FAQ's


Why is Certified Systems, Inc. the best choice to protect my home or business?

There are several reasons Certified Systems in the best choice.

  • First and foremost, we are local. Certified Systems has proudly served Northern California for over 25 years.
  • When you call our offices, we guarantee you will speak directly with a trained person who lives locally.
  • Certified Systems’ technicians are second to none, with well over 50 years of combined experience, our licensed technicians have the experience to install and service your system with the highest level of professionalism available.
  • The Certified Systems Central Station is located right here in Northern California, and is a U.L. listed Central Monitoring Station.

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How do I cancel a false alarm?

If you have a false alarm on your security system, call the Central Station at 1-800-473-5244, to cancel. You must have your Passcode/PIN ready to give to the Central Station Operator.

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What are the most common causes of false alarms?

User error is one of the most common causes of false alarms, knowing how to properly operate your security system, and using your security system on a regular basis will help reduce user caused false alarms. You should also test your security system with the Central Station on a weekly basis.

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How do I test my Security system?

To properly test your security system please refer to the operating manual that was provided to you at time of installation. If you do not have an operating manual for your security systems, please call Certified Systems Inc.at 1-800-956-6274.

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Will my security system work when I lose power at my home or business?

YES, every security system installed by Certified Systems, Inc. is equipped with a battery back up, so your system will continue to protect your home or business for several hours after a power outage has occurred.

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Will my security system work if I lose phone lines to my home or business?

NO, if your security system only uses a phone line to communicate to the central station and the line goes down or is cut by a thief, than your security system cannot call the Central Station to report an alarm.

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What can I do to protect my home or business from phone line issues?

Certified Systems, Inc. customers can upgrade their current security systems to have either a Cellular Unit or a Radio Unit (the type of system installed depends on the area that security system is located and will be determined by Certified Systems) installed on the security system. Customers that have a cell or radio unit installed will no longer have to worry about phone lines again. Call 1-800-956-6274 today to learn more about these units.

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Do I need to get a new battery every time I lose power?

NO, the battery that is installed in your security system is rechargeable, and once power is restored to your home or business, the security system will automatically begin to recharge your battery. The recharge of your systems battery can take up to 12 hours after power is restored, if after 12 hours the systems battery has not recharged please call our office at 1-800-956-6274.

NOTE: The security system battery should be replaced every 3 years; this will insure that your security system will be operable during a power outage.

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What is a U.L. listed Central Monitoring Station mean?

A "Listed central station" is an alarm monitoring facility that has demonstrated the ability to provide standards-complying service. For monitoring stations, UL requirements cover building structure, receiving and monitoring equipment, and staffing issues in addition to installation and ongoing service. To be able to provide standards-complying service, the building, equipment and staffing requirements have to be met at all times.

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Who licenses the Certified Systems, Inc. employees?

Our employees are licensed by the Bureau of Security and Investigation Services of California. The State of California requires both an FBI and DOJ background investigation for all employees of an alarm company. In addition Certified Systems Inc. requires that all employees under go drug testing.

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Is Certified Systems licensed?

Yes, the BSIS also requires that California alarm companies maintain an Alarm Company Operators License. Certified Systems is also a licensed electrical company, the State of California requires that any company in California that installs Fire Protection and Life Safety Products must be a C-10 (electrical) licensed company. License# 947548 (C-10)  ACO# 6871

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Why should I choose Certified Systems when national companies come to my door all the time offering me a $99.00 security system?

National companies can offer the $99.00 security system for several reasons:

  • Quality- national companies tend to use proprietary security systems.
  • Subcontractors- most National Dealer Programs are subcontractors, and unfortunately many of these companies do not use licensed technicians and sales agents, or hire employees with very little experience in the security industry.
  • Basic System- The “$99.00” security system is a very basic unit, and usually only includes the installation of 2 doors and 1 motion detector, the “$99.00” system is used by these companies to get their foot in the door. If the customer wants a complete system the cost skyrockets in to the thousands of dollars, and that doesn’t include the monthly monitoring fee.
  • Monitoring Fee- in order to give a customer a “$99.00” security system the national companies have to charge more for their monthly service. Most national alarm companies basic monthly fee start at around $40.00.

Certified Systems Inc. has you covered; we only use top quality equipment, installed by licensed and experienced technicians.

Our sales professionals will design a system to protect your home or business at a reasonable price, and our monthly monitoring fees are just $25.00 per month.

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Why Should I have my security system monitored?

A non-monitored (local) security system is dependant on a neighbor or passerby hearing the system, and calling the police. Most people tend to treat a tripped home security alarm the same as a vehicles alarm; they ignore it. Thankfully, a monitored alarm system is watched 24/7 with.

