top of page
Redwood Security Systems, Inc.

How to Use Your Alarm System

Keypad Usage & System Information

Redwood Security wants to ensure that all customers can use their systems with ease.

​If you have had any work done involving your home's phone lines since your alarm was installed, please call us at (415) 388-5355 to check that your system is successfully sending signals to our central monitoring station.

Testing your System

It's very important for every RSS customer to test their system to ensure it is sending signals and working properly.

  1. Close all protected windows and doors; “Disarmed, Ready to Arm” will show on the keypad.

  2. Enter your 4 digit security code, then press “TEST” which is button #5.

  3. The alarm will sound for 2 seconds. (If no sound, call for service)

  4. Leave in test mode for 15 seconds while the system checks the standby battery and communication with the central station. You can open and close each protected opening and the control station will beep 3 times

  5. Exit “Test” mode by entering your 4 digit security code, then press button #1 (“OFF”)

  6. If the system detects a problem, the keypad will indicate the problem. Call for service. If at any time your system displays a message such as "Comm failure", "Low Batt", or "Check”, call for service as soon as possible.

​

If you would like help testing your fire system or other components of your system, please make an appointment with the service department at (415) 388-5355 or by emailing service@redwoodsecurity.com.

Quick Reference Keypad Operating Guide

Arm and disarm your security system by entering your 4-digit Master Security Code then a function. If a perimeter device or zone is tripped while armed, an alarm response will be triggered. When you leave or return through a predetermined Entry/Exit door, the system has a programmed delay period (usually between 30-45 seconds) that allows you to disarm your system before it dispatches an alarm signal.

​

If your alarm system is tripped, enter your Security Code + 1 (OFF), which will silence the siren, then enter your Security Code + 1 (OFF) once again to reset your alarm system.

​

OFF | Disarm System: Turns off the system when activated, silences alarms, and clears alarm tripped states.

  • Security Code + 1 (OFF)

​

AWAY | Protect Interior & Perimeter with Delay: Arms the full system when leaving the site, with an entry/exit delay.

  • Security Code + 2 (AWAY)

​

STAY | Protect Only Perimeter with Delay: Arm system with entry/exit delay, but excluding motion detectors to walk freely inside the building.

  • Security Code + 3 (STAY)

BYPASS | Exclude a zone before arming: To arm your system with everything except a specific zone active, bypass the selected zone.

  • Security Code + 6 (BYPASS) + Zone Number (01, 02, etc.)

​

MAX | Protect Interior & Perimeter without Delay: Arms full system instantly, without entry delay. Uncommonly used, and must be disarmed remotely.

  • Security Code + 4 (MAX)

​

INSTANT | Protect Only Perimeter without Delay: Arm system without entry delay, but excluding motion detectors.

  • Security Code + 7 (INSTANT)

​

TEST | Enter Test Mode to test devices without sending alarm signals: External sounder will sound for 3 seconds. Opening or closing zones will cause 3 beeps. Exit test mode by entering your Code + 1 (OFF).

  • Security Code + 5 (TEST)

​

CODE | Add or Delete Additional Temporary User Codes: Temporary codes can be used to perform system commands until they have been deleted. When adding temporary codes, you must start with User 03, the guest User, then continue with User 04, 05, and so on.

  • To Add: Security Code + 8 (CODE) + User Number (starting with 03, then 04, etc.) + Temp. 4-digit code

  • To Delete: Security Code + 8 (CODE) + User Number (03, 04, etc.) + # (Pound key) + 0

​

CHIME | Turn Chime Sound On or Off: Toggle the sounding of a chime every time a door/window is opened.

  • Security Code + 9 (CHIME)

​

Instant Emergency Alarm: Hold both keys at the same time to instantly trigger.

  • * + # (Star key + Pound key)

​

Display Open Zones: System must be disarmed to view open zones.

  • * (Star key)

​

Change Your Master Code: Use this full input twice in a row to change the Master Security Code of your system.

  • Existing Security Code + 8 + 02 + new 4-digit Code (x2)​

Portable Panic Button Battery Replacement

If you haven’t replaced the battery in your portable panic button(s) within recent memory, it is time to replace and test it. First, you will need one battery per panic button. Locate your portable panic button(s) and open the battery compartment to replace the battery. With your account number in hand (from your alarm invoice), call our service team between 9am-4pm on a weekday at (415) 388-5355 who will help you test the button. Take care when handling the panic button, as a panic signal will result in police dispatch.

bottom of page