FC (Failure to Communicate)

How to Fix It

1. Call monitoring center.

   Tell them you have FC trouble and want to test communication.
   They'll talk you through a test arm/disarm cycle.
   If the test signal doesn't reach them, communicator is offline.
   If it does, the FC was a transient (one-time) issue and can be cleared.

2. Check cellular signal (cellular communicators).

   Cellular communicator (small box near panel) has signal LEDs.
   Strong signal = solid LEDs.
   Weak/no signal = blinking or dark.
   Sometimes signal fades when other electronics or building changes block it.
   Communicator may need relocating.

3. For IP communicators — check internet.

   IP-based communicators ride your home internet.
   Confirm router is online, ethernet cable to communicator is plugged in.
   Check status LEDs on the communicator.
   Internet outages cause FC until restored.

4. Check power to communicator.

   Most communicators have a separate plug-in transformer.
   Confirm power LED is lit.
   Check the wall outlet (test with a lamp).
   Tripped GFCI outlet kills communicator power without your noticing.

5. Verify account is active.

   Monitoring contracts can lapse silently.
   Ask the monitoring company if your account is current.
   Alarm company that's gone out of business leaves panels signaling into the void.
   Switch monitoring service if needed.

6. Acknowledge after fix.

   Press *2 on keypad, then # to acknowledge.
   FC should clear if communication is restored.
   If FC returns within minutes, the issue is intermittent — call your alarm company for service.