WARNING: This manual contains information on limitations regarding product use and function and information on the limitations as to liability of the manufacturer. The entire manual should be carefully read. PC1616/PC1832/PC1864 User Manual. If your system has been installed with fire detectors and the alarm sounds in a pu lsing mode, follow your Emergency Evacuation Plan immediately. See guide for family escape planning elsewhere in this manual. Intrusion Alarm If an intrusion alarm sounds (continuous Bell/Siren), the alarm may be silenced by entering your access code. The DSC Power 1832 alarm system is DSC's mid level system in their hybrid series. Capable of up to 8 hardwired zones out of the box and expandable up to 32 wired or wireless. The DSC Power 1832 model offers four possible area partitions and can accommodate up to 48 user entry codes. We offer many different kit combos f. View online Installation instructions manual for DSC PK5500 Security System or simply click Download button to examine the DSC PK5500 guidelines offline on your desktop or laptop computer.

• Dsc Pk5500 User Manual
• Dsc Pk5500 Programming Manual
• Dsc Alarms Manuals
• Dsc Pk5500 Keypad User Manual
• Dsc Rfk5500 User Manual

UL Listed Commercial and Residential Installations

The installation requirements listed below must be met for the following
grades of service.
Grade AA Central Station and Police Connect (Standard or Encrypted Line
Security Service)
The installation must use T-Link module which communicates over LAN/WAN to
the Sur-Gard MLR-IP receiver or the TL200/250 which communicates over LAN/
WAN/Internet to the SG System III receiver. Polling time must be 90 seconds. Com-
promise detection time must be 6 minutes.
Grade A Local
•The installation must have a bell which is UL Listed for mercantile local alarms

(AMSECO MBL10B with model AB-12 bell housing).

•The digital communicator must be enabled.
•The control panel must be in the attack-resistant enclosure (DSC Model CMC-1

or PC4050CAR).

Grade B Central Station and Police Connect
•The installation must have a bell which is UL Listed for mercantile local alarms

(AMSECO MBL10B with model AB-12 bell housing).

•The digital communicator must be enabled.
•The control panel must be in the attack resistant enclosure (DSC Model CMC-1

or PC4050CAR).

Grade C Central Station
•The digital communicator must be enabled.
•The control panel must be in the attack resistant enclosure (DSC Model CMC-1

or PC4050CAR).

All Commercial Installations
•The Entry Delay must not exceed 120 seconds
•The Exit Delay must not exceed 120 seconds.
•The minimum Bell Time-out is 15 minutes.
Residential Fire & Burglary Installations
•The Entry Delay must not exceed 45 seconds
•The Exit Delay must not exceed 60 seconds.
•The minimum Bell Time-out is 4 minutes.
Home Health Care Signaling Equipment
•There must be at least two keypads, one of either the LCD5500Z/LCD5520Z or

LCD5501Z and one of the following models, PC5508Z, PC5516Z or PC5532Z.

•Each system shall be programmed to activate an audible Trouble signal within 90

seconds upon loss of microprocessor memory.

•The minimum Bell Time-out is 5 minutes.
Programming
The notes in the programming sections describing the system configurations for
UL Listed installations must be implemented.
Control of the Protected Premises
In order to have a UL Certificated system the protected area is to be under the
responsibility of one ownership and management (i.e., one business under one
name). This may be a group of buildings attached or unattached with different
addresses but under the responsibility of someone having mutual interest. The
person of mutual interest is not the alarm-installing company.
Bell Location
The alarm sounding device (bell) must be located where it can be heard by the
person or persons responsible for maintaining the security system during the daily
arming cycle.
Protection of the Control Unit
The local control and the local power supply must be protected in one of the fol-
lowing ways:
•The control unit and audible alarm device must be in a protected area which is

armed 24 hours a day.

•Each partition must arm the area protecting the control unit and the audible

alarm device power supply. This may require duplicate protection armed by each
partition. Access to this protected area, without causing an alarm, will require
that all partitions be disarmed.

•In all cases described above, the protected area for the control unit must be pro-

grammed as not-bypassable.

Casual Users
The installer should caution the user(s) not to give system information to casual
users (e.g. codes, bypass methods, etc. to baby-sitters or service people). Only the
One-Time Use codes should be given to casual users.

User Information
The installer should advise the users and note in the User’s Manual:
•Service organization name and telephone number
•The programmed exit time
•The programmed entry time
•Test system weekly
Two-Wire Smoke Detector Compatibility (if available)
Maximum loop resistance: 24 Ohms
•Operating Voltage Range: 9.8 - 13.8 V

DC

•Maximum Alarm Current: 89 mA
•Compatibility Identifier: PC18-1
See Section 5PGM Wiring for compatible 2-wire smoke detectors.

SIA FAR Installations

Minimum requirement system for SIA-FAR Installations:

• 1 PC1616/PC1832/PC1864 Control panel
• 2 Local annunciation devices

The local annunciation devices may be any combination of the following keypads,
as long as there is at least one LCD keypad in the installation (Model LCD5500Z or
PK5500).

