I have only had this brand new home security alarm box since Jan 05, it stopped working. A tech came out and told me that it was dead but he didn't know why.

This hasn't even been in a year. I need guidance on how to check it myself to see what the problem is, because this guy may be jerking me around. They want $500 to replace it and I can't afford it. Any Help Please. There is an FC flashing on the touch pad. Failure to communicate is what it means, but how can I be sure that it can't be fixed?

Janet, November 2005

In my experience with alarms, the FC does mean Failure to Communicate which could mean one of two things 1) lightning has hit your alarm system thru the telephone line and fried it (which is not covered under any warranty - act of god) 2) something has happened to the telephone line that it is connected with. You say that it is dead - when you try the alarm code + the off button - it doesn't do anything? Try turning on the chime and if that works - it just seems like something is wrong with the phone line only. IF you can't get any of these to work - it does sound like you system is fried and you can bet it was due to lightning. Since your system is susceptible to lightning, you need to add a lightning protector to your phone line - between phone box outside and your alarm system.

Michelle, May 2006

Firstly it smells of cowboys not to know what's wrong with an alarm they install. Secondly why do they want £500 to change it, Write them a letter explaining the situation once again and send it by recorded delivery so they have to sign for it.
Then if you get nowhere telephone them once more and if still the same then contact the Trading standards office
details below on how to get to the site that will send the info you enter to your local trading standards office or you can look them up in the telephone book and phone your local one direct.

Internet link

Got to www.dti.gov.uk/salegoodsact
Up comes the following:
< Sorry, the page you are looking for might have been removed, had its address changed, or is temporarily unavailable.

Please try the Department of Trade and Industry Homepage and look for the links to the information you want. >
click on red text.

In the red box click on < Consumers & Competition >


In left column click on

Scroll down slow and
Click on < Trading Standards Departments>
On left click on < for consumers>
On left click on < Telephone and Mailing Preverence Services>
at the next screen count down five lines of text and
click on < If you have a complaint which you would like trading standards to investigate or advise, please click here.>
Click the < make a complaint> circle on left.
Click on the county you live in. A larger map may show if it's split like mine [East and West Sussex] then click appropriate area.
It seems the same screeen has come back just press the proceed button in the middle then yes to the secure item box then enter your contact details on the form and follow on screen instructions and make your complaint or ask for help in dealing with this problem.
If I can give anymore help I'll try
email robertwhiting76@hotmail.com with the following

1. Is the unit still under guarantee/warranty?

2. Have you a receipt for the installation/unit. ?

3. Name & address with phone number of firm who supplied and installed. ?

4. Name of maker and model of unit and the makers address and telephone number if UK..
5. Your name Janet Who??

SECURITY ADVICE:>
If you don't wish to reveal email Identity then open another question sheet on How to mend it site put it in the Home alarm systems section entitled in caps BOB NEED MORE HELP and the information i've asked for. I will tell you the same way what i've been able, if anything, to do on your behalf. I'll watch the site for 1 week only after that I will assume trading standards are dealing.
Bob Whiting

Bob Whiting, November 2005