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There are several times people get confused on programming their zone definitions into the DSC security systems.  It is fairly easy to do, but can also be really confusing.  Zone definitions basically tells the system how that zone is to respond to that device being triggered.  In other words, the definition tells the system how to function for that zone.  The only thing to remember when doing your definitions is to know that you will not enter a zone number, but only a definition.  You must also know how to count, because each time you enter a 2-digit zone definition, the system will do a quick triple beep and then you are ready to input the definition for the next zone. Here are the most common Zone Definitions:
  • Definition 00 = Not Used (null, turned off)
  • Definition 01 = Delay 1 (ie: entry/exit doors)
  • Definition 03 = Instant (ie: window sensors, non entry doors, glass breaks)
  • Definition 05 = Interior Stay/Away (motion)
  • Definition 08 = Delayed 24hr Fire (hardwired)
  • Definition 88 = Standard 24hr Fire (wireless)
To program your zone definitions, you must:
  1. Enter Programming by pressing " * 8 + Installer Code "
  2. Enter Section 001 (Section 001 is used for Zones 1 - 16 only... If you have more than 16 zones, you will use 001 for the first 16 zones, then you will use section 002 for zones 17-32)
  3. Now you will enter Zone 1's 2-digit definition
  4. The system will triple beep, and now you will enter zone 2's definition
  5. When you are finished entering the Zone definitions, you will hit # # #
So let's, for example, say we want to make:
  • Zone 1 and entry door with a delay
  • Zone 2 a back perimeter door, no delay
  • Zone 3 a living room motion
  • Zone 4 a bedroom window
  • Zone 5 a hardwired smoke detector
  • Zones 6, 7, 8 not used
I will use the definitions above and program my zone definitions as follows:
  • * 8 + Installer Code
  • 001 (enters section)
  • 01   (delay 1 for entry door)
  • 03  (perimeter back door)
  • 05  (motion sensor)
  • 03  (perimeter bedroom window)
  • 08  (hardwired smoke)
  • 00  (zone 6 not used)
  • 00  (zone 7 not used)
  • 00  (zone 8 not used)
  • # # # (to exit)
Now you have defined all eight zones. Please note that you must start with zone 1 and proceed in order with the other zones.  There is no way to just start with zone 5 or just enter one zone, without starting at the beginning of the section (unless you start in a whole different section for higher zones, but if using less than 16 zones, you will only be in section 001).   Notice that we did not enter the zone numbers, just the definitions. The system knows that the first two digits you enter in section 001 will be the definition for zone 1, the next two digits will define zone 2, etc. Depending on the type of keypad you use, depends on how easy it is to program your system.  If using one of the PK5500 fully alpha-programmable keypads, this keypad will show you everything the system is asking for, as well as display the number of digits required for that section.  If using an older keypad or a PK5501, the keypad will not display anything and you have just the beeps to go by.

Comments

Francis

Hi. I have a DSC PC1832system. I just installed à Bosch (Blue Line Gen2) motion detector. I set the Zone Definition to 05 (also tried 04), and never got the zone to trigger. I test the loop, which works perfectly. I finally got the zone to work using the 03 definition, but now of course I don’t have the Stay function working. Am I doing anything wrong? (BTW, I tried both with and without resistor configuration

Peggy francis

Is there a way using the keypad to find out what zones are for each window ?

Alan Smithee

Chime or beep on a motion sensor can be disabled in DSC zone attributes.

Section 1xx eg zone 1 would be 101, and to turn chime off, number 3 should be off (or blank, on an alphanumeric keypad.)

Anthony casilla

Hi when i went home in my house was alarmed when i entered go in ‘opened door’ then i press *2 tmand the light in 1,3,4 showed. I dont know was that mean but still beeping when opened and closed the door.
I just want to disalarmed because is so loud

Michael Bell

I have a DSC 1832 system and programmed my motion detector for 05. My problem is that when I pass the detector with the system off the keypad beeps. Is there any way to program the beep away?

Thirumalaikumar

i have DSC panel PC1404 & also i have 4 detector’s zone but only zone-2 & zone- 4 is giving the alarm during the testing. other zone-1 & zone-3 is not triggering the alarm during detector activation. could you please help me how to do the program.

Fernando Rosa da Silva

Good afternoon!

Thanks for the info!

Could you help me in a basic configuration to set / disarm alarm? I installed a PC 1832 with keyboard dsc pk1555rkz

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