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How to Bypass a Zone on a DSC system?

Bypassing a zone on a DSC alarm system allows you to arm the system while ignoring a specific zone that is open, faulty, or temporarily unavailable. This is useful when a window sensor is broken, a door won’t close properly, or a wireless sensor has a low battery.

DSC systems use the [*][1] command to bypass zones, and the process is quick once you know the correct steps.

Quick Steps to Bypass a Zone on a DSC System
1. Press [*] [1]
2. Enter your user code (if prompted)
3. Enter the two‑digit zone number
4. Press [#] to confirm
Example:
To bypass zone 5 → *1 05 #

What Does It Mean to Bypass a Zone?

Bypassing a zone let’s you to arm your security system while ignoring zones that are open or malfunctioning.
For example, if zone 4 is the kitchen window and it remains open due to a broken hinge, the alarm system will not arm unless the zone is bypassed or force arming is enabled.

By bypassing the zone, you can still secure the rest of your property while addressing the issue with the open window.
To bypass a zone, you will need to access the keypad of your security system. Once you are at the keypad, you will need to find the zone that you want to bypass.

Once you have found the zone that will not set and stays open, you will need to enter a keypad command to enter the bypass command.

After you have pressed the bypass button, the system will bypass that particular zone. You will still be protected by the other zones and your system will keep functioning, except that one zone which is bypassed.

How Do Bypassed Zones Work?

After a zone has been bypassed the system will ignore the zone in question. That is why most commercial systems have the feature protected by a code prompt. Only certain users or pins have the option to bypass zones.

Once you bypass a zone, the system will ignore it during arming. The system usually requires a code to bypass zones, preventing unauthorised users from doing it.
If someone bypasses certain zones and arms the system, the control room will receive a message indicating that the system is armed but with some zones bypassed. This could potentially leave your property exposed if not monitored.

By default, the system clears all bypasses every time you arm or disarm it. However, it’s essential to be cautious when using this feature.

Bypass command Instructions

To bypass a zone, we use the [*][1] command on the keypad to bypass a zone. The older panels use the same commands so if you have a 5005/5010/5020 these commands will also work for you.

To bypass a zone, you press “*1” and the zone number. For example *11 and press hash on the keypad.
You can bypass most zones, except 24-hour or panic zones. (The example let you bypass zone 1 on the system)

  1. Access Bypass Mode: Press [*][1] on the keypad. If there is no code prompt go o step 2.
  2. Enter Zone Number: Input the two-digit zone number you wish to bypass (e.g., for zone 10, press [*]).
  3. Confirm: Press [#] to confirm.

Examples

  • Press [*][1], then [two digit zone number], then [#].
  • [*1][10][#] bypasses zone 10
  • *110# bypasses zone 10 on the system
  • *105# bypasses zone 5 on the system

LCD Keypad Instructions:

After pressing [*][1], enter your user code if prompted.

  • The keypad displays “Scroll to View Zones.”
  • Use the arrow keys to scroll through programmed zone labels.
  • An “O” indicates an open zone, while a “B” indicates a bypassed zone.
  • Press [*] on the desired zone to change its status.
  • Press [#] to exit once done.

LED Keypad Instructions

  • Press [*] and enter your user code if required.
  • The Bypass light will flash.
  • Enter the two-digit zone number to bypass or unbypass it.
  • The corresponding zone light will indicate its status.

Additional Bypass Commands: 

The command below are sublocations to the [*][1] command. If the commands for any reason does not work, your alarm installer might have removed the feature from your pin code.

  • Bypass Recall: Press [99]. The keypad will recall the last group of bypassed zones. 
  • Clear Bypass: Press [00]. The keypad clears all bypass zones. 
  • Save Bypass: Press [95]. The keypad saves the zones you manually bypass.
  • Recall Save: Press [91]. The keypad recalls the zones you previously saved.  

Conclusion

Bypassing zones on your DSC security system can help you maintain security while addressing specific issues. However, use this feature carefully to avoid creating vulnerabilities in your security setup.
Always ensure that you are aware of which zones are bypassed when arming your system.