Security System FAQ — North Georgia
40 years of installs, thousands of customers, and a lot of the same questions. We've answered them all here. If yours isn't on the list, call us directly in Gainesville.
About Lint Security
5 questions
Who installs your systems? Do you use subcontractors?
All installations are performed by Lint Security employees. Our technicians are covered under our workers compensation insurance and trained in-house. We do not use subcontractors.
Is Lint Security licensed, bonded, and insured?
Yes. We carry general liability insurance, workers compensation coverage, and are fully bonded. License numbers: Jimmy Lint holds GA LVA 206112 and NC SP/FALV 36987. Jase Lint holds GA LVU407120. We comply with all state licensing requirements for security, fire alarm, and low voltage work in Georgia and North Carolina.
How long has Lint Security been in business?
Lint Security was founded in April 1985 by James Lint Sr. We have been serving North Georgia and Western North Carolina for over 40 years. The company is now operated by the second and third generations of the Lint family.
Do you have 24/7 support? How do I reach you when something goes wrong?
Yes. We are on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year. When you call, you reach us directly here in Gainesville. Not a call center. Not an answering service. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. After-hours emergency service is available for existing monitoring clients.
Monitoring & Emergency Response
5 questions
What happens when my alarm goes off?
When your alarm triggers, the signal goes immediately to Criticom, our UL-listed central monitoring station. Criticom contacts you within 10 seconds. If you cannot be reached or there is a confirmed emergency, they dispatch police, fire, or EMS on your behalf. You can also view your cameras in real time through the Alarm.com app to see exactly what triggered the alarm.
Who monitors your systems?
Monitoring is handled by Criticom, a UL-listed central monitoring station operating from multiple locations. Criticom is authorized to dispatch police, fire, or EMS on your behalf when an alarm triggers and you cannot be reached.
How fast will someone respond when my alarm goes off?
Criticom contacts you within 10 seconds of an alarm trigger. If dispatch is needed, they coordinate with your local police or fire department immediately.
What if my phone line is cut or the power goes out?
We recommend installing a cellular radio backup on every system. If your phone line or internet connection goes down or is cut, the cellular communicator maintains the connection between your alarm panel and the monitoring center. Without a backup communicator, there is no way to dispatch emergency services even if your sirens are sounding. We build this into our standard recommendation for every installation.
Does the system test itself to make sure monitoring is working?
Yes. We configure a weekly automatic dialer test so your system confirms it can communicate with the central monitoring station. If anything interrupts the connection, the system alerts you locally at the keypad.
What is included in the monitoring plan?
Our monitoring plans include 24/7 alarm monitoring through Criticom, weekly system communication tests, code changes and activity history reports, diagnostic checks, service timer messages, and access to the Alarm.com mobile app. Through the app you can arm and disarm your system, view cameras, and receive real-time alerts from your phone.
How many backup batteries does my system have?
We recommend a minimum of two backup batteries on every system. If your installation includes fire alarm equipment, NFPA 72 requires a minimum of 24 hours of battery backup. We build this into every fire system installation.
Installation & Equipment
5 questions
How long does installation take?
It depends on the size and scope of your system. A standard residential installation typically takes one day. Commercial projects may require multiple days depending on the number of devices, camera runs, conduit requirements, and access control points. We give you a clear timeline during your free site survey.
What brands of equipment do you install?
We work with 2GIG, Honeywell, and Napco for alarm panels and sensors. For cameras, we use HikVision and Ubiquiti UniFi Protect. Alarm.com serves as the monitoring and mobile app platform across most installations. For commercial access control, we use Ztec controllers. Equipment is selected based on what fits your property best, not what is cheapest to stock.
Are all sensors on separate zones, or are they grouped together?
We zone individually wherever possible. Every door sensor and motion detector gets its own zone. Windows are grouped by room with no more than three per zone. Fire sensors are zoned by floor. When something triggers, you know exactly which device caused it rather than just knowing something triggered somewhere in the building.
How many zones does a typical system have?
A standard system starts at a minimum of 16 zones. The actual count depends on property size, number of entry points, and how many detection devices are needed. Larger homes and commercial properties will have more.
What type of keypad do you install?
We install Custom Alpha keypads. These display plain-language descriptions such as “01 Front Door,” “Power Failure,” or “Low Battery” instead of codes that require a manual to interpret. You always know exactly what the panel is telling you.
Will my pets trigger the motion sensors?
No. We use 40-pound pet-immune motion sensors as our standard unit. Pets up to 40 pounds will not trigger a false alarm. If needed, we can install sensors with up to 100-pound immunity. Motion sensors are placed on every level with ground-floor accessibility, including the master bedroom level if it has ground access.
Do you install glass break sensors?
Yes, and we recommend them on every installation. Glass break sensors back up your door and window contact sensors for situations where entry is gained through a large window or by forcing a sliding door rather than a standard latch. Contact sensors cannot catch those scenarios. Glass break sensors add a critical layer of detection they cannot provide.
Are your systems properly grounded and surge-protected?
Yes. All control panels are grounded to a unified source as required by the National Electrical Code (NEC 70). Surge suppression is installed on both the telephone line and the power supply to protect equipment from voltage spikes.
