Jul 15, 2017 Alarm System Manual Sources Finding Manuals for ADT, Ademco, Brinks/Broadview, DSC, GE, and More Finding your Alarm System Model Number. Finding an alarm system manual starts with knowing the manufacturer / brand and model of your system.
GE home security systems are provided through GE Interlogix Security, formerly a division of General Electric. Now a part of UTC Fire & Security, GE Interlogix offers fire, burglary, and video surveillance equipment for homes and small businesses.
Some of the more common GE security systems you may have seen include:
GE Simon XT System Manuals and User Guides. GE Simon XT Options. Intrusion & Personal Safety. GE Control Panel. PPO17232; FL EF0001121 LA F1639, F1640, F1643, F1654, F1655 MA 172C; NC Licensed by the Alarm Systems Licensing Board of the State of North Carolina, 7535P2, 7561P2, 7562P10, 7563P7, 7565P1, 7566P9. Concord 4 User Manual 5 Basic commands Table 1 below shows the basic commands. Table 1: Basic commands Command Instructions Disarm the system Press 1, code. Cancel an accidental alarm Press code or press 1, code. Arm to Level 2 (stay) Press 2, code. If the quick arm feature is on, an access code is not required. Arm to Level 3 (away) Press 3, code.
These are the many different types of Control Panels that ADT Monitors and their ADT User Manuals. Find your user manual for your ADT Monitored Security System below. Many of these systems are basically the same alarm panel but they may have different names or keypads. As part of its home electronics range, GE makes several models of alarm system; the Concord and Simon models incorporate features like automatic light switch control and a panic alarm buttons. You will want to reset your GE home alarm system should you accidentally trigger the alarm.
GE Concord 4 security system
GE Networx Series:
GE Security Caddx NX-4
GE Security Caddx NX-6
GE Security Caddx NX-8
GE Simon XT
GE Simon 3 security system
GE Home Security Systems Rundown
GE Concord 4 Security System
Features include:
- 96-Zone capacity
- 8 User codes
- 8-Hardwired zones on board
- A 2-Wire smoke detector loop
- 2 Programmable outputs
The Concord 4 is a hybrid system, able to use both hardwired and wireless devices. It can handle 2-wire smoke detectors for fire protection, and has 2 programmable outputs for controlling auxiliary devices such as lights or relays.
The addition of an ATP1000 Alphanumeric Touchpad to the Concord 4 system allows the use of 'macros”. A macro allows you to fire off a string of pre-programmed keystrokes, just by pressing a single button. The ATP keypad has 4 buttons that can each handle a macro of up to 14 keystrokes.
Macros are great time-savers for repetitive sequences you tend to use often. For example, you could program a macro that would arm the system, bypass a safe room door, and bypass a motion detector in the master bedroom. The entire string of commands would then be performed through a single keypad button.
Learn more about the GE Concord 4 Security System.
GE Security Caddx NX-4
- 8-zone capacity
- 4-Hardwired zones on-board
- 4-Wire smoke loop
- 8-User codes
The NetworX-4 or NX-4 is one of the most basic of GE home security systems available. It’s a hybrid panel that features 4 programmable zones, expandable to 8. The zones can be a mixture of hardwired or wireless, and the panel works with many GE security sensors.
This system is commonly offered as a kit or package including everything you need to get a system up and running with basic protection. This inexpensive system would be a good choice for a small condo, townhouse, or apartment. It could also be used to protect a small business or shop.
GE Security Caddx NX-6
- 16 Zone maximum capacity (wireless); 12 zones hardwired
- 6 Hardwired zones on-board
- 2-Wire and 4-wire smoke detector loop
- 4 Programmable outputs
- 40 User codes
The next step up in GE home security systems from the NX-4 is the NX-6. It has more of everything, compared to the NX-4, and would be a good choice for a small-to-medium-sized home.
For the small difference in price, I recommend choosing the NX-6 over the NX-4. It gives you more zones and user codes, in case you decide to expand you system later. It also adds the option of using 2-wire smoke detectors, which are somewhat easier to work with.
GE Security Caddx NX-8
- 48 zone capacity hardwired and/or wireless
- 8 on-board zones
- 2-wire and 4-wire smoke detector loops
- 4 programmable outputs
- 99 user codes
As you can see, GE home security systems tend to use the number of on-board zones to denote different models in the NX-series.
The NX-8 picks up where the NX-6 left off, adding more zone capacity and user codes. If you’re “on the fence” about how many codes or zones you might need, choose the larger panel. While the “average” homeowner may not need 99 user codes, the ability to handle 48 zones would be an advantage if you own a larger home. The 16 zones offered by the NX-6 limit its use to small or medium sized houses, up to roughly 3,000 square feet or so.
Get more information on GE Caddx Alarm Systems
Simon XT GE Home Security System
- 40 Zones wireless, or 38 zones wireless plus 2 hardwired
- 9 User codes (One master plus 8 user access codes)
- Voice messaging (with optional module)
The Simon XT is one of the most popular GE wireless home security systems. It is an “all-in-one” design, very similar to the Ademco Lynx system. Like the Lynx, the Simon XT has a built-in radio receiver, keypad and display, and a speaker that provides voice prompts to help program and operate the system.
Besides the option of 2 hardwired zones, the Simon XT is totally wireless. This means it needs wireless sensors to make up a complete system. Make sure any kit or package you’re considering includes all of the wireless door, window, and other sensors you’ll need for your home. If you need more than the kit supplies, order them separately.
Learn more about the GE Security Simon XT.
