If you have an older Broadview home security system in good working order, you can probably keep it going for a few more years at least.
If you are currently under contract with an alarm company, they most likely take care of service issues for you. If you're not under contract, you can still do many maintenance jobs yourself.
For example, all alarm systems will require a battery change every 3-5
years, an occasional switch or magnet replaced, and usually not much more.
Broadview security originated from Brinks alarm systems, and
soon after that was acquired by ADT security services. All of these
(formerly) Brinks systems were designed as proprietary equipment. This means that
only an authorized dealer can program arm/disarm codes, account
information, and other important data into the systems.
At this
point, any system you find will have had its Broadview security default
code re-programmed. And, there is no easy way to restore this default
code once it’s been changed.
To make a long story short, you MUST know the master code to be able to use your Broadview home security
system for the long term.
Without a valid master code, your options are:
If you DO have a working master code, you can operate your alarm
as a “local” system, meaning that it doesn’t report to a central
station. If you ever decide have the system monitored, ADT security will
likely be your only choice.
Most Broadview/Brinks equipment out there is easily 15-20 years old
or more. Wear-and-tear is especially rough on keypads, which get the
most physical use on a daily basis.
Keypads can be found online, but there aren’t many available from any single source. I found these during a recent search:
Brinks Keypad for BHS2000 panel
Brinks Keypad for BHS3102 panel
As time goes on, there will be even fewer still.
Check out this page for some steps you can take to extend the useful life of older Brinks home security systems.
So, what’s the best course of action?
I
recommend keeping your working Broadview home security system as long
as you’re comfortable with it. Continue to use it, knowing that one day
it will have to be replaced.
When you finally do have to replace your Broadview alarm system, you’ll have several money-saving options to choose from.
To begin with, Broadview home security systems used hardwired equipment. This means that you can likely connect your existing door and window contacts to any new hardwired alarm system of your choice. The savings here alone could be a big help, especially if you have many doors and windows.
Note: If the
new system requires them, you may have to install new end-of-line resistors
on the contact wiring, but that’s not difficult to do.
Another money-saver: Most Broadview panels used 12-volt auxiliary power to run standard motion detectors, glassbreak sensors, and other powered devices. The vast majority of newer security systems also provide the same 12-volt output, so you should be able to re-use these devices.
A third way to save: Have your new alarm system monitored.
At first, central station alarm monitoring might seem more like an expense rather than a money-saver. However, consider this:
Where do you get fire alarm systems? The best home alarm systems
available now also support the connection of low-voltage smoke
detectors. Adding one or more of these detectors (depending on the size
of your house) gives you a combination burglary and fire system.
Learn more about saving money on home security alarm monitoring.
Help on how to decide whether or not to get home alarm system monitoring.
As you can see, you’ll eventually have to say goodbye to your old Broadview alarm system. When you do, at least you now have some ways to keep the new system from breaking the bank.
Brinks Security Systems – When to Hold’em, When to Fold’em
DIY Alarm System Battery Replacement
Finding Alarm Manuals
Learn more about Hardwire Contacts
Return to Home Security Systems Answers from Broadview Home Security
Return to Broadview Security from Broadview Home Security – Problems and Solutions
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