10 Most Common Security System Problems (And How to Fix Them)

1. Camera Shows "No Signal" or Black Screen

Symptoms: Monitor/app displays black screen, "No Signal," or "Video Loss"

Common Causes:

• Loose cable connections (most common in Perth's hot weather - cables expand/contract)
• Damaged cables (rodents, lawn equipment, weather deterioration)
• Power supply failure
• Camera hardware failure

DIY Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Check power: Verify the camera has power (look for LED lights). For PoE cameras, check network switch connections.
2. Inspect cables: Follow cable from camera to DVR/NVR. Look for cuts, damage, or loose connections. Reconnect firmly.
3. Swap cables: If you have a working camera, swap cables to isolate if the issue is the cable or camera.
4. Check DVR/NVR inputs: Ensure cable is connected to correct port. Try a different port.
5. Reboot system: Power cycle DVR/NVR (turn off 30 seconds, restart).

When to Call a Professional: If steps above don't resolve it, the camera or DVR/NVR likely needs replacement. We can test on-site.

2. Poor Night Vision or Grainy Footage

Symptoms: Footage is dark, grainy, or unusable at night

Common Causes:

• Infrared (IR) LEDs failing (cameras typically last 3-5 years in Perth heat)
• Lens covered in dust/dirt/spiderwebs (very common in Perth)
• Camera positioned facing reflective surfaces (windows, glass)
• Insufficient lighting in area

DIY Solutions:

1. Clean lens: Use microfiber cloth to gently clean camera lens and IR LED array. Perth dust and coastal salt buildup significantly degrades image quality.
2. Check IR LEDs: At night, look at camera - you should see faint red glow from IR LEDs. If no glow, LEDs have failed.
3. Remove obstructions: Clear spider webs, remove plants blocking camera view.
4. Adjust positioning: Don't point cameras at reflective surfaces. IR light bounces back, creating "whiteout" effect.
5. Add external lighting: Motion-activated LED floodlights dramatically improve night footage quality.

Perth-Specific Tip: Clean cameras quarterly in Perth. Dust storms, salt air (coastal areas), and spider webs accumulate quickly.

3. Can't Access Cameras Remotely on Phone

Symptoms: Cameras work locally but mobile app won't connect remotely

Common Causes:

• Internet connection lost (router/modem issue)
• Cloud service subscription expired
• Port forwarding settings changed (router firmware update)
• Dynamic IP address changed

DIY Troubleshooting:

1. Test on local WiFi: Can you view cameras when connected to home WiFi? If yes, it's a remote access configuration issue, not camera problem.
2. Check internet connection: Ensure DVR/NVR has active internet (check router lights, test on other devices).
3. Restart router & DVR: Power cycle both devices. Wait 2 minutes between restarts.
4. Verify cloud subscription: Some systems require paid cloud access. Check subscription status in app.
5. Check app permissions: Ensure mobile app has camera/network permissions enabled in phone settings.

Professional Help Needed: If above doesn't work, port forwarding or DDNS configuration likely needs reconfiguring. This requires technical networking knowledge.

4. False Alarms / Nuisance Triggering

Symptoms: Alarm triggers when there's no actual intrusion

Common Causes in Perth:

• Motion sensors triggered by pets, insects, or ceiling fans
• Door/window sensors loose from frame (heat expansion/contraction)
• Low battery in wireless sensors
• Environmental factors (extreme heat, balloons, moving curtains)

Solutions:

1. Pet-immune sensors: If you have pets, ensure motion detectors are "pet-immune" models (ignore animals up to 40kg). Position sensors high on walls angled downward.
2. Sensor positioning: Keep motion detectors away from:
   • • Air conditioning vents (moving air triggers sensors)
   • • Windows with direct sunlight (heat changes trigger sensors)
   • • Ceiling fans or moving objects
3. Check batteries: Replace batteries in wireless sensors annually (more frequently in Perth heat - batteries degrade faster).
4. Tighten sensors: Door/window sensors must be firmly attached. Perth heat causes adhesive to fail. Use screws for permanent installation.
5. Clean sensors: Dust and insects inside motion detectors can cause false triggers. Remove cover and clean with compressed air.

Important: Multiple false alarms may result in police non-response. Address issues immediately.

