Security system faults, explained by an engineer
Every page below covers one specific fault: how it presents, what actually causes it, what you can safely check yourself before paying anyone, and what an engineer does on the visit. Written for alarms, CCTV, door entry and network faults across Kent and South East London.
01634 944161All 80 guides
- Abbey WoodCCTV not recording in Abbey WoodLive view works but there is no footage to play back. This page covers the causes worth checking on wireless alarm systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- AylesfordCCTV going black or washed out at night: what causes it and how it is fixed in AylesfordNight-time images are unusable. This page covers the causes worth checking on IP CCTV systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- BekesbourneBekesbourne fault guide, burglar alarm beeping or chirpingStop the noise and find out what is wrong. This page covers the causes worth checking on colour night-vision CCTV, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- BiddendenDiagnosing alarm going off for no reason on Biddenden systemsStop repeated false activations. This page covers the causes worth checking on fob and card access control, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Boughton MonchelseaCamera showing offline on the recorder or app in Boughton MonchelseaGet a dropped camera back online. This page covers the causes worth checking on mobile credential access systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- BromleyCCTV app not connecting remotely: what causes it and how it is fixed in BromleyView cameras away from home again. This page covers the causes worth checking on point-to-point wireless links, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- CharingCharing fault guide, lost alarm engineer or master codeRegain control of a panel nobody has the code for. This page covers the causes worth checking on alarm servicing and takeovers, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- ChislehurstDiagnosing door release or entry system not working on Chislehurst systemsGet a communal or office door working again. This page covers the causes worth checking on app-controlled alarm systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- CranbrookAccess fobs or cards stopped working in CranbrookGet staff or residents back through the door. This page covers the causes worth checking on perimeter beam systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- DarlandWiFi dead spots in part of the building: what causes it and how it is fixed in DarlandGet usable coverage in rooms that do not work. This page covers the causes worth checking on panic alarm systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- DunkirkDunkirk fault guide, wiFi keeps dropping outStop intermittent disconnections. This page covers the causes worth checking on security fog systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- EynsfordDiagnosing cCTV footage too blurry to identify anyone on Eynsford systemsGet footage that is actually usable as evidence. This page covers the causes worth checking on DVR and NVR recording systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- FordcombeAlarm will not set in FordcombeGet the system arming again before leaving the property. This page covers the causes worth checking on bullet camera systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- GravesendRecorder storage full or overwriting too soon: what causes it and how it is fixed in GravesendKeep enough days of footage to be useful. This page covers the causes worth checking on starlight low-light camera systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- HarrietshamHarrietsham fault guide, alarm siren will not stopSilence a sounding bell box immediately. This page covers the causes worth checking on solar-powered CCTV systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- HernhillDiagnosing intercom or video entry not working on Hernhill systemsRestore the door entry handset or panel. This page covers the causes worth checking on video doorbell systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- HuntonGetting usable evidence after a break-in in HuntonExport footage properly for the police and insurer. This page covers the causes worth checking on CCTV video analytics systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Joydens WoodSecurity system down after a power cut: what causes it and how it is fixed in Joydens WoodRestore alarm, CCTV or access after an outage. This page covers the causes worth checking on vehicle barrier systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Langton GreenLangton Green fault guide, neighbour or privacy complaint about domestic CCTVKeep cameras lawful and keep the peace. This page covers the causes worth checking on biometric access systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- LittlebourneDiagnosing taking on a security system left by the previous owner on Littlebourne systemsUnderstand and take control of an unfamiliar system. This page covers the causes worth checking on electric strike lock systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- LuddesdownCCTV recorder unreachable from the mobile app in LuddesdownGet remote camera viewing working again. This page covers the causes worth checking on time and attendance systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- MeophamCCTV footage showing the wrong date or time: what causes it and how it is fixed in MeophamCorrect incorrect timestamps on recorded video. This page covers the causes worth checking on PoE network switch systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- North CrayNorth Cray fault guide, cCTV recorder shows no signal on a channelRestore picture to a single dead camera channel. This page covers the causes worth checking on business wireless access point systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- PeckhamDiagnosing poE port on the recorder or switch not powering a camera on Peckham systemsFix a camera that stopped getting power over the network cable. This page covers the causes worth checking on UPS power protection systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- PluckleyWater ingress affecting CCTV cabling in PluckleyStop intermittent camera faults caused by wet cabling. This page covers the causes worth checking on wireless site survey services, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- RobertsbridgeConstant CCTV motion alerts flooding your phone: what causes it and how it is fixed in RobertsbridgeCut down excessive motion notifications from CCTV. This page covers the causes worth checking on emergency callout repair services, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- SellingSelling fault guide, unable to export CCTV footage to a USB driveGet recorded footage off the system and onto a drive. This page covers the causes worth checking on retention and storage planning services, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- SinglewellDiagnosing cCTV recorder screen showing no output on Singlewell systemsRestore a blank local display on a CCTV recorder. This page covers the