If installing an alarm system is to accommodate to the user’s needs, programming an alarm system will be to meet the user’s wants. It is during programming of an alarm system whereby personalised activities such as when the alarm will switch off, how will the user be notify during emergency, or the kind of data that control panel should provide, are made available.
In general, the control panel should come with the following buttons. Usually appear on the lowest row of number buttons, there should be one which allows users to go back to the main menu, one which exit the main menu, and a scroll button for viewing and choosing menu option. On top of which, the control panel should permit two kinds of tests – one is known as the “walk test”, in which it checks each detector and ensure they are working in right manner. The other is known as the “alarm test”, for users to set off the criteria for alarms to sound. Users are also encouraged to set up time, date, and name their surveillance zones during programming so that accurate data can be provided during emergency.
The control panel will also require the use of codes. There are four codes in most systems; these include two user codes, a duress code, and an engineer code. These codes can be a combination of any four digit numbers. Sometimes, certain alarm system will also need users to build a particular program system. Program system refers to the amount of surveillance given to each zone at different times of the day. For example, program one usually meant for the full set of program that means the system to be set up when user is not around. While programs two and three may be the night time surveillance or when user is at home. There is also a possibility for user to set programs two or three to be used for garage protection or back door alarm etc.
It is important to review the control panel after programming so as to ensure users are familiar with the whole set up and they will not be surprise by any unexpected. Users should also acquire basic user knowledge such as setting and un-setting the system, or making adjustments and changes as and when needed. Certain control panel also enables users to set up event log, as in circumstances in which the alarm is triggered. This is to do away with additional check when alarm is activated, as the trigger will be directly reflect on the control panel via event log.