Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What If I am currently under an alarm-monitoring contract?
How do I change the people listed on my call list?
What if my system isn`t working right?
My alarm went off accidentally, but I quickly put in the code and shut if off. I expected a call from the monitoring station but no one called, Why not?
What happens when I press the panic or fire alarm buttons on the keypad?
If I lose electric power, will my alarm system still work?
If I have an emergency, should I call Rancho Santa Fe security systems first?
Am I responsible for testing my systems regularly?
How does my alarm system work?
Why do motion sensors provide false detections?
Why does my keypad display "NO AC"?
Why does my alarm system take so long to notify the monitoring station?
Why does my keypad display "NOT READY"?
Why do I need monitoring?
Will the central station receive an alarm signal if the alarm is not ON?
Can I arm the alarm system when I am at home by myself?
Who monitors my system?
What credit cards do accept?
How can I go on an automatic payment for monthly fees?
Where is my invoice and bill payer id number located?
When paying on-line which account number do I put for my account whit you?
What is my CSID number?
Can I suspend my account for a remodel?
Do you offer e-mail invoices?
I`ve sold my home and need to cancel my service.
How do I know if the noise is coming from my Alarm Smoke detector or my local one?

What If I am currently under an alarm-monitoring contract?
If you have an existing monitoring agreement with another provider, you have to wait until it expires. Most providers require advanced notice before you can cancel. Also, it is common practice in the industry to use "automatic roll-over agreements", so watch your expiration date closely. Once you are free from your obligation, give us a call. We want an opportunity to earn your business. We recommend that you send a certified letter to your provider immediately. Inform them that you want to continue your service on a month-to-month basis once the term of your agreement is completed. Send this letter now. It will protect you from automatic rollover agreements. RANCHO SANTA FE SECURITY SYSTEMS is a local, family owned security alarm company, based in Encinitas, CA serving the San Diego metro area and communities throughout Southern California. Call us today at 1-800-303-887 to learn more about how our home security alarm services can protect you and your family. A Rancho Santa Fe Security system is an effective deterrent to both burglary and intrusion. So effective, in fact, that your insurance company may provide you with a discount of up to 20% off your homeowner`s insurance premiums once your alarm system has been installed.
How do I change the people listed on my call list?
Just call our Central Station at 1-800-303-8877 with your changes. Have your Impersonal identification code ready in order to Make your changes. Make sure to tell everyone on your call list what to do in case they receive a call from our Communications center.
What if my system isn`t working right?
We will be happy to investigate any problems you may be having with your equipment. Just call 1-800-303-887 with any service related issues. Ask for the service department.
My alarm went off accidentally, but I quickly put in the code and shut if off. I expected a call from the monitoring station but no one called, Why not?
The system allows a brief period for you turn off your system before an alarm signal is sent to the Monitoring center. This gives you enough time to cancel the signal and prevent a false alarm.
What happens when I press the panic or fire alarm buttons on the keypad?
If you hold down the panic or fire alarm buttons on the keypad for 1 to 3 seconds, an alarm is transmitted to our Monitoring center, and emergency services are dispatched immediately. An alarm received in this manner cannot be canceled.
If I lose electric power, will my alarm system still work?
Yes, in case of a power loss, the back-up battery will activate to maintain your alarm protection for several hours, In the event that your battery is low, a low battery signal will be sent to the monitoring center so you can be notified.
If I have an emergency, should I call Rancho Santa Fe security systems first?
No, if you have an emergency, call 911 first. If you are unable to call 911, then depress the panic or fire alarm button on your keypad and Rancho Santa Fe Security system will request emergency services.
Am I responsible for testing my systems regularly?
Yes, it is your responsibility to make sure that your systems is in good working order. Rancho Santa Fe security regularly initiates a communications performance test. It`s easy to test your system; just refer to your owner handbook or call 1-800-303-8877 and follow the simple instructions. If you find that a part of your system is not working properly call our Service Department to request repair service.
How does my alarm system work?
Your alarm system may be armed in the "Away" (when you leave the house) or "Stay" mode. Once the system is activated, each monitored zone has the ability to recognize a violation. When a zone has been violated, the alarm system then dials and transmits the message through a telephone line. When the signal is received, the alarm system will wait to send another message if another zone is tripped. Entering your code and turning off the system will end this process.
Why do motion sensors provide false detections?
An improperly installed motion detector device may activate falsely. Movement of objects such as balloons or curtains within the range of a motion detector may also trigger an alarm activation. The motion detector may require relocation or adjustment by an alarm technician.
Why does my keypad display "NO AC"?
Your keypad will normally display "NO AC" when the system has lost electrical current. The outlet should be checked to verify that it is operational. If the outlet is working properly a service call will be needed.
Why does my alarm system take so long to notify the monitoring station?
The alarm system provides a delay period for the user. This delay period allows you to disarm the system in order to prevent an alarm activation. The delay period can range from 30 seconds to 3 minutes.
Why does my keypad display "NOT READY"?
Your keypad is informing you that the alarm system is not ready to be turned on (armed). The most common reasons for this are that a door or window may not be completely closed, a motion detector may be sensing movement, or a previous alarm has not been cleared our of the memory. If you correct the condition, the alarm system will be ready to arm.
Why do I need monitoring?
If you alarm were to go off while you are away, who will call the police? Our 24 hour central Station monitoring will notify local authorities when operators receive a signal. The police will then be dispatched to your home or business.
Will the central station receive an alarm signal if the alarm is not ON?
Only on 24 hour protection devices such as heat or smoke detectors. Otherwise, the Central Station will not receive a signal. It is important to keep your alarm on, even when you are at home. It is best to have your perimeter protection on whenever possible.
Can I arm the alarm system when I am at home by myself?
Your alarm system has the ability to arm with your perimeter (doors, windows/etc.) sensors activated, while leaving the interior motion sensors deactivated. This allows you to move around within your home while the alarm system is on.
Who monitors my system?
Rancho Santa Fe Security System has had our own 24 hour local central monitoring station facility in Encinitas since 1981. We DO NOT subcontract this service our to a generic monitoring facility that serves a multitude of alarm companies, as many other based on our own individual client needs.
What credit cards do accept?
Visa, Master Card, American Express and Discover.
How can I go on an automatic payment for monthly fees?
Simply call or write and request an "Authorization for Automatic Payment" From be sent or faxed to you.
Where is my invoice and bill payer id number located?
Your invoice number is located at the top right-hand corner of the invoice. Your bill payer ID number is on the return stub`s upper right-hand corner.
When paying on-line which account number do I put for my account whit you?
Please use your billpayer ID number located on the upper right-hand side of your payment return stub.
What is my CSID number?
It is your Central Station ID number.
Can I suspend my account for a remodel?
Yes, just ask for a Suspension Request Form.
Do you offer e-mail invoices?
Yes, just write your request to have emailed invoices sent to you on the back of your invoice stub under the "comments" section.
I`ve sold my home and need to cancel my service.
Your must cancel IN WRITING 30 days prior to your cancellation date. Please call for more information on cancellation procedures and to request our simple cancellation request form.
How do I know if the noise is coming from my Alarm Smoke detector or my local one?
The easiest way to tell if the problem is your local smoke or alarm smoke is to look at your Keypad. If your keypad is not beeping, displaying a trouble or has a trouble light on, it is a local smoke making the noise. Replace the battery or call an electrician. If your keypad does show a problem call Rancho Santa Fe Security Systems.