Home Alarm System Engineer Code Needed

cairndog

In 2003 I bought a wired alarm system through Saga which included an installation package by a company called Eastern Services (UK) Ltd.

From then on I paid this company for an annual mantenance check which included access to a 24hr Alarm Maintenance Helpline.

Each year they wrote reminding me to book the annual check until 2010, when the cost was £70.50. (monitoring and maintenance would have been £195.75). Since then I have not had it done for various reasons.

Now I want to use a local security firm to maintain this Risco Gardtec 593 system but I need the Engineers Code to allow the new firm to proceed.

As the alarm system was purchased outright from Saga can they refuse to give us the code?

I can find nothing in the original paperwork to say we are tied to a contract with anyone ?

Jonesya

Can't help with the engineers code, but have you read through the installation manual (if you Google it, its available on line) you might be able to reset the engineers code if it hasn't been locked, or try the default code?

Also, can I ask why your getting maintained? You can test the functionality yourself with the walk and bell tests, and then just need to change the backup battery every few years which is easy enough.

cairndog

Jonesya wrote: »

Can't help with the engineers code, but have you read through the installation manual (if you Google it, its available on line) you might be able to reset the engineers code if it hasn't been locked, or try the default code?

Also, can I ask why your getting maintained? You can test the functionality yourself with the walk and bell tests, and then just need to change the backup battery every few years which is easy enough.

Installation Manual too complex for me ! but I've just had the battery replaced by a security engineer and he tried various codes but it seems to be locked. I feel it's only decent to pay this chap for a maintenance check (£45 which is very reasonable) and no tie into a contract but if they don't give us the code it will take him more time and so cost more.
This model is actually discontinued so this may be another problem in future ?

WobblyDog

If you have reasonable DIY and electrical skills, have you considered buying and fitting a new control panel yourself? Most brands are likely to be compatible with your existing wired sensors and bell-box(es). You will know all the codes and won't have to pay maintenance charges to anyone.

brightontraveller

If they don’t know how to reset it then I’d question there ability to service / maintain it :rotfl: an old system most would replace the unit at that age,,,,

Info/reset is available here

http://www.electricianforum.co.uk/private/Alarms/ALARM%20MANUALS%20%28D%29/RISCO%20Gardtec%20593%20ENG.pdf

Risteard

cairndog wrote: »

As the alarm system was purchased outright from Saga can they refuse to give us the code?

Yes, they can. As to give you the code would probably put all of their other clients at risk.

Biggles

Have you tried the default engineer code shown in the manual (1234)? It's quite possible that Eastern Services didn't change it.

My own maintenance company (who also originally installed it) were happy enough to give me the engineers code when I wanted to make some zone changes, but then they knew me as a customer. Maybe if Eastern Services put their own engineer code in, they will let you (or your new engineer) know what it is?

rich13348

According to the manual Brightontravelller foundt to reset the master and engineer codes do the following.
Remove all power from the system for at least 10 seconds. (This includes backup battery)
Restore mains power to the system and while it shows gaurdtec v.x.x (x.x will be the version of software).
Press 1 9 yes no
The screen will show please wait
It may stay on this screen for several minutes
It will then go back to unset
The default engineer code will be set to 1234 unless they have locked then you cannot change the code and you will have to get a new main board to change the engineer code.