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: causes and fixesLive 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 fixedNight-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.
- BekesbourneFault 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.
- BiddendenFault checks: alarm going off for no reasonStop 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: causes and fixesGet 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 fixedView 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.
- CharingFault 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.
- ChislehurstFault checks: door release or entry system not workingGet 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: causes and fixesGet 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 fixedGet 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.
- DunkirkFault 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.
- EynsfordFault checks: CCTV footage too blurry to identify anyoneGet 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: causes and fixesGet 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 fixedKeep 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.
- HarrietshamFault 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.
- HernhillFault checks: intercom or video entry not workingRestore the door entry handset or panel. This page covers the causes worth checking on cloud-recorded CCTV systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- HuntonGetting usable evidence after a break-in: causes and fixesExport footage properly for the police and insurer. This page covers the causes worth checking on people counting 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 fixedRestore alarm, CCTV or access after an outage. This page covers the causes worth checking on gate automation systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Langton GreenFault guide: neighbour or privacy complaint about domestic CCTVKeep cameras lawful and keep the peace. This page covers the causes worth checking on face recognition access systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- LittlebourneFault checks: taking on a security system left by the previous ownerUnderstand and take control of an unfamiliar system. This page covers the causes worth checking on break-glass and exit device systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- LuddesdownCCTV recorder unreachable from the mobile app: causes and fixesGet remote camera viewing working again. This page covers the causes worth checking on visitor management 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 fixedCorrect incorrect timestamps on recorded video. This page covers the causes worth checking on PoE extender and injector systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- North CrayFault guide: CCTV recorder shows no signal on a channelRestore picture to a single dead camera channel. This page covers the causes worth checking on VLAN-segregated network systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- PeckhamFault checks: poE port on the recorder or switch not powering a cameraFix a camera that stopped getting power over the network cable. This page covers the causes worth checking on surge protection device systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- PluckleyWater ingress affecting CCTV cabling: causes and fixesStop intermittent camera faults caused by wet cabling. This page covers the causes worth checking on remote diagnostics support 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 fixedCut down excessive motion notifications from CCTV. This page covers the causes worth checking on footage export services, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- SellingFault 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 turnstile and speed gate systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- SinglewellFault checks: CCTV recorder screen showing no outputRestore a blank local display on a CCTV recorder. This page covers the causes worth checking on hybrid alarm systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- SouthboroughCCTV image showing distortion or colour banding: causes and fixesCorrect a warped or oddly coloured camera picture. This page covers the causes worth checking on HD-over-coax 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 fixedClear misting or condensation from a CCTV camera housing. This page covers the causes worth checking on active deterrent CCTV, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Sutton ValenceFault guide: CCTV recorder rebooting on its ownStop a recorder restarting repeatedly. This page covers the causes worth checking on door entry intercom systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- TicehurstFault checks: CCTV audio not being recorded alongside videoCapture sound as well as picture on CCTV footage. This page covers the causes worth checking on business WiFi networks, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- UlcombeCCTV recorder firmware update failed or stuck: causes and fixesRecover a recorder that failed to update firmware. This page covers the causes worth checking on structured network cabling, 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 fixedRespond to a noisy failing recorder hard drive. This page covers the causes worth checking on wired alarm systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- WigmoreFault 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 pet-tolerant detection systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- WyeFault checks: CCTV cameras triggering on false motion eventsReduce false motion detection events on CCTV recordings. This page covers the causes worth checking on shock and vibration sensors, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- AshForgotten CCTV recorder password: causes and fixesRegain access to a CCTV recorder after losing the password. This page covers the causes worth checking on personal attack button 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 fixedUnderstand why a CCTV upgrade is not working with existing cables. This page covers the causes worth checking on sounder and strobe systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- BexleyheathFault guide: network video recorder showing an IP address conflictResolve an IP address clash affecting CCTV cameras. This page covers the causes worth checking on PTZ camera systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- BorstalFault checks: CCTV app only works on home WiFi, not on mobile dataFix CCTV remote viewing that fails away from the home network. This page covers the causes worth checking on fisheye 360-degree 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: causes and fixesUnderstand and fix an omitted alarm zone. This page covers the causes worth checking on thermal 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 fixedRestore a dead or blank alarm keypad display. This page covers the causes worth checking on battery CCTV camera systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- ChattendenFault 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 edge recording (SD card) systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- CoolingFault checks: alarm bell box strobe flashing but siren not soundingFix an alarm that flashes but produces no audible sound. This page covers the causes worth checking on line-crossing detection systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- CuxtonWireless alarm sensor showing lost signal or