• LCD5500Z

• LCD5501Z

• PK5500

• PK5508

• PKP-LCD

• PKP-ICN

• PK5501

• PK5516

The following optional subassembly modules also bear the SIA FAR classification
and may be used if desired:

PC5108 Zone Expander Module
Compatible initiating devices: Bravo200 series, 300 series, 400 series, 500 series,
600 series, AC-100, Encore300 series, Force200 series, 210 series, MN240.

PC5208 Low Current PGM Output Module
The following optional accessory modules also bear the SIA FAR classification and
may be used if desired.
PC5204 Auxiliary Power Supply with PGM output ports
Escort5580/Escort5580TC, PC5400 Printer Module

Caution

• For SIA FAR installations, only use modules / devices that are listed on this page.
• Fire Alarm Verification feature (Auto Verified Fire zone) is not supported on 2-

wire smoke detectors zones. This feature may be enabled for 4-wire smoke
detectors only.

• Call Waiting Cancel (Section 382 Option 4) feature on a non-Call Waiting line

will prevent successful communication to the central station.

• All smoke detectors on the system must be tested annually by conducting the

Installer Walk Test prior to exiting the walk test mode, a sensor reset must be
conducted on the system, [

✱][7][2] to reset all latching 4-wire smoke detectors.

Please refer to the smoke detector installation instructions on how to correctly
test the detectors.

Notes

• Programming at installation may be subordinate to other UL requirements for

the intended application.

• Cross zones have the ability to individually protect the intended area (e.g.,

motion detectors, which overlap).

• Cross zoning is not recommended for line security Installations nor is it to be

implemented on exit / entry zones.

• There is a communication delay of 30 seconds in this control panel. It can be

removed, or it can be increased up to 45 seconds at the option of the end user
by consulting with the Installer.

• Do not duplicate any reporting codes. This applies for all communication for-

mats other than SIA sending automatic programmed reporting codes.

• The control unit must be installed with a local sounding device and an off-

premise transmission for SIA communication format.

Dsc Pk5500 User Manual

• For ULC Listed Fire Monitoring Installations & module requirements, please refer

to the ULC Installation Information sheet, part# 29002157.

• Use a CSA/cUL transformer, hardwired.
• All tamper circuits may be connected to the same zone.
• Use ULC-LA for AC Power indication.

LISTING REQUIREMENTS

Causes and Solutions

If your DSC home alarm is beeping every 10 seconds or so, there could be many possible causes. In most cases, it’s because the alarm panel has detected one or more “trouble” conditions. These include things like low battery trouble, phone line failure, and communication problems, among many others.

Note: DSC keypads also emit 'normal' beeping caused by the 'Chime' function. You can easily toggle this on or off by pressing and holding the 'Chime' button on any keypad that has function keys. For keypads without a chime button, just press '*4'.

On this page, I’ll show you how to silence trouble beeping, and how to use a few easy keypad commands to find the source of the trouble. I’ll also explain how to fix some of the most common causes of alarm system beeping.

If you have a brand of alarm panel other than DSC, see 'My Alarm Keeps Beeping - What Can I Do?'.

While beeping alarm keypads can be very annoying, they’re designed that way for a reason. The alarm beep is intended to get your attention so you’ll go to the keypad, where you can then get a detailed visual indication of what the problem is. Unfortunately, these problems usually seem to crop up in the middle of the night!

How to Silence the Beeping Keypads

1) Go to any keypad and make sure the system is disarmed. If not, enter your disarm code as usual.
2) Press the “#” key. This will silence your DSC alarm system keypads.
With the noise eliminated, you can relax a bit and figure out what to do next.

Be aware that the keypads COULD begin beeping again.
The # key doesn’t DISABLE beeping keypads; it only stops beeps for the CURRENT trouble condition.
Keypads may begin beeping again if:
1. The ORIGINAL cause of the trouble condition momentarily clears itself, then returns, or
2. A DIFFERENT trouble condition occurs
In either case, pressing the # key again will acknowledge and silence the latest beeping event.

Reading Trouble Conditions

Trouble codes are displayed on DSC keypads using either LED’s (on basic LED keypads) or as text (on LCD keypads with alphanumeric displays).
Over the years, DSC has made many different alarm panels, and they don’t all share the same trouble code scheme. For this reason, I highly recommend you download a copy of the “User Manual” for your specific panel model.
You can find links to free DSC manuals on my alarm system manual sources page.

Displaying the Trouble Codes

Go to any keypad and press “*”, then “2”. The keypad will switch from its “idle” display to its “trouble code” display. The lit LED’s or text will now correspond to the trouble code table. The example below is for the Power 832/864 family of panels.

Notice that if a “1” is displayed (“Service Required”), pressing the “1” key again will cause the specific problem to be displayed.
Note: If you have a DSC model PC4020, there won’t be any numbers. This system uses LCD keypads with fixed displays, so instead of numbers, the trouble condition is spelled out in text form.
Make a note of the trouble condition(s). I’ve listed some of the most common problems below, along with ways to handle them.
After attempting to correct any of the problems below, the trouble display may not clear immediately. Arming, then disarming the system will reset most trouble displays.

