Your alarm system must be tested periodically (i.e. at least once every 6 months) to insure your system is functioning properly. For example, all alarm panels depend on battery backup in case of a power failure. This battery is typically installed in your main security system junction box. Since battery life depends on a number of factors, it is very important to periodically test your alarm system and battery. Remember a low or faulty battery may generate a false alarm. This simple test of your alarm system can be done by you by following these steps:

	1.			Call Federal Services at 561-737-1674 (South Palm Beach County), 561-932-1980 (North Palm Beach County) or 800-273-3056 (Outside of Palm Beach County) and the Gatehouse to inform us you are starting an alarm system test.
	2.			Activate (Arm) your system so it will detect any alarm situations.
	3.			Turn Off the circuit breaker to the Main Alarm Panel.
	4.			Confirm on the Alarm Console that the panel has detected a power failure (usually “PF”, a yellow or Red light will activate on the panel).
	5.			Cause an alarm situation by either opening a monitored door, pushing the panic button, etc.
	6.			Reset the panel, clear the alarm situation, and turn the power back on to the Panel’s circuit breaker.
	7.			Call the Gatehouse and us back to confirm the alert has been transmitted properly to our Central Monitoring Station and the test is over.