Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about testing your system, clearing alerts, monitoring, upgrades and service. Can't find yours? Call (919) 387-1800 and a real person will answer.
The short answers
The facts behind the questions we hear most. Details for each are below.
Testing your system
How often should I test my home security system?
Once a month. A quick monthly test keeps your system in good shape and confirms your signals reach the monitoring center.
How do I test my monitored system without alerting the police?
Put your system in test mode first, so no one is dispatched. Call Secur-Tek at (919) 387-1800 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm) or our monitoring partner, Affiliated Monitoring, any time at (800) 434-4000. Have your account number and passcode ready. Then:
- Arm the system
Arm it as if you're leaving and let it fully arm.
- Trigger the alarm
Open a door. Entry and exit doors have a delay, so wait for it to finish.
- Disarm after a few seconds
Let the alarm sound briefly, then disarm with your code.
- Confirm the signal
Call us or the monitoring center to confirm the signal came through.
- Clear the alarm
If it did, close the door and clear the alarm: enter your 4-digit code and then 1, twice, or press Reset, depending on your system.
If the signal didn't come through, call Secur-Tek at (919) 387-1800 for help. More tips: easy checks to keep your system working.
Clearing alerts
Why is my system beeping?
Check the info slide behind your keypad for the steps to stop the beeping. Beeping is often a low battery in a sensor or the panel, and the display usually shows which one. If it keeps beeping, call our office at (919) 387-1800.
What do I do about a low battery alert?
After a power outage, give the backup battery time to recharge. If it still won't charge after you press Reset, you can replace it yourself:
- Open the control box
Use the key kept on site for your control box.
- Remove the battery
Disconnect the red and black leads. Bring the battery to Secur-Tek or a local store for a replacement.
- Reconnect and recharge
Connect red to red and black to black. A new battery can take up to 24 hours to fully charge.
Rather have a technician do it? Call (919) 387-1800 to schedule a visit. A service fee plus the cost of the battery applies. For wireless systems, call us and we'll help. Our battery replacement guide walks through it.
How do I fix a "Comm Fail" or "CF" alert?
It means your system couldn't reach the monitoring center. Ask yourself three questions: Have you switched phone providers? Has a provider worked at your home or business recently? Did you lose power?
If the answer to any of them is yes, call us at (919) 387-1800 during business hours, or Affiliated Monitoring any time at (800) 434-4000, to put your system in test mode. Then follow the testing steps above. If the alert doesn't clear, call (919) 387-1800 to schedule a service call. A service fee applies.
Will changing phone providers affect my system?
It can. Test your system before and after any change, using the steps above. Not every phone service works with alarms. We advise against digital phone services for your alarm and recommend a cellular communicator instead. Read cellular vs Wi-Fi alarm monitoring to see why.
Monitoring and agreements
Should I monitor my security system?
We recommend it, especially if you travel or keep valuables at home. With monitoring, trained operators respond to your alarm 24/7 and contact police, fire or medical services for you, even when your phone is on silent. Many insurers also discount homes with a monitored alarm, so ask yours what they offer.
Who monitors my system?
Affiliated Monitoring, a UL-listed central station, handles your alarm signals 24/7 from two mirrored centers in Union, New Jersey and Houston, Texas. A Secur-Tek technician is on call 24/7 behind them.
Does anyone watch my cameras?
No. Monitoring means trained operators respond to alarm signals from your system. Your cameras are yours to view in the app. Live video monitoring for businesses is a separate service.
How much is monitoring?
Our cellular monitoring is $32.95 a month for your alarm, or $48.95 a month with cameras. Planning a new system? Price your system online for a range in about two minutes.
Do you require a three-year contract?
No. Our packages include a 12-month monitoring agreement, then month to month. If you buy your system a la carte at full price, there is no monitoring contract at all.
How long are your monitoring agreements?
Packages: 12 months, then month to month. A la carte systems at full price: no contract. We never ask for 3 to 5 years.
What systems can Secur-Tek monitor?
We monitor many types of systems. Call (919) 387-1800 with your panel's make and model and we'll confirm it's compatible.
What remote services are available?
The Total Connect 2.0 app from Resideo, the company behind Honeywell Home security, lets you arm and disarm, get alerts and view your cameras from your phone or tablet. It works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and with Z-Wave devices such as thermostats, lights and smart locks. Get Total Connect 2.0 for iPhone or Total Connect 2.0 for Android, and call us to explore smart home options.
Do I need to register my alarm with my town?
It depends on where you live. Durham, Chapel Hill and Clayton are among the towns that require registration. Raleigh has a false alarm program but no registration, and Cary and Apex don't require registration. See alarm registration and regulations for every town and its official link.
Upgrades, cameras and new systems
Can Secur-Tek upgrade my system?
Yes, depending on your setup. On Honeywell systems we can add remote monitoring through the app, cameras, and detectors for smoke, gas and motion. For other systems, call (919) 387-1800 or book a free consultation. Some panels installed by other companies are locked by the previous dealer. If yours is, we'll tell you up front and quote a replacement.
How many cameras do I need for my home?
It depends on your home's layout. Book a free consultation and we'll look at your property and recommend how many cameras you need and where they should go. Want a range first? Price your system online.
How soon can you install a new system?
We install within 2 weeks of signing.
Do I own my equipment?
Yes. You own your equipment, with no lease. If you move or stop monitoring, there's nothing to buy out.
Service and support
Who do I contact for Secur-Tek system service?
Call our office at (919) 387-1800, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, or send a service request. The skilled technicians who install our systems also service them.
Where can I find user guides and how-to videos?
Our user guides and how-to videos page has short official videos and manuals for the ProSeries panel, the Total Connect 2.0 app, and First Alert doorbells and cameras.
Where do I send a billing question?
Use our billing questions form, or call (919) 387-1800 during business hours.
How do customers rate Secur-Tek?
We're proud of our loyal customers. Read their feedback on our testimonials page, and see our many 5-star Google reviews.
Still stuck? Start here
Existing customers can book a technician, watch a how-to video or send us a note.
Rather talk it through?
Book a free consultation, or call our Apex office Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.