House alarm test in Exeter

Professional house alarm test services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.

Price Guide

£60

Typical Duration

20-30 mins

Location

Exeter, Devon

House alarm system tested thoroughly - every sensor triggered, batteries checked, control panel tested. You'll know it definitely works when I'm done.

When Did You Last Test Your Alarm?

Been in the house years and never checked if the alarm actually works? Moved in and inherited an alarm you've never used? Untested alarms are basically expensive ornaments.

💡 Pro tip: Insurance companies can refuse claims if they can prove your alarm wasn't working. "I assumed it worked" isn't a defense. Worth testing annually.


Quick Check vs. Proper Test

Walking past a sensor isn't a proper test:

✅ Proper Test❌ Assumed Working
Every sensor triggered individuallyHope they all work
Batteries checked and testedWait until they're dead
Siren tested (actually makes noise)Assume it'll sound
Control panel checkedPress buttons randomly

Half an hour to know it definitely works vs. finding out it doesn't when someone breaks in.


What You Get

🔧 The Service

StepWhat Happens
System CheckControl panel, backup battery, main power
Sensor TestTrigger each door, window, PIR sensor
Siren TestVerify internal and external sirens work
User FunctionsSet, unset, check codes work

📦 You're Left With

  • Fully tested alarm system
  • Knowledge all sensors are working
  • New batteries if needed
  • Confidence it'll work when needed

Pricing Guide

ServiceEstimated TimeYou'll Pay
Basic alarm test (5-10 sensors)20-30 mins£60
Larger system (10+ sensors)30-45 mins£60
Test + battery replacement35-50 mins£60-85

£60 minimum (first hour). Replacement batteries additional if needed.


Perfect For Your Situation If...

Never tested it - inherited alarm, never checked it works

Insurance requirement - insurer wants proof it's working

Moving house - want to test before/after move

After work done - builder/decorator might have damaged sensors

Why Choose Us for House alarm test in Exeter?

All sensors tested individually

Battery condition checked

System fully working when done

User code reset if needed

What to Expect

Step 1: Control Panel Check

Test the main panel - is it powered, is the backup battery good, does the display work properly.

Step 2: Sensor Testing

Go around the house triggering every door contact, window sensor, and PIR detector to confirm they all work.

Step 3: Siren Test

Brief test of the siren (internal bell and external box if fitted) to make sure they actually make noise.

🔧 DIY Tips

You can test your own alarm if you're confident:

🔧 What you'll need

  • Alarm user code
  • Engineer code if you have it
  • List of all sensors/zones
  • Notepad to track which work

📐 How to test your alarm:

  1. Put alarm in "test" mode (check manual - usually a user function)
  2. Trigger each sensor one at a time (open doors, walk past PIRs)
  3. Panel should beep or show zone triggered
  4. Note any that don't respond
  5. Set the alarm, wait for exit time, then trigger a sensor
  6. Make sure siren actually sounds
  7. Unset alarm quickly with code

⚠️ Common DIY mistakes:

  • Testing in wrong mode (alarm keeps going off)
  • Not tracking which sensors you've tested
  • Assuming sensor works because light comes on (light can work but sensor be faulty)
  • Not testing the siren (most important part)
  • Waking the whole street with prolonged siren test

💡 Pro trick: Most alarms have a "walk test" mode specifically for this. Trigger a sensor, panel beeps instead of full alarm. Check your manual for how to activate it.

Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.

Good to Know

🔋 Battery life: Alarm backup batteries last 3-5 years typically. If yours is older than that, replace it even if it seems fine. They fail suddenly, not gradually.

Old alarms: If your system is 10+ years old and sensors keep failing, might be more cost-effective to replace the whole system than keep fixing individual bits.

Exeter's older houses sometimes have alarms installed decades ago that have never worked properly. Sensors on metal window frames can be problematic. Sometimes a modern wireless system is more reliable than ancient wired sensors that keep failing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my alarm need testing?

Sensors fail, batteries die, systems develop faults. If you haven't tested it in months (or years), you don't know if it'll actually work when you need it. Insurance might not pay out if you can't prove it was working.

What does alarm testing involve?

Trigger every sensor (door contacts, PIR detectors, window sensors) to make sure they set the alarm off. Check the control panel battery, siren battery, test the siren works. Make sure you can set and unset it properly.

Can you fix it if something's not working?

Simple stuff yes - dead batteries, loose sensors, user code issues. If the main panel is faulty or multiple sensors are dead, that's beyond basic testing and would need proper alarm servicing or replacement.

Do I need to be there?

Yes - you'll need to give me the alarm code to test it properly. Also good for you to see how each sensor works so you understand your system.

Will the alarm keep going off while you test?

I test sensors individually using the control panel's test mode, or by triggering them in engineer mode if needed. Siren test is brief - 30 seconds max to confirm it works. Won't have the alarm blaring for ages.

Get a Free Quote in Exeter

Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your house alarm test job in Exeter.

01392 964094Request Online Quote

Our Rates

Minimum charge£60
Includes callout + first hour
Additional time£50/hr
This Job£60

Got multiple jobs?

Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!

Why Trust Us

Fully Insured
Local Exeter Business
30 Mile Coverage
No Hidden Costs

Need House alarm test in Exeter?

Get a free quote for your house alarm test job in Exeter today.