supervision fault: causes and fixesReconnect a wireless alarm sensor that has dropped off the system. This page covers the causes worth checking on apartment intercom 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 fixedStop pets setting off the burglar alarm. This page covers the causes worth checking on magnetic lock systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- ElthamFault 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 door closer and hardware systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- FolkestoneFault checks: alarm entry and exit timers set incorrectlyAdjust alarm timers that are too short or too long. This page covers the causes worth checking on access audit trail systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Grafty GreenAlarm signal not reaching the monitoring centre: causes and fixesFix a monitored alarm that is not communicating properly. This page covers the causes worth checking on fibre network link 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 fixedFix an unresponsive alarm remote keyfob. This page covers the causes worth checking on network rack and patching systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- HempsteadFault guide: alarm battery keeps failing repeatedlyFind out why replacement batteries keep failing so fast. This page covers the causes worth checking on Cat6 structured cabling systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- HollingbourneFault checks: alarm gives no exit tone when leavingRestore the exit warning tone before leaving the building. This page covers the causes worth checking on system takeover services, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Istead RiseAlarm event log unreadable or corrupted: causes and fixesGet a usable history of alarm events after a fault or incident. This page covers the causes worth checking on GDPR-compliant CCTV setup 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 fixedReduce siren volume or duration without losing effective warning. This page covers the causes worth checking on monitored alarm systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- LewishamFault 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 graded alarm systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Lower HalstowFault checks: magnetic lock not releasing or holding door openResolve a maglock that will not release or will not hold securely. This page covers the causes worth checking on ANPR camera 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 fixedIdentify why a card reader shows a constant red status and rejects valid cards. This page covers the causes worth checking on remotely monitored 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 fixedStop an access-controlled door slamming and prevent damage or complaints. This page covers the causes worth checking on keypad and code entry systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Paddock WoodFault 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 mesh WiFi systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Petts WoodFault checks: automatic gate motor stalling or reversingDiagnose a gate motor that stalls, reverses or refuses to complete its swing. This page covers the causes worth checking on CCTV maintenance contracts, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- RiverheadAccess control fire alarm interface fault: causes and fixesResolve a fault linking the access control system to the fire alarm release interface. This page covers the causes worth checking on dual-path signalling systems, 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 fixedUnderstand the risk of card cloning and how to reduce it. This page covers the causes worth checking on external detection systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- ShorneFault 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 door and window contact systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- Sole StreetFault checks: concern about tailgating through access-controlled doorsReduce unauthorised entry by people following an authorised user through a door. This page covers the causes worth checking on deterrent signage and decoy systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- StaplehurstWi-Fi upload speeds much slower than download: causes and fixesExplain why uploads lag well behind download speed on the network. This page covers the causes worth checking on key safe and key management 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 fixedResolve guest network access, isolation or speed issues. This page covers the causes worth checking on dome and turret camera systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- TeynhamFault 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 4K CCTV systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- TunstallFault checks: CCTV cameras consuming excessive network bandwidthStop CCTV traffic from overwhelming the wider network. This page covers the causes worth checking on wireless CCTV systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- WainscottWi-Fi performance degraded by channel interference: causes and fixesIdentify and resolve wireless channel interference affecting network performance. This page covers the causes worth checking on 4G 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 fixedExtend reliable Wi-Fi coverage to a separate outbuilding or annexe. 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.
- Woolwich ArsenalFault guide: network cabling faults causing intermittent connectivityTrace intermittent network problems back to a physical cabling fault. 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.
- Albany ParkFault checks: ISP-supplied router limiting network performanceUnderstand whether the ISP router itself is the bottleneck for network performance. 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.
- BarkingRemote access to CCTV or systems blocked by CGNAT: causes and fixesRestore remote access when the ISP connection uses carrier-grade NAT. 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.
- BethersdenNoticeable delay or lag viewing IP cameras remotely: what causes it and how it is fixedReduce lag when viewing IP cameras over a network or remotely. 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.
- Blue Bell HillFault 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 PoE network switch systems, what you can safely check yourself, and what an engineer does on the visit.
- BrenchleyFault checks: system has no known service historyAssess and bring a system with no service record up to a known standard. 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.
- Canary WharfSecurity system damaged by storm or severe weather: causes and fixesRepair alarm, CCTV or access equipment damaged by storm conditions. 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.
- CharthamRodent-damaged security system cabling: what causes it and how it is fixedRepair and prevent recurring rodent damage to alarm, CCTV or network 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.
- Cliffe WoodsFault guide: equipment damaged by an electrical power surgeDiagnose and repair equipment affected by a power surge. 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.
- CrowboroughFault checks: security equipment damaged by vandalismRepair or replace security equipment following deliberate damage. 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.
Using These Guides: Common Questions
What they cover and where an engineer is needed