How Do I Test My ADT Security System?

16 Dec How Do I Test My ADT Security System?

When’s the last time your ADT alarm system was tested? Do you know how to test your ADT security system, or why you should even consider doing so?

Running a security system test is super important and something that should be done regularly. Besides from giving you the confidence that things are working properly, it will also give you assurance after you are more familiar with your alarm system and how it works. 

Let’s run through why it’s a good idea to test your system, how often you should, and then explain exactly how to do it.

How to Test ADT Security System – Everything You Need to Know

You want to test your ADT alarm system periodically to make sure it works properly, that the alarm sounds work, and that your system is able to communicate with the 24-hour ADT monitoring center.

ADT recommends you regularly test your system about every 30 days – so several times a year. Testing your alarm system is pretty easy, too, which is a plus!

ADT System Security Testing Procedure

To test your ADT alarm system, the first thing you want to do is make sure that your alarm is in test mode.

Putting your system in test mode will allow you to successfully run a system test and not alert ADT by sending a false alarm.

To put your system in test mode, here’s what to do:

1. Go to MyADT.com
2. Click on “My Alarm” from the dashboard
3. From the menu, click on “System management”
4. Click on “Start Test”

You can also call 1-800-ADT-ASAP (1-800-238-2727) to put your system into test mode, or download the MyADT App for your smartphone or tablet, which will show you how to run the test.

Alarm System Test – Triggering Contacts

Once you’ve put your system in test mode, you’ll want to arm your system in Away Mode, like you would if you were to leave your home. Then you should leave for around 3-5 minutes and then come back in as if you were a burglar. (if you do not open a door the system might think you are still there and change to stay mode. Also, if you have a wireless motion detector it needs more than 3 minutes of zero motion to reset and be prepared to test)

Then, you’ll want to trip the alarm. Follow these next steps:

1. Trigger one of your monitored sensors, like a window or door, by opening and closing it.
2. Let the alarm trigger for about 60 seconds. This will give sufficient time for the signal to be received by ADT. (Note: They won’t call you or contact authorities because your system is in testing mode.)
3. After about a minute, go ahead and disarm your alarm by entering your code and then “#1.” (or your code and then the off key) You can also use your ADT Pulse app to disarm the alarm after the test. 

See If Your Alarm Test Worked Properly

The next thing you’ll want to do is go and check to make sure your alarm test worked and “check the signals”.

Here’s what to do:

1. Go to MyADT.com
2. Click on Overview
3. Go to Alarm Activity

You should see a list of events, the latest one being your alarm system test.

If you do not see your alarm system test, call 1-800-ADT-ASAP to get help troubleshooting.

Finish Your Alarm Test

The last thing you need to do is take your security system out of test mode! Forgetting to do so will keep your system in test mode, so don’t forget this important step. If you put it on test for a certain period of time you could also just wait for that time to expire and then it will automatically be live again. 

To do this, simply go to MyADT.com, go to “My Alarm,” and click on “Stop Test.”

Make Sure to Regularly Test Your System

It’s important to maintain your security system so that it stays working and in great condition. Running an effective alarm system test is easy and convenient, so make it a part of your routine.

Keep in mind that if you have set off your alarm on accident recently that can take the place of the test since you probably received a phone call from the ADT monitoring station and gave them your abort code.

Have any other questions about how to test your ADT security system? Leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you!