DSC 2550 - User Manual

Most Frequently Asked Questions
DSC 2550
TO CHANGE OR ADD A CODE:
• Press *5
• Enter your master On/Off code
• Enter user number to change (1 - 8)(master code is 1)
• Enter new 4 digit code
• Press # #
• Get a green ready light and test your new code.
TO CHANGE OR ADD A CODE:
• Press *5, Enter your master On/Off code, Enter user number to change (1 - 8), Enter new 4 digit code, Press # #. Get a
green ready light and test your new code.
MY YELLOW TROUBLE LIGHT IS ON &/OR BEEPING:
• To Silence the keypad beeping at any time, press (*) (2) (#). The trouble light will remain on until the trouble
condition is cleared, but the beeping will stop.
• Press (*) (2) to determine what the trouble is
One of the zone numbers will be illuminated. This zone number corresponds to one of the the trouble conditions listed below.
Please call or e-mail for help in resetting your system. The yellow trouble light should never be on.
Trouble 1=Low back-up battery in the main control panel (basement or utility room).
• You will need to replace your 12v 5 ah rechargeable battery - we can send it to you via UPS for you to change yourself or
you can schedule a service call.
Trouble 2=Electric Failure
• Electric is out
• Alarm transformer is unplugged
• Circuit breaker is tripped
Trouble 4=No Dial tone on your land line phone (call your phone line provider)
• Did you get rid of your land line?
• Did you change phone line providers?
• Did you switch from Comcast to Verizon?
• Did you change or move your phone modem?
Trouble 5=Failure to communicate to central station. This means the alarm was activated but the signal did not reach the central
station.
• Did you get rid of your land line?
• Did you change phone line providers?
• Did you switch from Comcast to Verizon?
• Did you change or move your phone modem?
You can try to reset your phone modem and then call to test the alarm into the central station. In some cases, the central station
can help clear this trouble.
Trouble 6=Bell Circuit Trouble
Trouble 7=Smoke detector Circuit Trouble
Trouble 8= Loss Of Time on System Clock - (see below to reset time)
TO SET CLOCK (trouble 8)
• Step 1 – Enter time/date programming by pressing [*][6] + [Master Code] + [1]
• Step 2 – Enter [HH:MM]
• Step 3 – Press [#] to exit
Note: Program the time using military standard (e.g. 8:00 pm = 20:00 hours)
For Example: 8:00 pm [*] [6] + [4 Digit on/off code] + [1] 2000 [#]
For Example: 8:00 am [*] [6] + [4 Digit on/off code] + [1] 0800 [#]

Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Changing or Adding Access Codes

Instructions for modifying or creating user codes for the alarm system.

Trouble Light Identification

Explains the yellow trouble light and how to identify specific system issues indicated by zone lights.

Setting the System Clock

Procedure to set the correct time and date on the alarm system.

System Overview and Installation

How the System Works

Explains the system's components like control panel, keypads, and sensors, and their basic operation.

Notes for UL Installations

Details specific requirements and considerations for Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certified installations.

System Operation Procedures

Master Code Functionality

Explains the role and usage of the 4-digit master code for system control and programming.

Arming and Bypass Options

Covers arming the system, auto-bypass for home-away, and entry delay off arming.

Disarming and Zone Management

Disarming the System and Alarm Memory

Procedure for disarming the system and accessing alarm history.

Zone Bypassing

Instructions on how to bypass specific zones, allowing system arming with open or faulty zones.

Troubleshooting and Alarm Handling

Trouble Display Interpretation

Explains how to interpret trouble conditions shown by zone lights on the keypad.

Smoke Detector and Fire Alarm Reset

Procedure to reset smoke detectors and manage fire alarm transmissions.

Keypad Commands and Features

Special Keypad Transmissions (F, A, P)

Explains how to activate Fire, Auxiliary, and Panic transmissions using specific keys.

Keypad [#] Button Usage

Describes the purpose of the [#] key for error correction and returning to the ready state.

System Status Indicators

Keypad Indicator Lights Explained

Explains the meaning of various status lights on the keypad, such as Zone, Ready, and Armed.

Programming and Features

Additional Access Code Programming

Guide to adding, changing, or erasing user access codes for the system.

Quick-Arm, Quick Exit, and Chime Features

Covers features for faster arming, controlled exiting, and door chime notifications.

Testing, Features, and Maintenance

Alarm Test Procedure

Steps to perform a weekly system test, including bell and sensor checks.

Keypad Zone Functions (F, A, P)

Details the specific functionality of the Fire, Auxiliary, and Panic keys on the keypad.

Routine Maintenance

Recommendations for basic upkeep, cleaning, and battery replacement for the system.

System Testing and Home Safety

Weekly System Testing

Comprehensive guide for performing weekly tests on the alarm system's components.

Household Fire Safety Audit

Checklist for evaluating home safety related to electrical appliances, flammable liquids, and furnaces.

Family Escape Planning

Developing a Fire Escape Plan

Guidance on creating and rehearsing a family escape plan for fire emergencies.

Warranty and Important Notes

Limited Warranty Information

Outlines the terms and conditions of the 12-month limited warranty for the product.

System Testing Recommendation

Emphasizes the importance of regular system testing and potential failure points.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The provided document is an instruction manual for the DSC 2550 security system.

Function Description

The DSC 2550 is a security system designed to provide flexible and convenient protection. It consists of a control panel, one or more keypads, and various detectors and sensors. The system monitors up to eight zones or areas of protection, with each zone potentially connected to multiple sensors such as door/window contacts, motion detectors, glassbreak detectors, and vibration/shock sensors. When a sensor is in alarm, a keypad light indicates the triggered zone.

