While you may be asking why your DSC alarm system is beeping, we all know that the real question is “How can I get the darn thing to stop!?!” Relax, we’ve got you covered on both fronts. Often, once you determine the root cause of the beep, the solution becomes clear.

There are several reasons why your DSC alarm system may be beeping and keeping you from getting some much-needed shut-eye. That infernal beeping is likely happening because your alarm panel has detected one or more trouble conditions. Some common beep-inducing issues include low battery indications, battery failure, phone line failure, and communication issues.

Before you do anything, make sure that your system is disarmed. Then, to determine the condition that’s troubling your DSC alarm, press the * key followed by the number 2. Your keypad should then spell out the trouble condition, display a trouble code, or otherwise indicate which zone is causing the beep. Refer to your DSC owner’s manual to decode the codes as necessary.

The DSC Power Series (Model 5501) is one of the most popular panels, so we’ll cover some common beep cures for this series in this post. For additional DSC beep solutions, visit our website and find the alarm panel that most closely resembles yours.

Code 1: service required

While your alarm needs some attention, you may be able to handle it yourself. It just depends on the problem and your confidence in your troubleshooting abilities. We’ll walk you through it. First, press [1] to learn more. The culprits may be a low battery (1), bell circuit (2), system trouble (3), system tamper (4), module supervision (5), RF jam detected (6), PC5204 low battery (7), or PC5205 AC Failure. If it displays “low battery” and you have recently experienced a power outage, simply wait 24-hours after the power comes back on for the battery to recharge. If the beeping keeps on beeping and beeping, however, you’ll probably have to replace the battery. If you have access to the panel, you can do this yourself. If not, contact your alarm company for service.

Code 2: Loss of AC Power

This means your panel isn’t getting power. If your building or the neighborhood has lost power, your system will operate on battery, but it’ll let you know it’s operating on battery. If you have power, however, make sure that your transformer is plugged in snugly, then check your home’s circuit breakers. If you’re still beeping, you may need to replace the transformer. Still at a loss? Contact your provider for service.

Code 3: Telephone Line Fault

This means that your system has detected that the telephone line is out. Test this by plugging a home phone into a phone jack and check for a dial tone. If you have a dial tone, make sure that your panel is connected to the phone box. If your basic troubleshooting fails, you may need to contact your security company for additional inspection. If you recently had a cable telephone or DSL service installed, you may need to have them update your service. If there is no dial tone, call the phone company for service.

Code 4: Failure to Communicate

As the Captain said to Cool Hand Luke, “What we’ve got here is a failure to communicate.” If the panel cannot reach its monitoring station, which is how emergencies are reported to the authorities, it’s going to beep. If you’ve attempted to correct the issues mentioned above and your panel is still beeping, contact your alarm company, so they can check the system.

Codes 5-7: Zone Fault

If the numbers 5,6, or 7 are displayed, then the issue may be with your system sensors such as keyfobs, keypads, door and window transmitters, or other wireless sensors. If a 5 is displayed, press [5] to determine which zone is affected. Check the sensors in that zone and correct the issue if possible. If not, contact your security company. If a 6 is indicated, the system has detected a tamper condition and you should contact your security company immediately. If a 7 is indicated, the batteries in your wireless sensors may be low.

Code 8: Loss of Time & Date

If complete power was lost, both AC and battery, then the time and date will need to be re-programmed. It may also be that your panel model cannot accommodate daylight savings time. Either way, you can set the time and date by pressing (*), (6), main code, (1). Then, enter the correct time in military format and enter the current date as follows: MM/DD/YY. To exit, press (#).

To stop the beeping, contact NCA Alarms.