Your Security System Maintenance Checklist

Security system maintenance is the scheduled, proactive care of your security solutions to keep them operating reliably. This is because security technology, whether a complex integrated network or a standalone security alarm system, needs ongoing attention after installation. To remain fully functional, it therefore requires regular, professional checks.

A security system maintenance checklist guides the process of maintaining the system’s overall health. It covers every component, from power and backup integrity and cabling to the specific functions of your CCTV camera network, intrusion alarms, access control, and automated gates.

1. Power and Backup Integrity

A security system is powerless without a stable energy source. Start by verifying the primary power supply for all main parts, including control panels, recorders (NVRs/DVRs), and gate motors.

Following this, all Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) units and battery backups should be inspected. Testing the battery is an example of security maintenance that helps your alarms and CCTV camera network continue to operate seamlessly during a power failure.

2. Infrastructure Inspection

A fundamental part of security system maintenance involves examining the system’s backbone, which is its structured cabling. A technician will conduct a visual inspection of all wiring and cable runs, looking for any signs of wear, degradation, or physical damage. 

A compromised cable, whether frayed by pests or damaged during other works, can lead to intermittent faults, signal loss, or complete component failure.

3. Communication Testing

An alarm that cannot report a breach is ineffective. Therefore, a proper check involves testing all communication paths. This process verifies that remote access via mobile applications is responsive and that instant alert notifications are being delivered correctly. 

For monitored systems, this step also confirms that the system is successfully reporting all signals to the central monitoring station.

4. CCTV Surveillance Systems

A blurry image or a blind spot can render your surveillance footage unusable. The power of visual security is only effective when the equipment is maintained correctly. This part of the security system maintenance for every CCTV camera involves:

• Cleaning all camera lenses and housing surfaces to remove any dust, grime, or cobwebs that degrade image quality.
• Checking the camera’s alignment, focus, and field of view to confirm coverage is still optimised for the premises and that it has not been knocked out of position.
• Verifying that the NVR or DVR is actively recording, has sufficient storage capacity, and that all playback and search functions are working correctly.

5. Intrusion Alarms

Security alarm systems must be ready to react instantly. A thorough maintenance check confirms this by physically testing all door and window contacts and all motion sensors to ensure they trigger an immediate response at the alarm panel.

Additionally, the panel’s backup battery health is inspected, and the output of all sirens and strobes is tested to confirm they are fully operational and loud.

6. Access Control and Intercoms

As a high-traffic component, security and maintenance for access control are vital, especially in commercial buildings. The process involves cleaning and testing all card readers, biometric scanners, and keypads for responsiveness. It also includes verifying that electric door locks and gate release mechanisms engage and disengage smoothly. 

Finally, the intercom systems are tested to confirm clear audio and video communication between the entrance panel and the in-unit stations.

7. Auto Gates and Barriers

Since auto gates and barriers are highly mechanical, they require physical servicing as part of a complete security system maintenance plan to remain safe and operational. A proper check of your automated gate system involves lubricating all moving components of the gate motor and inspecting the tracks or hinges for any obstructions or damage. 

Most importantly, the safety photocells and sensors must also be tested. This confirms the gate stops or reverses immediately when an obstruction is detected, safeguarding both people and vehicles from harm.

Achieving Peace of Mind Through Professional Security and Maintenance