causes worth checking on wireless alarm systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- SouthboroughCCTV image showing distortion or colour banding in SouthboroughCorrect a warped or oddly coloured camera picture. This page covers the causes worth checking on IP CCTV systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- StoneCondensation building up inside a camera dome: what causes it and how it is fixed in StoneClear misting or condensation from a CCTV camera housing. This page covers the causes worth checking on colour night-vision CCTV, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Sutton ValenceSutton Valence fault guide, cCTV recorder rebooting on its ownStop a recorder restarting repeatedly. This page covers the causes worth checking on fob and card access control, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- TicehurstDiagnosing cCTV audio not being recorded alongside video on Ticehurst systemsCapture sound as well as picture on CCTV footage. This page covers the causes worth checking on mobile credential access systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- UlcombeCCTV recorder firmware update failed or stuck in UlcombeRecover a recorder that failed to update firmware. This page covers the causes worth checking on point-to-point wireless links, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- WalthamstowCCTV hard drive making a clicking or grinding noise: what causes it and how it is fixed in WalthamstowRespond to a noisy failing recorder hard drive. This page covers the causes worth checking on alarm servicing and takeovers, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- WigmoreWigmore fault guide, cCTV camera knocked or drifted out of its aimed positionRealign a camera that is no longer covering the intended area. This page covers the causes worth checking on app-controlled alarm systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- WyeDiagnosing cCTV cameras triggering on false motion events on Wye systemsReduce false motion detection events on CCTV recordings. This page covers the causes worth checking on perimeter beam systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- AshForgotten CCTV recorder password in AshRegain access to a CCTV recorder after losing the password. This page covers the causes worth checking on panic alarm systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- BeanNew CCTV equipment not compatible with existing analogue cabling: what causes it and how it is fixed in BeanUnderstand why a CCTV upgrade is not working with existing cables. This page covers the causes worth checking on security fog systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- BexleyheathBexleyheath fault guide, network video recorder showing an IP address conflictResolve an IP address clash affecting CCTV cameras. This page covers the causes worth checking on DVR and NVR recording systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- BorstalDiagnosing cCTV app only works on home WiFi, not on mobile data on Borstal systemsFix CCTV remote viewing that fails away from the home network. This page covers the causes worth checking on bullet camera systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- BrixtonAlarm zone showing as omitted and not being monitored in BrixtonUnderstand and fix an omitted alarm zone. This page covers the causes worth checking on starlight low-light camera systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- CapstoneAlarm keypad screen completely blank: what causes it and how it is fixed in CapstoneRestore a dead or blank alarm keypad display. This page covers the causes worth checking on solar-powered CCTV systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- ChattendenChattenden fault guide, alarm system showing a persistent tamper faultClear a tamper fault preventing the alarm from arming properly. This page covers the causes worth checking on video doorbell systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- CoolingDiagnosing alarm bell box strobe flashing but siren not sounding on Cooling systemsFix an alarm that flashes but produces no audible sound. This page covers the causes worth checking on CCTV video analytics systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- CuxtonWireless alarm sensor showing lost signal or supervision fault in CuxtonReconnect a wireless alarm sensor that has dropped off the system. This page covers the causes worth checking on vehicle barrier systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- DoverAlarm repeatedly triggered by a pet moving around the property: what causes it and how it is fixed in DoverStop pets setting off the burglar alarm. This page covers the causes worth checking on biometric access systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- ElthamEltham fault guide, alarm panel obsolete with no replacement parts availableDecide what to do about an alarm panel no longer supported. This page covers the causes worth checking on electric strike lock systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- FolkestoneDiagnosing alarm entry and exit timers set incorrectly on Folkestone systemsAdjust alarm timers that are too short or too long. This page covers the causes worth checking on time and attendance systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Grafty GreenAlarm signal not reaching the monitoring centre in Grafty GreenFix a monitored alarm that is not communicating properly. This page covers the causes worth checking on PoE network switch systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- HadlowAlarm keyfob not arming or disarming the system: what causes it and how it is fixed in HadlowFix an unresponsive alarm remote keyfob. This page covers the causes worth checking on business wireless access point systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- HempsteadHempstead fault guide, alarm battery keeps failing repeatedlyFind out why replacement batteries keep failing so fast. This page covers the causes worth checking on UPS power protection systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- HollingbourneDiagnosing alarm gives no exit tone when leaving on Hollingbourne systemsRestore the exit warning tone before leaving the building. This page covers the causes worth checking on wireless site survey services, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Istead RiseAlarm event log unreadable or corrupted in Istead RiseGet a usable history of alarm events after a fault or incident. This page covers the causes worth checking on emergency callout repair services, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- LamberhurstAlarm siren too loud or causing complaints: what causes it and how it is fixed in LamberhurstReduce siren volume or duration without losing effective warning. This page covers the causes worth checking on retention and storage planning services, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- LewishamLewisham fault guide, access control door not locking after closingDiagnose a door that fails to secure itself after someone passes through. This page covers the causes worth checking on wireless alarm systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Lower HalstowDiagnosing magnetic lock not releasing or holding door open on Lower Halstow systemsResolve a maglock that will not release or will not hold securely. This page covers the causes worth checking on IP CCTV systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Mark CrossAccess control reader stuck on red light: what causes it and how it is fixed in Mark CrossIdentify why a card reader shows a constant red status and rejects valid cards. This page covers the causes worth checking on colour night-vision CCTV, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- New ElthamDoor closer slamming shut on access-controlled doors: what causes it and how it is fixed in New ElthamStop an access-controlled door slamming and prevent damage or complaints. This page covers the causes worth checking on fob and card access control, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Paddock WoodPaddock Wood fault guide, door intercom audio only working one wayFix an intercom where only one side can hear the other. This page covers the causes worth checking on mobile credential access systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Petts WoodDiagnosing automatic gate motor stalling or reversing on Petts Wood systemsDiagnose a gate motor that stalls, reverses or refuses to complete its swing. This page covers the causes worth checking on point-to-point wireless links, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- RiverheadAccess control fire alarm interface fault in RiverheadResolve a fault linking the access control system to the fire alarm release interface. This page covers the causes worth checking on alarm servicing and takeovers, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- RyarshConcern about access cards being cloned or copied: what causes it and how it is fixed in RyarshUnderstand the risk of card cloning and how to reduce it. This page covers the causes worth checking on app-controlled alarm systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- ShorneShorne fault guide, emergency door release button not workingFix a break-glass or push-to-exit emergency release that fails to open the door. This page covers the causes worth checking on perimeter beam systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Sole StreetDiagnosing concern about tailgating through access-controlled doors on Sole Street systemsReduce unauthorised entry by people following an authorised user through a door. This page covers the causes worth checking on panic alarm systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- StaplehurstWi-Fi upload speeds much slower than download in StaplehurstExplain why uploads lag well behind download speed on the network. This page covers the causes worth checking on security fog systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- SundridgeGuest Wi-Fi network not working properly: what causes it and how it is fixed in SundridgeResolve guest network access, isolation or speed issues. This page covers the causes worth checking on DVR and NVR recording systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- TeynhamTeynham fault guide, wi-Fi drops connection while moving between roomsStop devices dropping connection when roaming between access points. This page covers the causes worth checking on bullet camera systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- TunstallDiagnosing cCTV cameras consuming excessive network bandwidth on Tunstall systemsStop CCTV traffic from overwhelming the wider network. This page covers the causes worth checking on starlight low-light camera systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- WainscottWi-Fi performance degraded by channel interference in WainscottIdentify and resolve wireless channel interference affecting network performance. This page covers the causes worth checking on solar-powered CCTV systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- WesterhamNo Wi-Fi signal reaching an outbuilding or annexe: what causes it and how it is fixed in WesterhamExtend reliable Wi-Fi coverage to a separate outbuilding or annexe. This page covers the causes worth checking on video doorbell systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Woolwich ArsenalWoolwich Arsenal fault guide, network cabling faults causing intermittent connectivityTrace intermittent network problems back to a physical cabling fault. This page covers the causes worth checking on CCTV video analytics systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Albany ParkDiagnosing iSP-supplied router limiting network performance on Albany Park systemsUnderstand whether the ISP router itself is the bottleneck for network performance. This page covers the causes worth checking on vehicle barrier systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- BarkingRemote access to CCTV or systems blocked by CGNAT in BarkingRestore remote access when the ISP connection uses carrier-grade NAT. This page covers the causes worth checking on biometric access systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- BethersdenNoticeable delay or lag viewing IP cameras remotely: what causes it and how it is fixed in BethersdenReduce lag when viewing IP cameras over a network or remotely. This page covers the causes worth checking on electric strike lock systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Blue Bell HillBlue Bell Hill fault guide, original installer no longer trading or contactableGet a system serviced or repaired when the original installer cannot be reached. This page covers the causes worth checking on time and attendance systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- BrenchleyDiagnosing system has no known service history on Brenchley systemsAssess and bring a system with no service record up to a known standard. This page covers the causes worth checking on PoE network switch systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Canary WharfSecurity system damaged by storm or severe weather in Canary WharfRepair alarm, CCTV or access equipment damaged by storm conditions. This page covers the causes worth checking on business wireless access point systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- CharthamRodent-damaged security system cabling: what causes it and how it is fixed in CharthamRepair and prevent recurring rodent damage to alarm, CCTV or network cabling. This page covers the causes worth checking on UPS power protection systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Cliffe WoodsCliffe Woods fault guide, equipment damaged by an electrical power surgeDiagnose and repair equipment affected by a power surge. This page covers the causes worth checking on wireless site survey services, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- CrowboroughDiagnosing security equipment damaged by vandalism on Crowborough systemsRepair or replace security equipment following deliberate damage. This page covers the causes worth checking on emergency callout repair services, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
Using These Guides: Common Questions
What they cover and where an engineer is needed