Residential & Commercial Security Service FAQ

Residential & Commercial Security Systems Toronto FAQ

1. Why should I choose PROTECTION PLUS?

PROTECTION PLUS^® has been providing integrated security solutions for over 25 years. We invest the time and effort to analyze the entire security requirements of your family, your home and your business.
Whether it is monitored alarms, cameras, locks, window film or security bars or a complete security upgrade, we do it all!!
Regardless of the size or your security needs, we help secure you properly.
With PROTECTION PLUS, you are being protected by one of the most trusted companies in Ontario.

Here are just some of the reasons to choose PROTECTION PLUS as your security solutions provider:

PROTECTION PLUS has been in business since 1994. That means we have over 20 years of experience!
Thousands of satisfied customers across Ontario.
Custom-designed electronic and physical security and on to meet your needs.
On-site Security Audit for homes and businesses.
Great low monthly monitoring rates on takeovers from $19.95 and on new installations from $25.95.
Price stability with a guaranteed monitoring rate for a minimum of 3 years.
Limited lifetime parts and labour warranty on new alarm equipment.
You own the system, not leased or rented.
State-of-the-art Honeywell technology and equipment.
Special New Movers Program.
We sell, install and service our customers.
Trained, certified & courteous alarm installation technicians, locksmiths & customer service representatives on staff.
Underwrite Laboratories Certified, 24/7 monitoring service.
Financing programs available.

2. What is a Security Audit?

A PROTECTION PLUS

Security Expert will come out to your location and perform a thorough evaluation of the current state of your security and life safety preparedness. Based on our findings, we will present various options to address your security needs, enabling you to choose the solution that best suits your needs and budget. Some of our clients may only choose one service to satisfy their requirements, will others may take advantage of many of the services we offer.

Our residential integrated security solutions include:

Alarms
Locks and Safes
Camera Systems
Monitoring Service

Smart Home Services
Re-keying Service
Security Bars
Private Guard or Police Response

Fire and Life Safety Protection
Standard and Video Intercoms
Security Window Film

Our commercial services include:

Alarm Systems
Remote Services
Private Security Film
Private Guard or Police Response

Access Control
Locksmith Services & Safes
Secuirty Bars and Gates
Custom Cabling

Fire Detection Services
Re-keying Services
Camera Systems
Monitoring Service

3. Is the monthly monitoring rate guaranteed?

Yes, the low monthly monitoring rate is guaranteed for a minimum of 3 years from the start of the contract.

We accept most major credit cards, pre-authorized checking from your bank account and e-transfer payments.

4. Do I need a traditional telephone landline in my home?

NO. While many alarm systems continue to use a traditional phone service by providers such as Bell or Rogers, many users are moving to cellular and internet options. If you do not have a traditional phone land-line, speak with one of our representatives about whether a cellular GSM or a new Wi-Fi® option is right for you. Costs will vary by the service chosen but may be considerably cheaper and more secure than maintaining a traditional land-line service. Note that some VOIP phone services may not be compatible with the transmission of alarm signals to the Emergency Response Center. Discuss your options with one of our customer service representatives.

5. What happens if my phone line is cut?

The alarm system becomes a local system. The system will function normally with the siren; however, it cannot communicate with the monitoring station. This is the case with all security systems no matter who the alarm company is. This risk can be easily addressed through backup alternative communication methods such as cellular (GSM) or internet (Wi-Fi). Call our customer service department for alternative communication technology and pricing.

6. Who responds to an alarm?

The Emergency Response Center (monitoring center) will call the premises for verification that the alarm is real, and not a false alarm. If they cannot reach an authorized user, a dispatch will be ordered. Clients can choose which type of response is appropriate. For a burglary signal, it is usually police or guard response. For a fire signal, the fire department will be dispatched, or the keyholder list notified, depending on circumstance.

7. Do you only offer monitoring for burglary and fire?

In addition to burglary and fire, we also monitor for medical emergencies. Monitoring is also available for events such as low temperature, floods, carbon monoxide leaks, etc.

8. Do you require an alarm permit to have a monitored alarm system?

Please refer to the Alarm Permits section for more information.

9. Can I use an alarm system if I have pets?

Yes! Pets need protection from intruders and fire as well. Systems can be configured to work around pets by bypassing zones or upgrading to pet-friendly devices. Our Security Expert will be glad to advise you.

