefined signal?
A: Your alarm system is capable of sending many types of signals to ADT, which is why we spend a lot of time during the installation testing the alarms. Very rarely a system will send a signal that is not clearly defined in our database and requires us to update our information.
Q: Why does my keypad display "no ac"?
A: An alarm panel will normally display "no ac" when the system has lost electrical current. The outlet should be checked to verify that it is operational. If the outlet is working properly a service call will be needed.
Q: Why does my keypad display "not ready"?
A: Your keypad is informing you that the alarm system is not ready to turn on (arm). Common reasons for this are that a door or window is not completely closed, a motion detector may be sensing movement, or a previous alarm has not been cleared out of the memory. Correct the condition and the alarm system will be ready to arm.
Q: Why is my motion sensor providing false detections?
A: A motion detector may activate falsely due to improper installation of the device above a heater or furnace. Movement of objects such as balloons, blinds, and curtains within the range of a motion detector may also trigger an alarm activation. The motion detector may require relocation or adjustment by an ADT technician.
Q: Why is my system not communicating correctly?
A: An alarm system may lose communications for several reasons. The telephone line the system communicates through may be inoperable or equipment on the alarm system may not be functioning properly. Operational malfunctions with your Phone Company or ADT may also be possible reasons for communications failure.
Q: Why is there a 36 month agreement?
A: This is an industry standard. However, ADT has a move policy in the event a homeowner sells and purchases another home within the agreement period. Also, ADT has an increase in charge clause (NO INCREASE) in its agreement that would ensure the homeowner monitoring rate does not increase. These are a few reasons why we can install your system at such low cost.
Q: Why should I have my system monitored?
A: Basic system monitoring has 4 channels of protection offered:
1) Burglary
2) Police Panic
3) Medical Emergency
4) Fire Protection
Other services are available
Q: Will VOIP work with my security system?
A: The overall reliability of the network connections used by some VoIP providers has not presently been proven to be as reliable as the more traditional, landline-based telephone service (Public Switched Telephone Network). Some VoIP services may be temporarily unavailable due to scheduled or unscheduled network outages. You may be familiar with such lapses in service based on your own experiences using the Internet. Ranger American Security Systems uses a cellular network to connect the alarm system to the ADT Customer Monitoring Center, bypassing non-traditional telephone services altogether.