Pre-Purchase FAQs
In most municipalities, yes—especially for new systems, expansions, and significant modifications. We prepare the submittal package (drawings, device counts, cut sheets) and coordinate with your local AHJ as part of the project.
Inspection and testing frequencies follow NFPA 72 and your AHJ’s guidance (e.g., acceptance, periodic, and sensitivity testing). We’ll align your inspection plan with the code and provide the proper reports.
Often. We evaluate the panel, wiring, and devices; if they’re in good condition and supportable, we can modernize the head-end, add monitoring, and bring the system into compliance.
Yes—UL-listed central-station monitoring with rapid notifications, plus 24-hour on-call technicians for service needs.
We routinely install and service Fire-Lite, Silent Knight, and Potter systems, among others. We’ll recommend equipment that is code-compliant, serviceable, and appropriate for your occupancy.
We provide 24/7 professional monitoring with fast notifications and dispatch. You also get full app control. If you need a different configuration, we can discuss options.
Often yes. We’ll evaluate your current panel, sensors, and wiring. When compatible and in good condition, we can migrate to a modern platform and add smart features without replacing everything.
We place sensors carefully, set reasonable entry/exit delays, and configure notifications to reduce false alarms. We also offer video verification to help the monitoring center confirm events.
Yes. We provide monitored smoke and CO devices that alert you and the monitoring center. We’ll place them per code and your AHJ’s requirements.
It depends on the home and chosen options. We’ll present a clear scope with multiple options so you can choose the right fit. Request a quote and we’ll tailor it to your property.
Post-Purchase FAQs
If you alarm sounds and you realize it’s a false alarm, first enter your 4 digit code into the panel to silence the alarm. Then, call Cunningham customer service and press option 1 to cancel the dispatch with the central station, ensuring emergency responders don’t arrive. If, for some reason, your alarm does not silence or you have other issues, please call the Cunningham Security office.
Many residential systems use a 12-volt 7 amp hour battery. Commercial panels may use this, or may have larger batteries. Changing the battery for commercial fire systems requires a technician on site to meet town/city codes. If you have a system in need of a battery change, please call the office so we can come out and make the change.
When your system is put “on test,” Central Station is will disregard any signals to ensure emergency services are NOT dispatched. On-site alarm systems will still sound. To silence them, simply input the 4-digit code to disarm the system. You can also put specific “zones” on test, so emergency dispatch will not occur for every device on the system. Call the office to put your system on test.
It is possible to change your own sensor batteries. However, we do recommend calling the office before opening the device to ensure no false alarms tripped and you do not damage your devices. If you call the office, we can put the system on test so that no false alarms occur. Note also that many batteries may be specialized and require technician assistance to change.
Stay mode only arms perimeters like doors, windows. Away mode also arms interior systems like motion detectors. Note that fire sensors and environmental sensors like high water and low temperature devices are always on, whether the system is armed or not.
To reach a technician after hours, call our office, press option 3 and you will be directed to our answering service. They will gather your information and reach an on-call technician. Typically, the technician will reach out to you within 30 minutes. On-call technicians are available 24/7, 365 days per year.
If you call the Cunningham office and press option 1 to reach Central Station, you will access the following call tree:
- Please choose from the following options:
- To place an entire system on test, please press 1
- To place specific zones on test, please press 2
- If your alarm system needs services, please press 3
- If you are calling to review account history and activity, please press 4
- If you are calling regarding a recent police, fire, or medical services dispatch, please press 7. (This option only appears if a dispatch has occurred on the account within the last 24 hours.)
**If the account is in alarm, the call will be directed to an operation immediately, skipping all prompts.
We want to ensure the accuracy of all billing, so for billing questions, please call the office and speak with one of our customer service representatives (option 3 on the call tree). Note that the person who answers the phone is not always the person with your account or billing specifics. They will, however, be able to ensure the appropriate specialist addresses your concerns. A manager can also review your invoice if necessary.
