Scantronic 9448+ has been serviced but problem remains

[MisterMatt]

Hi All

I recently had a problem with a loud electrical humming/buzzing coming from my Scantronic 9448+ burglar alarm. I had just had most of the house rewired and a new fusebox installed but the electrician said it was more likely to be a problem with the battery/transformer on the alarm rather than the new fusebox.

Anyway, after about 1 week the humming stopped. Since then, the alarm has been going off intermittently when set but it is only 1 window sensor that is triggering it.

So I called a local alarm company and requested a service. They came round and did a walk test and checked the battery but there was no fault found. The engineer reduced the sensitivty of the sensor to see if that would stop it going off.

Unfortunately, that hasn't helped and the alarm is still going off intermittently. I phoned the company back and they said alll they can do now is replace the sensor for £50+VAT. I already paid £96+VAT for the service.

Does this sound like a faulty sensor? I'd appreciate your thoughts!

Thanks

Matt

 

[djrock]

When was it last serviced?

Is it the same zone that lights up every time?

 

[MisterMatt]

Hi

It was installed in 2006 and serviced in 2007. It's not been serviced again until recently when the problems began.

Yes, it's the same zone that lights up every time.

Thanks

Matt

 

[djrock]

Does the room with the window sensor that’s causing problems have a pir?

Since if it does and the window sensor is on it’s own zone you could see if you can omit it and see if the problem goes away. If it does then its the window sensor.

 

[MisterMatt]

Hi

There's no PIR's - the windows are all vibration sensors only.

Thanks

Matt

 

[fireman22]

if you are confident enough, open the panel and put a link of wire accross the zone that keeps going off. try it for a while and it will prove its the external wiring and not a faulty panel.

 

[djrock]

if you are confident enough, open the panel and put a link of wire accross the zone that keeps going off. try it for a while and it will prove its the external wiring and not a faulty panel.

That’s not a good idea since that would mean someone could potentially get in without being detected. As he said there no PIR in that room.

 

[fireman22]

it sounds as if he doesnt want to pay £50 then find out it was something else causing the intermittant alarm activation, if his alarm company came out and linked out that zone they would obviously charge him. my way he could prove it was the sensor without further cost, then pay the £50 for a new one or get a sensor and fit it himself this is DIY .com after all. as for that window not being covered if he doesnt want to pay he takes a chance

 

[djrock]

it sounds as if he doesnt want to pay £50 then find out it was something else causing the intermittant alarm activation, if his alarm company came out and linked out that zone they would obviously charge him. my way he could prove it was the sensor without further cost, then pay the £50 for a new one or get a sensor and fit it himself this is DIY .com after all. as for that window not being covered if he doesnt want to pay he takes a chance

If he wants to omit the zone or link it out then there’s no problem but I was pointing out that doing so compromises his security.

 

[fireman22]

you told to omit the zone 1st tho ... so you started it. i suppose to really prove it is the window sensor the cable should be linked at the actual sensor as this will also prove the cable is not damaged

 

[fireman22]

Matt, if you are 100% sure that the window sensor is the only device on that zone and the cabling is not visably damaged in anyway it is probably the window sensor and you should just change it

 

[djrock]

you told to omit the zone 1st tho ... so you started it. i suppose to really prove it is the window sensor the cable should be linked at the actual sensor as this will also prove the cable is not damaged

That why I said only omit if theres a pir in the room and the window sensor is on it’s own zone.

 

[fireman22]

i know but what are you suggesting as there is not?

 

[MisterMatt]

Matt, if you are 100% sure that the window sensor is the only device on that zone and the cabling is not visably damaged in anyway it is probably the window sensor and you should just change it

Thanks both for your comments.

The window sensor is the only device in that zone so I'll get the sensor swapped out - I hope it's not the cabling as it's channeled into the wall and under the floorboards!!

Matt

 

[joe-90]

I've been using Vipers/Shockguard for over 20 years and never had a faulty one yet. BTW they cost less than a tenner. I'd link it out for a few days if I were you.