What Happens During an Alarm? | Ajax Security & Alarm365 Monitoring Explained
What Happens During an Alarm? A Step-by-Step Guide
When your security system detects an emergency, every second matters. Ajax Security Systems are designed to notify you immediately while simultaneously communicating with the Alarm365 professional monitoring center. Understanding what happens during an alarm can give you confidence that your home or business is protected around the clock.
Step 1: A Security Device Detects an Event
The process begins when one of your Ajax devices detects an alarm condition.
This could include:
- A door or window opening
- Motion detected inside the building
- Glass break detection
- Smoke detection
- Carbon monoxide detection
- Water leak detection
- A panic button being pressed
The sensor immediately sends the alarm to the Ajax Hub using secure Jeweller wireless technology.
Step 2: The Ajax Hub Processes the Alarm
The Ajax Hub instantly identifies:
- Which device triggered
- The type of alarm
- The time of the event
- The current system status
The hub then securely transmits the alarm using its available communication paths, such as Ethernet and, on compatible models, cellular backup if needed.
Step 3: You Receive an Instant Notification
Within seconds, authorized users receive a notification through the Ajax mobile app.
The notification tells you:
- Which sensor triggered
- The type of alarm
- The time it occurred
- Which location is affected (if your system has multiple partitions or locations)
You can immediately check your system from anywhere.
Step 4: MotionCam Provides Visual Verification (If Installed)
If the alarm was triggered by a MotionCam detector, the system captures a series of still images.
These images help you quickly determine whether the alarm was caused by:
- An intruder
- A family member
- An employee
- A contractor
- An accidental alarm
MotionCam captures images only during alarm events, providing valuable information while protecting privacy.
Step 5: Security Cameras Provide Live Video
If your property includes Ajax IndoorCam or OutdoorCam devices, you can immediately view live video from your smartphone.
This allows you to:
- Verify activity
- Check multiple areas
- See if anyone is still on the property
- Better understand the situation before taking action
Step 6: Alarm365 Receives the Alarm
At the same time you receive your notification, the alarm is delivered to the Alarm365 professional monitoring center.
Trained monitoring specialists immediately receive:
- The alarm type
- The device that triggered
- Your account information
- Your customized response instructions
No action is required on your part for the monitoring center to begin processing the alarm.
Step 7: The Monitoring Center Follows Your Response Plan
Monitoring specialists follow the response procedures established for your account.
Depending on your monitoring plan, they may:
- Contact you
- Contact your emergency contacts
- Request your verbal passcode
- Review available alarm information
- Dispatch emergency responders when appropriate
Every account can have customized instructions based on your preferences.
Step 8: Emergency Responders Are Contacted
If the situation requires emergency assistance, the monitoring center contacts the appropriate agency according to your monitoring plan.
This may include:
- Police
- Fire department
- Emergency medical services
The monitoring center continues following your response procedures until the alarm event is resolved.
What If You're Away?
Professional monitoring continues whether you're:
- At work
- On vacation
- Sleeping
- Traveling
- Unable to answer your phone
Even if you miss the mobile notification, trained monitoring specialists continue handling the alarm according to your instructions.
What If the Internet Is Down?
Compatible Ajax hubs support multiple communication paths.
If your primary internet connection becomes unavailable, the hub can automatically switch to a cellular connection when properly configured, helping maintain communication with both you and the monitoring center.
False Alarms
Not every alarm indicates an emergency.
Common causes include:
- Entering without disarming the system
- Authorized visitors
- Employees arriving early
- Contractors
- User error
MotionCam images and security cameras can help you quickly determine whether an alarm is genuine, allowing appropriate action to be taken.
Why Professional Monitoring Makes a Difference
With self-monitoring, you're responsible for every alarm.
With Alarm365 professional monitoring:
- Your alarm is monitored 24/7
- Trained specialists respond immediately
- Emergency contacts are notified according to your instructions
- Emergency responders can be contacted when appropriate
- You receive support even when you're unavailable
It's an additional layer of protection that works around the clock.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly will I receive an alarm notification?
Ajax Security Systems are designed to send notifications within seconds after an alarm is detected, depending on network conditions.
Will the monitoring center call me first?
That depends on the response procedures established for your account. Many customers choose to be contacted first whenever practical.
What happens if I don't answer my phone?
The monitoring center follows the response instructions you've established, which may include contacting additional emergency contacts or notifying emergency responders when appropriate.
Can I see what caused the alarm?
Yes. MotionCam detectors provide alarm photos, and Ajax IndoorCam and OutdoorCam allow live video viewing, giving you valuable information about what is happening at your property.
Does monitoring stop if my internet goes out?
Compatible Ajax hubs with cellular backup can automatically switch to an alternate communication path, helping maintain alarm reporting during many internet outages.
Protection You Can Count On
When an alarm occurs, every component of your Ajax Security System works together. Sensors detect the event, the Ajax Hub instantly transmits the alarm, your mobile app keeps you informed, MotionCam and security cameras provide valuable verification, and Alarm365's professional monitoring team responds according to your customized monitoring plan.
Whether you're at home, at work, or halfway around the world, you can have confidence that your security system is ready to respond when it matters most.