How much does an alarm system dial out?

[tadr]

This is my first time with a monitored alarm system. I have my elk m1 system all setup and it is working fine. The last thing to add is monitoring.

I am getting a phone line just for the alarm system, and need to decide between a pay-per-call plan or an unlimited local calling plan.

How much does the alarm dial out? Does it only dial out when an alarm is triggered, or are there other, more routine, communications?

 

[wuench]

Every time an event you configure occurs. Periodically (usually configurable but at least once a day) plus every time you arm, disarm, alarms, etc. Additionally/optionally other things like power outages, system troubles, etc.

Most monitoring companies have toll free numbers if that helps.

 

[apostolakisl]

It is totally up to you. You configure this yourself in the Elk rp software. Certainly you will have it report fire/burglar/medical/water events. Anything else is at your discretion. Most people will have it to do a test call every so often, that can be once per day, once per month, or whatever.

 

[Del91574]

For residential fire alarm, there should be a monthly dialer test as a minimum. Most CS's will allow a monthly dialer test (automatic) as a freebie,however more reports sometimes means a higher charge on the "nickel and dime" CS's.

The most common practice for "pros" that care would be at minimum a weekly dialer test, and if you were picky, a daily dialer test.