Picture this: You are about to call it a day and get your much-needed shut-eye, but you suddenly hear your DSC alarm beeping about every ten seconds. With each sound getting more and more unbearable, you get up and go to your alarm, but now you are confounded on what exactly to do to make it stop.
Watch Video: Ryan shows how to solve beeping DSC alarm system with a yellow light or triangle. Watch the video here: DSC 1616, 1832, 1864, Impassa, and Alexor Trouble Codes
DSC alarms provide top notch protection for you and your family. However, beeping is how your alarm communicates the trouble conditions or problems that you need to fix to ensure that your security system is in its tiptop shape. No problem. With this quick and easy troubleshooting and programming guide, you can work on the common DSC alarm system problems fast so you can go back to sleep or whatever it is that you are doing.
The first step is to stop the beeping so you can calmly trace and work on the trouble that caused the system to beep. Using any keypad, check if the alarm system is disarmed. If it is not, put in your disarm code. Press the pound (#) key. To know the trouble detected by your alarm system, press the star (*) key, followed by number 2. Your keypad will then display a trouble code number or illuminate a certain zone, which has a corresponding meaning in the trouble code table in the User Manual.
However, if you use DSC model PC4020, which has an LCD keypad with fixed displays, instead of displaying numbers, it will spell out the trouble condition. To download a copy for your panel model, go to the User Manual section of the DSC website and find the model of your panel. In this tutorial, we will show you the eight trouble code numbers and their corresponding trouble conditions as displayed in the Power 832 and 864 panels.
1. Low Battery
Number 1 corresponds to Service Required, though you may just do it yourself depending on the specific trouble. To know the specific trouble, press number 1. If it displays “Low Battery” and you had a recent power outage, wait 24 hours after the power comes back on. The battery just needs to recharge first. However, if the beeping persists, replace the battery as alarm batteries go down to about 80% of its original capacity after 3 years. You can call your alarm company for battery replacement or you can do it yourself as long as you can access the panel.
2. AC Power Loss
This means the panel is not getting power from the transformer. To save you trouble, do these basic troubleshooting steps in order. First, make sure the transformer is plugged in nice and tight into the outlet. If it is still not working, check if the outlet has power by looking at your home’s electricity and circuit breakers. If it still does not work, replace the transformer as it may have a burnt fuse inside.
3. Telephone Line Monitor Mishap
Your alarm system cannot detect the telephone line due to either damaged telephone lines or an interrupted phone service. First, plug a home phone into the telephone jack in your phone box and check for a dial tone. If there is a dial tone, check first if there are visible disconnections between your panel and the phone box. After that, you may need to contact your security company to check further for damaged connections. You also need to contact them if you recently had a cable telephone or DSL installation so they can update your system. If there is no dial tone, the phone service is down and you need to call the phone service provider.
4. Failure to Communicate with the Central Station
The panel cannot reach the monitoring station, which is crucial in emergencies and authorities are needed to respond. If this is due to the telephone service problem, fixing the phone line as outlined above will resolve this. However, if it is still not working, contact your alarm company so they can check your alarm system.
5. Zone Fault
If it is a number 5, 6 or 7 displayed, then the problem lies in your wireless sensors like keyfobs, keypads, door and window transmitters, and so on. If it is number 5 displayed, press the number 5 for it to show the specific zone affected. It could be that a wireless sensor is not properly connected or something is amiss with that device. It also could be that your alarm system is not communicating well with your wireless devices. In this case, contact your alarm security.
6. Zone Tamper
For Zone Tamper, simply check for the cover of the affected zone or device. The cover may be missing or not fitted properly.
7 . Low Zone Battery
For this, change the batteries of the affected wireless sensors. For further help, contact your alarm security provider.
8. Loss of Time on System Clock
You need to reset the clock if you had a recent power outage or if the AC or battery lost power. It also could be that your panel model is not equipped for daylight saving time. In any case, you can easily set the time and date by pressing the following in order: star (*) key, number 6, Main Code, and number 1. Type in the correct time in the military format. Then, enter the current date in the MM/DD/YY format. To exit, press the pound (#) key and you’re set. For DIY troubleshooting, you may need to reset the alarm system to see the solution working. To do this, simply arm then disarm the system. If you need to replace or add devices, the Alarm System Store has it for you — alarm keypads, wireless sensors and remotes, and accessories and expansion modules like serial cables. Aside from our low-price guarantee, take advantage of the free shipping if your order is over $199. On top of that, you can reach our customer service representatives as needed on our toll-free support. 