GE Simon 3 Security System
- 24 Zones wireless / 2 hardwired
- 6 User codes
- Latchkey reporting
- Mobile phone or pager reporting
- Can control up to 8 light or appliance control units
The GE Simon 3 wireless security panel is an all-in-one design like the Simon XT. It also uses voice prompts through the main console, and has a built-in wireless receiver.
The Simon 3 features latchkey notification to alert you if your child fails to disarm the system after a certain time of day. The latchkey and other alarm signals can be sent to your cell phone or pager, or to a monitoring station, or both. The ability to send signals to a cellphone or pager is good if you’re not sure you want to commit to a monthly monitoring contract.
Note: The GE Simon 3 has been discontinued. If you're looking for a new system, consider using the GE Simon XT, shown above.
More information on the GE Simon 3 Alarm System.
Where to Find GE Home Security Systems
If you’re considering DIY home security systems, you can find GE alarm equipment at Amazon.com and HomeSecurityStore.com.
If you’d prefer to go through an alarm company, you can get free alarm system quotes here. These are price quotes from alarm dealers in your area, sent to the email address you specify. The service is free, there is no obligation to buy anything, and no credit card or payment information is needed.
If you're thinking about installing a do-it-yourself alarm system, you may want to know how much a professional alarm company would charge.To find out, get a few free alarm quotes from companies in your area.
This will give you a good idea of what a system would cost to have installed, as well as how much you could save by doing it yourself!
Related Pages:
How to Compare Home Security Systems
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Finding Manuals for ADT, Ademco, Brinks/Broadview, DSC, GE, and More
Finding your Alarm System Model Number
Finding an alarm system manual starts with knowing the manufacturer / brand and model of your system. Over the years, dozens of manufacturers have produced many hundreds of different security panels, so you really need the brand and model info to narrow the search down to the right manual.
Most manufacturers place this information on a sticker inside the lid of the panel enclosure, but you may find partial model names or numbers on the outside of the enclosure too. For help, see the photos in the next section.
For decades, panelguides.com was the go-to source for manuals for virtually any brand and model of alarm system. Sadly, this resource was shut down in early 2017. This makes finding manuals a bit more difficult, but usually not impossible.
July 15, 2017 Update: Panelguides.com is back online!!
If you need an Ademco alarm system manual, see my page on Ademco manuals.
For Monitronics / MONI alarm manuals, use the manufacturer and model information.
Some alarm systems, most notably those from DSC, have two names: The Model Number and the Marketing Name. For example, the PC5010 (Model Number) is also known as the Power 832 (Marketing Name) which can be found on your control panel.
Types of Alarm Manuals
User Manuals
User Manuals, often called Owner Manuals, explain the everyday operation of the system, and only include basic, user-level programming instructions. A User Manual will typically show you in simple terms how to arm, disarm, bypass zones, and possibly change your own passcodes.
Functions covered in a User Manual usually include:
- Arming/disarming the system
- Finding faulted zones
- Bypassing zones
- Checking 'Alarm Memory'
- Turn 'Chime' on/off
- Limited code changes
Alarm User Manuals are widely available at no charge from many sites. Most manufacturers have a “Literature”, “Manuals”, or other 'Support' section on their website where you can download User Manuals. Aside from that, many third-party sites have User Manuals available for free download.
Installation and Programming Manuals
An Alarm Installation Manual is intended to help an alarm technician install and connect all components of a system. They usually don’t have any background information on specific techniques for doing this; it is assumed that an experienced professional will be doing the work and has the tools and skills needed.
Alarm Programming Manuals describe in detail how to access installer-level programming, and how to enter data to control every function of the panel.
Although intended primarily for use by an installation technician, a determined (and patient) homeowner or DIYer can also follow the programming instructions to make changes to their system.
Functions shown in Installation Manuals include:
- Changing all codes, including Master and Installer Codes
- Program system as reporting or local
- Phone number to dial, if desired
- Account number
- Events to report, if desired
- Zone definitions
- Assign area partitions
- All other aspects of system operation
Installation and Programming Manuals are getting more difficult to find. Many alarm companies only share alarm system manuals with their own installers, and forbid third-party sites from posting manuals or programming sheets for public use. Other third-party sites, like Alarmsbc.com, charge a fee for them (although they still offer user manuals for free.)
The important thing to remember is that without an Installer and/or Programming Manual, you can't fully control how the panel works.
So, let's suppose you 'inherit' an alarm system when you buy a new house. If the existing system was programmed to report to a central station, you have no way to turn that off without an Installer Code and programming information.
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer and you buy a new system, you will typically get a copy of each alarm system manual: alarm installation manual, programming manual, and user instructions included with the new panel purchase. These manuals may be either printed or on CD.
Links to Alarm System Manual Resources
Alarmsbc.com
Like panelguides.com, lists manuals for many more brands and models than most other sites.
Alarmsbc offers FREE User Manuals and charges a small fee for Installation Manuals. Manufacturers include:
- Acron
- Advisor
- ADT
- Ademco
- Alarm Lock
- Apex
- Aritech
- Arrowhead
- Brinks
- Caddx
- C&K
- Discovery
- DSC
- Detection Systems
- Eagle
- FBI
- Gemini
- Guardall
- First Alert
- ITI
- Magnum Alert
- Menvier
- Networker
- Moose
- Nutech
- Napco
- Omni
- Paradox
- Radionics
- Ranger
- Scantronic
- Silent Knight
- Sonitrol
InfoTechs.com
Free Ademco Installation and User Manuals.
DSC.com User
Free DSC Alarm User Manuals direct from the manufacturer.
DSC Install
Free DSC Installation Manuals direct from the manufacturer.
Geoarm.com
Free User Manuals for many brands, no Installation Manuals.
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