10. What happens if there is a power outage?

In the event of a power outage, your security system will operate using its rechargeable backup battery. The battery will work for up to 4 hours before needing recharging. Once there is a power outage and the backup battery is engaged, the Emergency Monitoring Center receives a signal informing us of the situation. We will then contact you and relay the information. In most cases, the situation can be rectified when power is restored or the electrical fuse is reset in place. The back- up battery should be changed every 4-5 years.

11. What happens if I move?

An alarm system adds value to your home! In most cases, you can have your contract assumed by the new owner and/or transfer your contract to your new premise. Some conditions apply.

12. What happens if I already have an alarm system? Is it easy to switch to PROTECTION PLUS?

Yes. In most cases, alarm equipment can be reprogrammed by our trained technicians to communicate with our Emergency Response Center. Ask one of our Security Experts for details.

13. How do I know if I am currently under a monitoring contract?

For liability purposes, you are always under contract until the service is terminated. What you need to know is how much notice is required to cancel your existing monitoring agreement. If you have been with the company for longer than your initial contract term, a minimum of 30-90 days written notice is required to cancel service. For your specific notification period, read the terms and conditions on the back of your contract or contact your existing monitoring provider.

14. How do I know if I own my alarm/security system?

The original contract you signed when the alarm was installed will tell you if it is a rental, lease or sale agreement. With PROTECTION PLUS, alarm system ownership is always part of the contract

15. Is there a contract with PROTECTION PLUS ?

Yes, the initial commitment is for only 3 years.

16. Do I have a warranty with PROTECTION PLUS?

Yes! PROTECTION PLUS provides a limited lifetime warranty on new installations. Trip charges may apply.

17. Do you have locksmiths and alarm technicians on staff?

Yes, we have trained locksmiths on staff. They are bonded and have received training through The Association of Ontario Locksmiths. Our on-staff trained alarm technicians are bonded and are CANASA level 1 certified. CANASA is the Canadian Alarm and Security Association.

18. What is Honeywell Total Connect®™?

“Honeywell Total Connect” is Honeywell’s answer to integrating your security, life safety, and home automation needs with smartphones and the internet. By subscribing to Honeywell Total Connect you can access a multitude of services including virtual alarm keypad for remote arming and disarming, notifications to your smartphone of alarm events, video look-in allowing you to livestream cameras or have clips emailed to you, control HVAC systems as well as lighting and door locks. Ask a PROTECTION PLUS Security Expert for more information and rate plans. Equipment charges may apply.

19. What is cellular GSM monitoring? VOIP, WI-Fi, Etc?

If you are one of the 30% of Canadians without conventional landline telephone service in your home or you are using internet based phones (VOIP) you will need to know about cellular GSM monitoring. GSM is an acronym for “Global Systems Mobile” which is the most standard North American format for cellular communications. Our Honeywell alarm systems are compatible with both conventional and cellular monitoring. When land-lines are absent, we install a Honeywell cellular GSM unit and establish a mobile data account for your home alarm system. Your alarm system now has its very own secure communications path to the Emergency Response Center. It is no longer reliant on your home phone line, and no longer vulnerable to “line cut”. You may ask: “Can I use my internet connection?” Honeywell offers an alarm panel that can use your internet connection to communicate to the monitoring station. It does NOT, however, eliminate the “line- cut” vulnerability and is only as reliable as your internet service. The most secure method of monitoring is to combine internet and GSM for dual path monitoring. Ask us about rate plans and equipment costs.

20. How many doors can be serviced by an access control system?

Small business is the heartbeat of the Ontario economy, and the vast majority of access control systems control 3 doors or less, but expansion capacity can exceed 100 doors.

21. Can I view my video surveillance system on-line?

Yes, either with “Honeywell Total Connect” service or with a PROTECTION PLUS standalone Camera system you have access to smartphone Apps and computer software to view your cameras remotely.

22. What types of physical security do you offer?

Alarm systems are about “detection” but how do we keep the intruder from entering in the first place? At PROTECTION PLUS we offer solutions for detection and protection. Upgrade your locks with key control and high-security lock solutions. Use an access control system to limit and track who enters and at what time, and add window film or window bars to prevent ‘smash and grab’. These are just some of the services we provide.

FAQs