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FAQs

Residential & Commercial Security Systems Toronto FAQ

FAQ

1.  Why should I choose PROTECTION PLUS®?

PROTECTION PLUS® has been providing integrated security solutions in the GTA 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, video alarm verification, cameras, locks, no-touch access control, 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 25 years of experience!
  • Tens of Thousands of satisfied Residential and Commercial customers across Ontario.
  • Check out our many 5 star reviews on Google, Facebook, TrustPilot, and HomeStars.
  • Custom-designed electronic and physical security 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 parts and labour warranty on new alarm equipment.
  • You own the alarm system, not leased or rented.
  • State-of-the-art 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.
  • Underwriter Laboratories Certified, 24/7 monitoring service.

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:

  • Alarm Systems
  • Video Alarm Verification Systems and Monitoring
  • Locksmith Services
  • Safes
  • Security Camera Systems
  • Security Bars
  • Security Window Film
  • Standard and Video Intercoms
  • Fire and Life Safety Protection
  • Private Guard or Police Response
  • Monitoring Service

 

 

Our commercial services include:

  • Alarm Systems
  • Video Alarm Verification Systems and Monitoring
  • Locksmith Service
  • Access Control
  • Security  Camera Systems
  • Safes
  • Fire Detection Services
  • Security Window Film
  • Security Bars and Gates
  • Private Guard or Police Response
  • Monitoring Service

3. Is the monthly monitoring rate guaranteed?

Yes, the  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, 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?

If your alarm system is monitored through your phone line, the alarm system becomes a local system. The system will function normally with the siren; however, it cannot communicate with the monitoring station. This risk can be easily addressed through backup alternative communication methods such as cellular (GSM) or internet (Wi-Fi). If 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. There are varying charges associated with each type of responder.

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

In addition to burglary and fire, we also monitor for medical and panic 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.
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14. How do I know if I own my 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 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 trained based on CANASA procedures. CANASA is the Canadian Alarm and Security Association.

18. What is Resideo Total Connect®?

"Resideo Total Connect" is Resideo's answer to integrating your security, life safety, and home automation needs with smartphones and the internet. By subscribing to Resideo 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 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?" Protection Plus 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. What is access control?

Access control is an entry system that enables an institution or business to control access to the protected facility. Access can be limited, controlled and recorded at specific times to certain areas of a building.

21. 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.
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22. Where can access control be used?

most common applications for access control include:
  • Commercial offices
  • Retail
  • Multi-tenant housing
  • Education
  • Religious institutions
  • Healthcare
  • Government
  • Hi-Risk; ULC, Banking, Jewellery, applications
  • Warehousing and Shelf Storage

23. What type of access control is best in the era of Covid-19?

Access Control systems can unlock doors in a number of ways.
  • Keyfob
  • Phone app
  • Smartphone that works as a fob
  • By pushing the reader
  • And with a wave

Not all systems can use all methods. Best to do your research before installation. The wave feature minimizes contact however, to take full advantage, this feature should be incorporated with a strike release so the door not only unlocks, but opens automatically as well.

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

Yes, either with "Resideo 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.

25. 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.
Contact a PROTECTION PLUS  Security Expert for more information.

CONTACT US TODAY

  • Alarms
  • Video Alarm Verification
  • Locksmith Services
  • Security Camera Systems
  • Monitoring Service

  • Smart Home Services
  • Re-keying Service
  • Security Bars
  • Security Window Film

  • Fire and Life Safety Protection
  • Standard and Video Intercoms
  • Private Guard or Police Response

Our commercial services include:

  • Alarm Systems
  • Video Alarm Verification Systems
  • Remote Services
  • Security Window Film

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

  • Fire Detection Services
  • Re-keying Services
  • Camera Systems
  • Monitoring Service
  • Private Guard or Police Response

Contact a PROTECTION PLUS  Security Expert for more information.
CONTACT US TODAY
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