Security and safety systems are easy to forget about when they are working, until the day you really need them. A simple monthly check reduces faults, prevents missed recordings, and helps you spot issues before they become expensive callouts.
This checklist is suitable for homeowners and small businesses. It is not a replacement for professional servicing where required, but it is an excellent habit.
1) Intruder alarm: quick functional checks
Do these once a month:
- Set the alarm and confirm it arms correctly without warnings.
- Trigger a detector in a controlled way, for example by walking past a motion sensor after arming, then disarm promptly.
- Check keypads for fault indicators, such as low battery, tamper or communication warnings.
- Test any panic button devices if you have them, using a planned approach so you do not create unnecessary responses.
If you have app notifications, check that you still receive alerts and that the app login works.
2) Alarm batteries and power
Look for:
- Low battery warnings on wireless detectors.
- Panel battery warnings, especially after a power cut.
- Any signs the panel is rebooting unexpectedly.
Wireless devices will typically tell you when batteries are low. Do not ignore these, as a dead sensor creates a gap in your coverage.
3) CCTV: confirm it is recording and the image is clear
CCTV often fails quietly: a camera shifts, a lens gets dirty, or recording stops due to storage issues.
Monthly checks:
- Confirm the date and time are correct.
- Check live view for each camera to ensure it is online.
- Review recorded footage from the last day to confirm recording is working.
- Clean lenses gently and remove spider webs, which can cause night glare and false motion triggers.
- Check for obstructions from new growth, such as hedges and trees.
4) Storage and retention
Check:
- Available storage space and estimated retention time.
- Whether the system is overwriting correctly, rather than stopping.
- Any warnings about hard drive health.
If you need longer retention, you may need additional storage or adjusted recording settings.
5) Remote access and cyber hygiene
If you use remote viewing:
- Confirm passwords are strong and not shared.
- Remove access for anyone who no longer needs it.
- Update firmware when available, ideally with professional support if you are unsure.
6) Fire detection: basic user checks
For domestic alarms:
- Test each alarm using the test button on a rotating schedule.
- Confirm interlinked alarms all sound.
For commercial systems, user testing may involve:
- Weekly call point tests on a rotating basis.
- Visual checks of the control panel for faults.
- Ensuring the logbook is updated.
If you are responsible for a workplace system, follow your site’s procedures and maintenance plan.
7) Sounders, beacons and audibility
If you have external sounders or internal beacons:
- Confirm they are not obstructed.
- Consider whether changes to your building have affected audibility, for example added partitions, new doors, or a change in layout.
8) Door hardware and access control
If you have access control:
- Check doors latch properly and closers work smoothly.
- Confirm readers respond consistently.
- Test any timed schedules, such as staff entry times.
- Report sticking doors early; misalignment can cause recurring faults.
When to book professional maintenance
Book a professional visit if you notice:
- Repeated false alarms or frequent nuisance alerts.
- Cameras dropping offline or recording gaps.
- Battery warnings that return after replacement.
- Fire panel faults, disabled zones, or uncertainty about testing routines.
Keep it simple and consistent
The goal is not to spend hours each month. Most checks take 15 to 30 minutes and provide real peace of mind.
Harpenden Alarms provides installation and maintenance for intruder alarms, CCTV, access control and fire systems across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. If you would like a maintenance plan that fits your system and responsibilities, we can help keep everything reliable, tidy and compliant with the expectations for your type of premises.