If there are no trouble codes displayed when you press *2, your DSC system isn’t the problem.
The beeping is probably coming from another device. For example, you may have a hard wired smoke detector chirping due to a low battery.
In that case, see How to Stop a Beeping Smoke Alarm.

Top 6 Reasons Why Your DSC Home Alarm is Beeping

1. Battery Trouble

If your DSC home alarm is beeping due to this condition, the main panel battery is low or failing.

If you’ve recently had a power outage, wait 24-48 hours after power is restored. The battery may simply have discharged, and will recharge when the electricity comes back on. If the beeping persists, the battery probably needs to be replaced.
The battery can be replaced by your alarm company, if you have one. Or, if you’re fairly handy, you may be able to fix it yourself. Replacing an alarm battery isn’t very difficult, provided you can reach the main panel box.
For details on doing this yourself, see my page on DIY alarm system battery replacement.

2. AC Trouble

If your DSC home alarm is beeping for AC trouble, it means that the panel isn’t getting power from the low voltage transformer. This is a small cube that plugs into an outlet, usually near the main panel.
Possible problems and solutions:

• Transformer is unplugged (Plug it in)
• Transformer has a blown internal fuse (Replace transformer)
• Outlet has no power (Check for a tripped circuit breaker)
  

For transformer details, see the alarm system battery page.

3. TLM Trouble – Telephone Line Monitor

If your DSC home alarm is beeping due to this condition, then it isn’t able to see the telephone line. The line may have been cut or damaged, or the phone service may simply be down.
If your phones are out, check for dial tone by plugging a standard telephone into the jack in the phone box outside the house.
If it’s dead there, call your phone service provider.
If it’s good, something may have been disconnected between the alarm panel and the exterior phone box. In this case, you’ll probably need an alarm technician to come out and trace the line.

4. FTC Trouble – Fail to Communicate

Dsc Pk5500 Programming Manual

When a DSC home alarm is beeping for this condition, it means that the panel was unable to call the central station. This could be a result of no phone line as described above, in which case fixing the line will clear this condition as well.
Otherwise, check with your alarm company for instructions. They can check your alarm’s reporting activity, and advise you on further steps to take.
Note: FTC troubles will clear only when the panel successfully sends a signal to the central station. Call your alarm representative for help with this.

5. Zone Tamper and Low Zone Battery Trouble

If your DSC home alarm is beeping for either of these conditions, there is a problem with some form of wireless security equipment. This can include wireless door and window transmitters, remote keypads, and wireless keyfobs.
Tamper means the plastic cover is loose, missing, or somehow not attached correctly. Check the affected zone; you may be able to easily re-attach a loose cover.
A Low Zone Battery is generated when a remote transmitter battery is low or failing. If you do your own battery changes, replace the batteries in the affected transmitters. Otherwise, contact your alarm company for service.

6. Loss of System Time

If your DSC home alarm is beeping for time loss, the internal clock will need to be reset. To do this, follow these steps:

• Press (*6) (Master Code) (1)
• Enter the time as HH MM in 24-hour format (00:00 to 23:59)
• Enter the date as MM DD YY

All entries must be 2-digits; for example, January is month 01.

These are the system trouble conditions I’ve seen most often. For help with other trouble conditions, check the manual for your specific panel model.

If your DSC home alarm is beeping even after you’ve tried everything, it may be time to consider replacing it.

This is especially true if you have an older system that's been discontinued.

Some points to consider:

• Most newer DSC keypads are backwards-compatible with older models of panel, so you can probably find a replacement for a worn-out keypad. Depending on the age and condition of the system, this could be a good option
  

• A new system can easily be had these days for as little as $99, or even free in some cases, provided you go with monitoring. This makes spending money on a very old system much less cost effective than it used to be

• If you own a smartphone or other web-enabled device, consider how handy it would be to use it to remotely arm and disarm your system. Many newer systems are designed to be smartphone-compatible from the ground up. If you happen to have (or plan to have) cameras, many systems allow remote live viewing and playback on smart devices

If you need to replace a hardwired DSC system, there is some good news...

You already have wiring in place, which is often the biggest expense for a hardwired system.

And, you can probably re-use your existing hardwired devices like door and window contacts, motion detectors, and glassbreak detectors with the new system.

If you have an older system that's starting to have problems, you may be thinking about replacing it.

To find out how much a new system might cost, get some free price quotes from alarm dealers in your area. Just answer a few questions below, and you'll receive your quotes via email.

These quotes are absolutely free!

Related Articles:

DSC 832 Tips and Advice
DSC Power 832
The DSC Power 1832 - Doing the DSC 832 'One' Better!

Help with other brands:

Radionics Alarm Systems

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Dsc Alarms Manuals

Dsc Pk5500 Keypad User Manual

Dsc Rfk5500 User Manual