5. Alarm Panel Shows "Low Battery" or "AC Loss"

Symptoms: Beeping panel, warning messages, or alarm won't arm

Causes:

• Backup battery depleted (typical lifespan: 3-5 years)
• Power supply failure
• Recent power outage drained battery

Solutions:

1. Check main power: Verify alarm panel is plugged in and circuit breaker is on.
2. Replace backup battery: Most alarm panels use 12V sealed lead-acid batteries. These are available at security suppliers or electronics stores. Replacement is straightforward but note polarity (red = positive, black = negative).
3. Reset panel: After replacing battery, power cycle the system to clear error messages.

Perth Climate Note: Extreme heat shortens battery life. If temperatures regularly exceed 40°C where panel is installed, consider relocating panel or expect more frequent battery replacement.

6. Can't Arm/Disarm Alarm from Phone App

Symptoms: Smartphone app won't connect or control alarm

Causes:

• Internet/WiFi connection lost
• Alarm panel communication module offline
• App needs update
• Subscription expired (for cloud-connected systems)

Troubleshooting:

1. Test manually: Can you arm/disarm from physical keypad? If yes, issue is connectivity, not alarm system.
2. Check internet: Verify alarm panel has internet connection (usually ethernet cable or cellular module).
3. Update app: Ensure you're running latest app version from app store.
4. Check subscription: Some smart alarm systems require paid monitoring/app access.
5. Restart panel: Power cycle alarm panel (may require entering installer code).

7. Door Lock Won't Release / Card Reader Not Working

Symptoms: Valid card/code doesn't unlock door, or door stays locked

Common Causes:

• Electric strike/magnetic lock power failure
• Card reader dirty or damaged
• Door misaligned (Perth heat causes building expansion)
• Controller offline or database corrupt

Troubleshooting:

1. Check power: Verify electric strike/mag lock has power (green LED usually visible).
2. Clean reader: Wipe card reader surface with microfiber cloth. Perth dust accumulation affects reader sensitivity.
3. Test different card/code: Try multiple credentials. If some work and others don't, it's a database/permission issue, not hardware.
4. Check door alignment: Door must close flush for magnetic locks to engage properly. Heat expansion can cause misalignment.
5. Override test: Most access systems have manual override (key or button). Test if lock physically works.

8. System Offline After Power Outage

Symptoms: Security system won't restart after power restored

Solutions:

1. Check circuit breakers: Power surge may have tripped breaker. Reset all relevant breakers.
2. Inspect power supplies: Check all power adapters for damage. Look for burn marks or smell.
3. Power cycle properly: Turn off all components, wait 2 minutes, then power on in sequence: router → DVR/alarm panel → cameras/sensors.
4. Check surge protection: If surge protector failed, replace it and test connected devices.

Prevention: Install UPS (uninterruptible power supply) for critical components. Perth's storm season causes frequent brief outages.

9. Recording Stopped / Hard Drive Full

Symptoms: "HDD Full," "No Recording," or old footage won't delete

Solutions:

1. Check overwrite settings: DVR/NVR should auto-delete oldest footage when full. Verify "Overwrite" is enabled in settings.
2. Archive important footage: If hard drive is full of important evidence, backup to USB/cloud before enabling overwrite.
3. Upgrade storage: Modern 4K cameras fill storage quickly. Consider upgrading to larger capacity HDD (2TB → 4TB+).
4. Adjust retention: Reduce recording quality or frame rate to extend storage duration if needed.
5. Check HDD health: Hard drives last 3-5 years with continuous recording. Replace if showing errors.

10. Forgot Password / Locked Out of System

Symptoms: Can't access DVR, alarm panel, or access control system

Solutions:

1. Try default passwords: Common defaults: admin/admin, admin/12345, admin/[blank]. (Change these immediately after gaining access!)
2. Check documentation: Original installer may have documented passwords in handover pack.
3. Password recovery: Most modern systems have password recovery via email/security questions.
4. Factory reset (last resort): This erases all settings/recordings. Contact manufacturer for proper reset procedure.
5. Professional unlock: We can reset most systems without losing configuration/recordings using manufacturer tools.

Important: Store passwords securely. Use password manager app, not sticky notes!