The system supports arming and disarming using a 4-digit Master Code or additional access codes (up to 15). It includes features like Quick-Arm, Entry Delay Off Arming, Auto-Bypass (Home-Away Arming), and a Door Chime feature. The system continuously monitors for various trouble conditions and provides visual (keypad lights) and audible (keypad sounder) indications when a trouble occurs. It also supports fire alarm functionality, including a delayed transmission to the monitoring station to allow for false alarm cancellation and smoke detector reset.

For UL installations, the PC2550 is suitable for:

• Household Fire and Grade A Burglary
• Grade A Local
• Grade B Central Station
• Grade A Police Station Connect with Basic Line Security
• Grade C Central Station
• Grade A Police Connection with Basic Line Security

Important Technical Specifications

• Access Codes: Supports a 4-digit Master Code and up to 15 additional 4-digit access codes.
• Zones: Up to 8 zones of protection.
• Trouble Conditions Monitored:
  • Defective Stand-by Battery (Trouble 1)
  • AC Power Failure (Trouble 2)
  • Day Circuit Trouble (Trouble 3)
  • Telephone Line Problem (Trouble 4)
  • Unsuccessful Communication Attempt with Monitoring Station (Trouble 5)
  • Bell Circuit Failure (Trouble 6)
  • Smoke Detector Circuit Trouble (Trouble 7)
  • Loss of Time on System Clock (Trouble 8)
• Battery: Requires a 12V 5Ah rechargeable battery for backup.
• Load Number (LN): 42 (for telecommunications connection).

Usage Features

Arming the System:

• Close all protected doors and windows and stop movement in motion-detected areas.
• Ensure the "Ready" light is ON.
• Enter a 4-digit access code. The "Armed" light will come ON, and the keypad will beep quickly.
• Exit through the designated exit-entry door within the allowed exit time.

Disarming the System:

• Enter through the designated entry/exit door. The keypad sounder will be ON.
• Enter the 4-digit access code. The "Armed" light will go out, and the keypad sounder will stop.

Changing or Adding a Code:

1. Press *5.
2. Enter your master On/Off code.
3. Enter the user number (1-8; master code is 1).
4. Enter the new 4-digit code.
5. Press ##.
6. A green ready light confirms success.

Silencing Keypad Beeping (Trouble Light On/Beeping):

• Press *2#. The beeping will stop, but the trouble light will remain on until the condition is cleared.

Determining Trouble Condition:

• Press *2. A zone number will illuminate, corresponding to a specific trouble condition listed in the manual (e.g., 1 for low battery, 2 for AC power failure).

Setting the Clock (Trouble 8):

1. Press *6 + [Master Code] + 1.
2. Enter [HH:MM] (using military time, e.g., 8:00 PM = 20:00).
3. Press # to exit.

Alarm Memory Display:

• If the "Memory" light is ON, an alarm occurred since the last arming.
• To display the zone that caused the alarm, press *3.
• The alarm memory clears upon re-arming.
• Press # to return to Ready.

Zone Bypassing:

• To bypass zones, press *1 + [Access Code] and then the zone numbers (e.g., 1 for zone 1, 8 for zone 8).
• Press 0 to remove all bypasses.
• Press 9 to recall the last group of bypassed zones.
• Press # to return to Ready.
• Bypassed zones are automatically cancelled when the panel is disarmed.

Smoke Detector and Fire Alarm Reset:

• To silence a fire alarm, press #. This delays transmission for 90 seconds.
• To reset smoke detectors after a false alarm, press *4 and hold for several seconds.
• An immediate fire alarm can be generated by holding down the F key for 2 seconds.

Quick-Arm Feature:

• If enabled, arm the system by pressing *0 (does not disarm).
• Enable/Disable: Press *6 + [Master Code] + 4.

Quick Exit Option:

• If enabled, press *0 to allow a 2-minute exit while the system remains armed.

Door Chime Feature:

• Provides a tone from the keypad when a programmed door or window is opened/closed while disarmed.
• Enable/Disable: Press *6 + [Master Code] + 6.

Keypad Zones (F, A, P Keys):

• F Key (Fire Zone): Hold for 2 seconds to activate a fire alarm (pulsing bell/siren).
• A Key (Auxiliary Zone): Hold for 2 seconds to activate an auxiliary transmission (series of beeps).
• P Key (Panic Zone): Hold for 2 seconds to activate a panic alarm (silent or audible, depending on programming).

Maintenance Features

General Maintenance:

• Do not wash the keypad with a wet cloth; use a barely damp cloth for dusting.
• For other system devices (smoke detectors, motion detectors, glassbreak detectors), consult their respective manufacturer's literature for testing and maintenance.

Battery Replacement:

• The stand-by battery (12V 5Ah rechargeable) should be replaced every three years.

System Testing (Recommended Weekly):

1. Inform the monitoring station you are testing.
2. Disarm the system ("Ready" light ON).
3. Perform a battery/bell test: Press *6 + [Master Code] + 8. (Alarm will sound for ~2 seconds).
4. Activate each sensor (e.g., open a door/window) and observe the zone light turning ON and OFF.
5. Test keypad zones: Press F, A, and P keys in turn.
6. If the fire zone is used, activate it.
7. If the system fails to operate properly, call your installer.
8. Advise the monitoring station when testing is complete.

Important Note: No security system can prevent emergencies; it is only intended to alert you. Regular testing is crucial, and system trouble conditions should be corrected by an installer.

DSC 2550 Specifications