The newest in the DSC keypad family, this 8-zone LED keypad can support all DSC Power Series panels. Valued at $48.77 Your alarm system may beep at the most inconvenient times, but take it as a small price so you can prevent bigger inconveniences, or worse, alarm system failure when it is most needed. But fret not. You don’t have to deal with this on your own as you can always get in touch the Alarm System Store team. So the next time your alarm system beeps, get up and know the trouble. As they say, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. In this case, it is always better to be woken up by your alarm’s beeping so you can do the necessary solution than have your alarm system fail when you need it the most.
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Comments
Eileen Seale
How do we disarm our dsc alarm? We may have had a power outage that triggered it and it’s beeping continually. We don’t have a code and need to stop the beeping ASAP.
Eileen Seale
How do we disarm our dsc alarm? We may have had a power outage that triggered it and it’s beeping continually. We don’t have a code and need to stop the beeping ASAP.
Arley McBlain
The guide: http://cms.dsc.com/download2.php?t=1&id=17007
Suzanne
We have a DSC 1616 in the house we bought. No manual.
A new battery was put in this year costs +.
SYSTEM HAS BEEN BEEPING EVERY 20 SECONDS FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS NOW.
THERE IS NO YELLOW TRIANGLE, JUST THE NORMAL GREEN TICK.
We saw the video. Don’t like fiddling with keypads if unsure what to do.
IS THERE AN EASY SOLUTION TO STOP THIS .
..
Suzanne
We have a DSC 1616 in the house we bought. No manual.
A new battery was put in this year costs +.
SYSTEM HAS BEEN BEEPING EVERY 20 SECONDS FOR MORE THAN 24 HOURS NOW.
THERE IS NO YELLOW TRIANGLE, JUST THE NORMAL GREEN TICK.
We saw the video. Don’t like fiddling with keypads if unsure what to do.
IS THERE AN EASY SOLUTION TO STOP THIS .
..
gordon
I have a DSC1616 control panel – the same as pictured in this article – we have been getting beeps over the last 2 days – could be due to power outage. Could you please advise where I can get an instruction manual for this alarm? — or an explanation of the symbols shown on the panel?
thanks
Bruce Farley
I have a pk5501 touch pad and a PC1616 control panel. The system is over 10 years old. Unsure if the local service tech ever replaced the WKA 12-5F battery in the control panel. I am receiving intermittent beep and an orange triangle warning. The *2 entry elicits a 1 on the display screen. Pressing the 1 gives no additional information. Because of the age of the system, I believe the battery in the PC1616 needs replaced. I see no battery in the PK5501. My question is: If I remove the old battery, to install a new one, will I lose the programming of the system? Will I need to have a technician change the battery? Thanks
Ian Jamieson
I have sensors on two exterior doors, and every time one of these doors is opened or closed the system gives about four loud beeps. How can I cancel the beeps.
Regards
Ian Jamieson
Benita Ward
Hello my name is Bonita I have the DSC system and I have this chirping going on my electric went off and just came back on the system that I have is a old unit my mom and dad passed away and I did not get the password I cannot put any codes in to stop the chirping hopefully you can help me with this thank you
Suzanne C
Moved into a house with the DSC system and it just keeps beeping have to keep hitting*#throughout the day to make it stop. It wakes our entire household up in the middle of the night every night. I don’t want monitoring. Unfortunately, I don’t have the code or the book. How do I get the beeping to stop. The power would’ve been shut off and restarted when I had the utilities set up. The Error Code is 2. Thanks for your help.
Suzanne C
Moved into a house with your system and it just keeps beeping have to keep hitting*#cotinuallytomake it stop! It wakes me up in the middle of the night every night. I don’t want monitoring I have 3 dogs. Unfortunately, I don’t have the code or the book. How do I get the beeping to stop. The power would’ve been shut off and restarted when I had the utilities switched. The Error Code is 2.
Fred
I just replace my pc2550 with a used board which I believe is unlocked the old one i didn’t know the installation code and I got stuck with it thats why I had to change the board, anyway after replacing the board I have all 8 zones lit don’t know what to do seems like the end of zone is open ! also erase the e- prom as well, any idea?