What type of wiring do you use?
We use CL2-rated stranded wire for security devices, 18-gauge red fire wire for smoke detectors and fire system sirens, and Category 5 data cable for telephone connections. Category 5 keeps the alarm connection from interfering with your internet service. All door and window contacts use screw terminals. We do not use crimp connectors on security devices.
Fire & Life Safety
5 questions
What fire code do you follow?
We follow NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code published by the National Fire Protection Association. This is the governing standard for fire alarm installation, testing, inspection, and maintenance.
Where will smoke detectors be placed in my home or business?
Per NFPA 72, there must be at least one smoke detector outside each sleeping area and one on every level of the building. In new residential construction, detectors are also required inside each sleeping room.
What is a heat sensor? Is it the same as a smoke detector?
No. Heat sensors detect elevated temperature, not smoke. Because of this, they are not classified as Life Safety Devices. Heat sensors are placed in uncontrolled environments such as garages, attics, and utility rooms where smoke detectors are not appropriate due to dust, exhaust, or temperature variation.
Do you install carbon monoxide detectors?
Yes. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless, and can be fatal before you notice anything is wrong. Sources include failing furnace heat exchangers, faulty gas fireplace inserts, and generators running too close to the building. If you have any gas appliances, we strongly recommend CO detectors. NFPA 72 requires one on each level when CO detection is included in the system.
How loud are the alarms? Can I get a voice siren instead of a tone?
Fire systems must produce a minimum of 85 decibels at the pillow per NFPA 72. We recommend voice-driver sirens over tone-only sirens. A voice alarm announces the type of emergency, for example “Fire” versus “Intrusion,” so you know immediately whether to exit the building or shelter in place. A tone alone does not give you that information.
Sensors & Environmental Protection
5 questions
Do you offer water leak detection?
Yes. We recommend a water sensor near or inside every HVAC unit, water heater, and mechanical room. These sensors detect the early signs of a leak before it becomes a flood. Catching it early is the difference between a small repair and a major restoration project.
Can the system alert me if the temperature drops at a vacation or rental property?
Yes. We recommend temperature sensors in the lower level of vacation homes and rental properties. If heating fails in winter and no one is there to notice, the system notifies you before pipes freeze and burst. This is one of the highest-value add-ons for any property that sits unoccupied for days or weeks at a time.
Pricing & Getting Started
5 questions
Who installs your systems? Do you use subcontractors?
All installations are performed by Lint Security employees. Our technicians are covered under our workers compensation insurance and trained in-house. We do not use subcontractors.
Is Lint Security licensed, bonded, and insured?
Yes. We carry general liability insurance, workers compensation coverage, and are fully bonded. License numbers: Jimmy Lint holds GA LVA 206112 and NC SP/FALV 36987. Jase Lint holds GA LVU407120. We comply with all state licensing requirements for security, fire alarm, and low voltage work in Georgia and North Carolina.
How long has Lint Security been in business?
Lint Security was founded in April 1985 by James Lint Sr. We have been serving North Georgia and Western North Carolina for over 40 years. The company is now operated by the second and third generations of the Lint family.
What areas does Lint Security serve?
We serve North Georgia and Western North Carolina, including Gainesville, Blairsville, Cornelia, Cleveland, Hiawassee, Athens, Dahlonega, Commerce, Toccoa, Blue Ridge, and surrounding areas. Not sure if we cover your location? Call us at (770) 540-8653.
Do you have 24/7 support? How do I reach you when something goes wrong?
Yes. We are on call 24 hours a day, every day of the year. When you call, you reach us directly here in Gainesville. Not a call center. Not an answering service. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. After-hours emergency service is available for existing monitoring clients.
What happens when my alarm goes off?
When your alarm triggers, the signal goes immediately to Criticom, our UL-listed central monitoring station. Criticom contacts you within 10 seconds. If you cannot be reached or there is a confirmed emergency, they dispatch police, fire, or EMS on your behalf. You can also view your cameras in real time through the Alarm.com app to see exactly what triggered the alarm.
Who monitors your systems?
Monitoring is handled by Criticom, a UL-listed central monitoring station operating from multiple locations. Criticom is authorized to dispatch police, fire, or EMS on your behalf when an alarm triggers and you cannot be reached.
How fast will someone respond when my alarm goes off?
Criticom contacts you within 10 seconds of an alarm trigger. If dispatch is needed, they coordinate with your local police or fire department immediately.
What if my phone line is cut or the power goes out?
We recommend installing a cellular radio backup on every system. If your phone line or internet connection goes down or is cut, the cellular communicator maintains the connection between your alarm panel and the monitoring center. Without a backup communicator, there is no way to dispatch emergency services even if your sirens are sounding. We build this into our standard recommendation for every installation.
Does the system test itself to make sure monitoring is working?
Yes. We configure a weekly automatic dialer test so your system confirms it can communicate with the central monitoring station. If anything interrupts the connection, the system alerts you locally at the keypad.
READY TO PROTECT WHAT'S YOURS?
We’ll come to you. A free site survey costs nothing and commits you to nothing. Let us assess your property and put together a plan that fits your needs.