Protecting Your Lowcountry Business 101: Security System Maintenance & Aftercare

So, you’ve installed a professional-grade security system to protect your business, but how do you take care of it? 

Once the system is installed, properly maintaining your security system is essential. 

This will help identify potential problems with worn-out components, ill-placed sensors, and cameras and ensure the system lasts as long as possible. Maintaining your security system is vital for effective operation and protecting your business. 

Regularly Test Your Alarm System 

Business owners are often so wrapped up in the day-to-day operations that they lose sight of important considerations such as testing the alarm system. 

If the alarm system hasn’t gone off in six months, is that because no one has tried to break in or because a compromised piece of equipment has allowed access to your property without you realizing it?

Test each access point and every sensor to make sure they are working correctly. Ensure to note any that are not working as designed so they can be replaced immediately. A security system is only as good as the weakest component.

If you don’t feel comfortable testing your security system, feel free to contact SNAP Integrations. 

We would be glad to help test your system to make sure it’s operating at optimal efficiency. 

Avoid Obstructions and Wipe Down Lenses of All Cameras

It’s important to check camera positioning, particularly in outdoor areas where trees and other plant growth could obstruct the camera’s view. Trim the overgrown foliage or reposition the camera to allow an unobstructed view of the area.

For those cameras placed inside your business, it’s just as important to check positioning. If any work has been done in your business, such as electrical conduit installation, HVAC ductwork replacement, or pipework, ensure none of it blocks camera views. 

While going from camera to camera, it’s also essential to wipe down the lens of each one to ensure a clear image for your security camera.

Regularly Swap Codes 

It’s vital to ensure the integrity of your security system. One way to do this is by changing the security access codes. This should be done regularly.

Removing employees who have been fired or left the company for other opportunities is also essential. This ensures that only approved employees have access to the business property. 

Updating codes every few weeks also ensures that if someone procured the code by unapproved means, they would lose access to your business property for a shorter amount of time. 

If they gained access to the code and it hasn’t been changed for years, then this person can have access to the business property for an extended period of time. 

Additional Maintenance Tips

You can do a few other things to make your life easier regarding the care of your installed security system. 

• Follow Manufacturer’s Guidelines: It’s essential to clean and care for the components in your security system in accordance with the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.

• Consider Hiring Professionals: If you have a highly complex security system or aren’t comfortable cleaning it yourself, schedule professional maintenance checks with a reputable company. 

• Check and Replace Batteries: Be sure to check battery levels of remotes, smoke/CO detectors, and wireless sensors and replace them as needed.

• Maintain Records: Keep a log of every time maintenance is performed on your equipment. This is important because some components should be cleaned monthly, while others might only need to be cleaned every six months. 

Coordinate Regular Maintenance With a Local Security Team

Consider contacting a local security team to maintain your security system’s reliable operation and effectiveness. It’s important when looking for a local security team to maintain your system that they are capable of doing the following regularly:

Weekly or Monthly Basis:

• Clean the Entire System: As with every electronic system, dust is the enemy. That is why it’s important to dust every sensor and the entire control panel. Doing this helps prevent dust and cobwebs from interrupting the security system’s functionality. 

• Camera Care: An approved lens cleaning solution will help ensure every image captured is crisp and clear.

• Complete System Test: Testing the entire system ensures that all sensors and components appropriately communicate with the central station system and trigger alarms and notifications accordingly.

Every Few Months or on an Annual Basis:

• Test All Detectors and Sensors: It’s crucial to test every motion detection sensor, door and window sensor, and other sensors to ensure they properly detect movement and trigger the appropriate alarms and notifications. 

• Software Updates: Updates should be regularly applied to any management software used to operate your security system. 

• Check Wired Connections: All wires and connectors should be secure and connected appropriately. It’s important to check for any fraying or damaged connectors, as this could compromise the effectiveness of your security system.

• Clean Contact Points: Ensuring all components have clean contact points will enable the system to work as designed. It is imperative to clean frequently if your business operates in a dusty environment. 

If you have questions regarding the maintenance of your security system, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Lowcountry leader in security solutions, SNAP Integrations. 

We would love to be your security system partner. Contact us today to learn how we can handle your security needs.