Holly
I purchased a home that has a DSC 8 zone LED alarm system. THE prior owner did not used it but it is still hooked up. Today electricity went off , alarm starting beeping then the horn started screaming. Finally stopped after 15”. Now every time I open a door it beeps. I don’t have the code. How can I disarm this ? Thank you
Carol Jenks
I purchased a home that has a DSC 8 zone LED alarm system. THE prior owner did not used it but it is still hooked up. Today electricity went off , alarm starting beeping then the horn started screaming. Finally stopped after 15”. Now every time I open a door it beeps. I don’t have the code. How can I disarm this ? Thank you
Linda
How do I locate my MASTER CODE? I investigated the YELLOW triangle and the message was to set the time. It is asking for my Master Code. Don’t believe I have one of those.
Even though the time is not set and the system itself is useless to me right now, it beep if I flip an electric switch. I also hear it beep when I turn on my stove? Any idea what is happening?
Thanks.
James Nolan
DSC Wireless Security Keypad showing a flashing Triangle symbol, I went and change 4-AA
Batteries on downstairs and upstairs Keypads.
I follow instructions in manual and even call in technician twice.
KEYPAD is beeping intermittently at different times ,and then stops and begins again at a different time. Technicians tell me that there is no fault codes stored in memory.
Looking for information to fix this Problems.
Local Service by Umbrella Security Phone # 709-728-1743 ( NFLD.)
Problem of beeping normally has gone by time they arrive.
KARIN ABRAMS
Purchased a house with your system and it just keeps beeping have to keep hitting*#cotinuallytomake it stop! I don’t want monitoring I have anENGGLISH BULL TERRIER AND I’M HOME 24/7! ..THE PREVIOUS OWNERS DIDN’T LEAVE THE CODE.OR BOOK..HOW CAN I START FROM STRATCH AND RESTART THIS SYSTEM??!!
Erin
Hello we have a DSC and its been working fine until now, but suddenly it is beeping seemingly picking up my typing movements in section 1. It is still alarm setting as per normal and disarming as well, however now beeping ever 30 secs – 5mins depending on where I am in office (section 1)
Jabu masombuka
I have DSC 1864 alarm and is beeping every three seconds,when I press *2 is displaying no trouble and the sevices light is not burning on normal display.what can be wrong with the alarm?
J Railing
I use to have monitoring however I no longer have it. Yesterday the alarm went off which led me to conclude that I might have faulty sensors in that areas. Tonite the fire alarm went off and I cut the wire to stop the loud noise. Now the trouble beep won’t stop, how can I stop it?
Randy Stansel
For additional info of my previous question, I have the PK 1616. The yellow triangle stays lit. How do I reset to remove it from keyboard. Thanks!
Randy Stansel
I have the “Fire Alarm Pulsed Siren” triangle lit up on my keypad and can’t seem to remove it. Is there a reset button?
Tired of looking at it.
luckson
I have a problem I can’t arm the alarm but once I place the panic button the alarm come on but I can’t arm.
Zahid Yoosufani
I have a DSC PC3000 system. I have not used monitoring service for few years now. A month ago because of low battery condition, I changed the battery. Since then, after the system is armed, in few minutes it starts beeping with code that states “line communication error”. It is apparently trying to connect to monitoring service, which I don;t have (I used to have several years ago). The yellow trouble light comes on. This happened only after I changed battery. Is there a way to fix this issue and go back to my normal monitoring mode without annoying beeps to connect to monitoring service that I don’t have??
Robert Zuanetti
I know the problem following the video but how do you stop the beeping. The no 1 came up which means a service call. It happened Sat night and can’t get anyone until Monday. How do you stop beeping until you get a service provider out?
Umer draz
on control panel 7420 FG WILLSON single phase Generator Alarm fial to stop what i can check r how i clear this alarm?
Gerald Stevens
how do i reset my alarm,i do not remember my code
PC
My DSC & Alarm system was never activated since I have a german shepherd dog, but it beeps anyway and says, “Keybus Fault”. It takes 3 or more hours of pressing the # button for this to stop, but it keeps happening.
Dean
My DSC panel yellow triangle sign is on which indicates trouble BUT I don’t know what the trouble is1 Any idea?
Thank you,
dean
Steve Taylor
Hi. I have a DSC PC1616 alarm system and I would like to turn off the chimes associated with the low battery message while a replacement battery is delivered. I have the installer code. Can you provide the necessary programming to simply turn off the beeping for the low battery message under using the *8 installer programming? This is installed in my bedroom and is annoying when it beeps every 10 seconds in the middle of the night. Thanks.