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What if I set the security system off myself?

When you have a false alarm, the first thing you will do is enter your alarm code to silence your system. Then call our Central Station at 1-800-473-5244, and give them your passcode/PIN.

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What is a Passcode/PIN?

A passcode/PIN is either a word or a set of numbers that is assigned to a user to insure that the person calling into the central station to cancel a dispatch or put the system on test is a valid user.

Otherwise any person who knows the account number and the name of a person who lives at the residence or works at the business could call in and identify himself or herself as that individual.

We can always remove a name and passcode/pin but the account number always stays the same.

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Do I need a permit where I live to have a security system?

Although we here at Certified Systems Inc. work very hard to keep up with the latest changes in regards to security systems and local government ordinances, the truth is that the laws are always changing. You should call your local Police Agency within 48 hours of installation of your security system to see if a permit is required where you live.

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What if I do not get a permit from my local Police agency?

It is the responsibility of the homeowner or resident where the security system is installed to obtain the required permits. If you do not obtain a proper permit your local Police Department may not respond to an alarm, and in some areas you may also be fined for not obtaining a permit.

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What if I do not have phone lines at my home or business?

Certified Systems, Inc. can provide you with options where available. Customers can choose to have either a Cellular Unit or a Radio Unit (the type of system installed depends on the area that security system is located and will be determined by Certified Systems) installed on the security system. Customers that have a cell or radio unit installed will no longer have to worry about phone lines again. Call 1-800-956-6274 today to learn more about these units.

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What do I need to do if I need to change my passcode/PIN, phone number, or user codes?

Call our office at 1-800-956-6274 and we will assist you with any changes that you need to make to your account.

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Can I save money on my homeowners Insurance by having a security system installed?

Yes, most insurance companies know the value of a monitored security system, and give discounts up to *20% so that their customers will have a monitored security system installed. Some insurance companies will give even more discounts when you add monitored smoke/heat detectors to your system.

*discount percentage is determined by your insurance company, and varies by company. Call your insurance agent for actual discount for your company.

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How do I get FREE monitoring?

Simply refer a family member or friend to us and when they become a valued customer, we will credit your account for 3 months of central station monitoring. You can refer up to four customers per year and get FREE monitoring for a year.

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I have a dog or cat; can I arm my system and leave the animals inside?

Many Infrared motion detectors that are manufactured today for residential applications allow for “pet immunity” which basically ignores pets under 60lbs. If you are in doubt whether your system has these motion detectors, please contact us.

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Is there a requirement to have my commercial Fire Alarm system tested?

Yes. NFPA 72 and California Fire Code require the system be tested by a licensed business such as Certified Systems. Fire Alarm control panels and associated devices are required to be tested annually and Waterflow Monitoring devices are required to be tested semi annually.

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How much do you charge for an estimate?

Estimates are always FREE, contact us today to schedule your free estimate

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testimonials

"I just wanted to thank you. I couldn't have asked for more efficient, kind people to work with. My system is working beautifully."
Laurie Fredrick


“We are so happy with our system and most impressed with the folks in your organization. Your staff makes owning an alarm system very user friendly."
Dale and Danielle Penne


"Your organization deserves kudos for such a clean installation. It made us feel so good about our decision to use Certified Systems."
Bill and Fran Patrick


"I liked the idea of the CSairLink radio system, then when you caught those two in our store I really understood the value of not having phone lines."
Sam Sayegh


Thanks to Certified Systems, within seconds our fire alarm system sent out the signal and Butte County Fire was dispatched arriving before any major damage occurred. Norfield Industries has a $650,000 plant and employed over 100 people. I have been so happy with their service I chose to have had them install intrusion and fire alarm systems in both my homes.
Bruce Norlie
President of Norfield Industries


Certified Systems has protected my home, family, and businesses for over 16 years. Steve and his staff, are always a pleasure to work with. Certified Systems is the exclusive vendor for Papa Murphy’s Pizza.
 Scott Bauer
President Papa Murphy's Pizza


Certified Systems has been an integral part of our local organization. Because of their philanthropic generosity, DownStream Fly Fishing has been able to work with over 50 students with Down syndrome.
Ryan Miller
Founder of DownStream

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Certified Systems offers the best home security systems, commercial security system, business security camera system, commercial fire alarm and monitoring systems, access control systems
for business and residential customers in Fremont, Dublin, Hayward, Milpitas, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Vacaville, Sacramento, Yuba City, Chico, Redding and surrounding areas.