Fault Timer?

[Guest Jon G]

We have had an alarm for a few years now. Not a monitored one just a box and bell thing. For the first few years that we had it installed we had it regularly serviced but then my wife and I got made redundant and we could no longer afford the servicing. Anyway, after just over 12 months from the last service the alarm went haywire. I called the guy that fitted the alarm and he quoted me a massive call out charge. As we had no cash at the time I thought "Bu**er that"! So, I opened the control box, had a poke around inside and there, hidden behind the back-up battery was a small card about the side of a box of matches with a red flashing light and four small switches on it. I flicked one of the switches and everything returned to normal. After that every 13 months or so the same thing happens, I flick one of the switched and all is OK.

I was talking to a friend about it who used to be an alarm installer and he was horrified and suggested it may be a 'fault timer'? We didn't have time to continue with the conversation but he suggested contacting the SSAIB? (The guy who installed our alarm is registered with them). Anyway, I did a search on the net and came accross this site and thought that maybe you guys could offer some advice.

Thanks in advance.

Jon G

[Guest Gimmick]

There are a number of installation companies that used to operate these devices as "Service Timers". If for example you pay a yearly maintenance fee (with 28 days payment terms), you might find a device like this fitted that triggers every 13 months. Simply put . . if you do not pay your maintenance and the engineer is not allowed on site to carry out work on the system, the relay will open and stop operation of the system.

They are a little "unfair" in this day and age of competitive security business, but not particularly Ilegal. What I would say is that the company really should have come to site and removed the device, when you cancelled your contract with them.

In most cases where they are used, it will be mentioned in the maintenance contract as a "Clause for Non-Payment of Services".

It can be removed simply, and you should contact a local professional to do so.

Regards

Gimmick.

[CompostCORNER]

Everyone here has their own views on this type of practice. Me personally, I'm a fan of the 'informative' service timer that basically notifies the customer that a service is due, without rendering their intruder alarm inoperative.

The unit as described as above couldn't really be described as a service timer as the unit puts a fault on the system when it activates rendering the system useless by usually breaking a zone circuit, stopping the alarm from setting. Would I be in the right to nip round my customers every 13 months and rip off their bellbox and demand a service is carried out and paid for before I re-install the bell? In my opinion, my method is just as cheeky as this so called service timer. Where would the installation company stand if that customer had been burgled whilst the system had a fault that was deliberately put there by the install company itself?

A good reputable firm has no need to do such things with any alarm nevermind a standard audiable only domestic system. The good name of such companies is enough to earn the loyalty of a customer. Not a forced fault in order to gain revenue.

Service timers do have a place in certain alarm installations though you must understand. They are usually built into the panel's software, they usually warn a customer that a service is due but rarely lock them out although this option too is available. Due to the stringent criteria that has to be met by police response monitored alarms, the service timer helps the customer as the alarm could lose police cover if a service is missed or even late.

I remember watching one of those 'Workers from Hell' type documentaries a few years ago where home made relays and timer cards were installed into panels by installers in order to create a fault after a set time, forcing a callout. The program makers and the viewing public saw a shady practice that really did undermine public confidence in our industry.

Tony

[Guest Guest]

Nope, it's definately a service/fault timer - my chum popped 'round tonight and confirmed it. The question is this: Should I report the Guy to the SSIAB or have a 'quiet word'?

What would you 'Pros' suggest?

J

[Service Engineer]

Fitting of these Service / Fault timers is BAD practise and any company that fits them should be reported.

[Guest Guest]

Report them, but check your paperwork/contract first, you might find that it is mentioned and that you have no recourse.

Personally though service timers should not be used, if you have a good relationship with your customers they will be more than happy to have the system serviced regularly.

You might have a quiet word and your sorted, but what about the customers who dont realise hes done it.

Colin.

[Guest Guest]

Gentlemen, can I just say an enormous "thank you" for your sound words? It is encouraging to know that as an 'end user' that I can approach you and ask for advice about what is a possibly contentious issue and have a clear and un-biased answer. Without wishing to sound trite, you have re-affirmed my faith in the industry.

With all good wishes,

Jon G