How to Test Your DSC Power Series Security System

In the past, we have talked about how annual inspections of your system by a professional security technician can help reduce both the number of service calls and the number of false alarms you’ll experience from your security alarm system.  Unfortunately, professional security technicians can’t be in your business to see your system all the time, and things can happen to your system between these inspections which can cause issues.  This is why it is important for the security system owner to perform a weekly test of their security system.  In this week’s Tech tip, we’ll show you how to perform a couple of easy, weekly tests you can perform on your DSC Power Series Security System in order to ensure its proper functionality.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  BEFORE BEGINNING ANY TESTS, PLEASE ADVISE YOUR MONITORING COMPANY AS SIGNALS MAY BE SENT THROUGH TO THEM DURING THE TEST.  ONCE THE TEST IS COMPLETE, PLEASE CALL THEM BACK TO MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS CLEAR

How to Test Your Keypad Sounder and Siren on Your DSC Security System (excluding smoke detectors):

1. Press *6 Then Enter Your Master Code.
2. Press 4.
3. This will activate all keypad sounders, sirens and keypad lights for 2 seconds.
   1. PK5500, RFK5500 and RFK5564 keypads will illuminate all pixels
4. The Ready, Armed and Trouble Lights will flash for the duration of the test
5. Press # to Exit.

How to Test Your Entire DSC Power Series Security System:

1. Ensure the system is disarmed, all Zones are Close and the Ready light is illuminated
2. Perform a System Test As described in Steps # 1 & 2 above:
   1. Press *6 Then Enter Your Master Code.
   2. Press 4.
3. Activate Each Detector on the System
   1. Open and Close Door and Windows
   2. Walk in Front of Motion Sensors/Motion Detectors
4. On Your Keypad, zones will show open as you activate them
   1. For a PK5500, RFK5500 Full Message LCD Keypads, the LCD Screen will Say “Secure System Before Arming” and you can use the < and > keys to scroll through open zones
   2. For PK5501 and RFK5501 Icon Keypads, The screen will say “Open” when any zone is activated. Pressing the # key will make the keypad scroll through which zones are open.
   3. On a PK5508, RFK5508 or RFK5516 LED Keypad, the zone light will activate when the zone is open. The light will turn OFF when the zone is closed.

And with that, you now know how to properly test your DSC Power Series security alarm monitoring system.  If you notice any issues with your security system during this test, immediately notify your security company so that can attend to rectify any issues.

This Tech Tip Applies to:

DSC-PC1616

DSC-PC1832

DSC-PC1864

DSC-PC5010