ADEMCO VISTA-20SEA User manual

®

– 2 –
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SYSTEM OVERVIEW ....................................................3
General......................................................................3
A Partitioned System.................................................3
Zones ........................................................................3
Burglary Protection ................................................... 4
Security Codes .......................................................... 4
Fire Protection...........................................................5
Alarms .......................................................................5
Memory of Alarm....................................................... 5
Phone Access & Voice Response............................. 5
ENTRY/EXIT DELAYS .................................................. 6
General Information................................................... 6
ABOUT THE KEYPADS ................................................7
FUNCTIONS OF THE KEYPADS ................................ 10
CHECKING FOR OPEN ZONES ................................. 12
ARMING PERIMETER ONLY (STAY)......................... 13
ARMING PERIMETER ONLY (INSTANT)................... 14
ARMING ALL PROTECTION (AWAY)........................ 15
ARMING ALL PROTECTION (MAXIMUM)................. 16
DISARMING AND SILENCING ALARMS................... 17
Memory of Alarm..................................................... 18
BYPASSING PROTECTION ZONES .......................... 19
Displaying Bypassed Zones.................................... 20
CHIME MODE .............................................................. 21
PANIC KEYS ............................................................... 22
USING DEVICE COMMANDS..................................... 23
COMMON AREA OPERATION ...................................24
SECURITY CODES ..................................................... 25
General.................................................................... 25
Babysitter Code....................................................... 25
Duress Code............................................................ 25
Quick Arming ........................................................... 25
To Add or Change A User’s Code ...........................26
To Delete A User .....................................................26
TESTING THE SYSTEM.............................................. 27
TROUBLE CONDITIONS ............................................29
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM (IF INSTALLED) ....................31
MAINTAINING YOUR SYSTEM ..................................32
QUICK GUIDE TO SYSTEM FUNCTIONS..................34
SUMMARY OF AUDIBLE NOTIFICATIONS............... 36
Alpha Keypads.........................................................36
Fixed-Word Keypads............................................... 37
GLOSSARY .................................................................38
PROTECTION ZONES LIST........................................39
LIMITATIONS STATEMENT ....................................... 40
INDEX .......................................................................... 42
LIMITED WARRANTY .................................................43

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SYSTEM OVERVIEW
General Congratulations on your ownership of an Ademco Partitioned Security System. You've made a
wise decision in choosing it, for it represents the latest in security protection technology today.
Ademco is the world's largest manufacturer of security systems and millions of premises are
protected by Ademco systems.
This system offers you three forms of protection: burglary, fire and emergency. Your system
consists of at least one keypad which provides control of system operation, and includes
various sensors which provide perimeter and interior burglary protection, plus smoke or
combustion detectors designed to provide early warning in case of fire.
The system uses microcomputer technology to monitor all protection zones and system status
and provides appropriate information for display on the keypad(s) used with the system, and
initiates appropriate alarms. Your system may also have been programmed to automatically
transmit alarm or status messages over the phone lines to a central alarm monitoring station.
A Partitioned
System Simply stated, a partitioned system provides two or more separate areas of protection intended
for use by independent users. For the most part, you need not know about other partition users
and their structure in the system, but from time to time, you may see display messages which
indicate the system is in use by a user in another partition. This is normal.
A partitioned system may also have a “common” area, which is an area shared by users of both
independent partitions in this system. This common area can be regarded as a third partition.
Refer to the COMMON AREA OPERATION section for details.
Zones Your system's sensing devices have been assigned to various "zones." For example, the
sensing device on your Entry/Exit door may have been assigned to zone 01, sensing devices
on windows in the master bedroom to zone 02, and so on. These numbers will appear on the
display, along with a description for that zone (if programmed), when an alarm or trouble
condition occurs.

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SYSTEM OVERVIEW
Burglary Protection Your system provides four modes of burglary protection: STAY, AWAY, INSTANT and
MAXIMUM, and allows you to BYPASS selected zones while leaving the rest of the system
armed. You must turn on or "arm" the burglary protection portion of your system before it will
sense burglary alarms. The system also provides a CHIME mode, for alerting users to the
opening of protected doors and windows while the system is disarmed. Refer to the other
sections of this manual for procedures for using these features.
The following table lists the four different arming modes and the results of each.
Arming Features For Each Arming Mode
Mode Exit Delay Entry Delay Perimeter Armed Interior Armed
AWAY Yes Yes Yes Yes
STAY Yes Yes Yes No
INSTANT Yes No Yes No
MAXIMUM Yes No Yes Yes
Security Codes At the time of installation, you were assigned a personal four-digit security code, known only to
you. You must enter the security code when arming and disarming the system, and when
performing other system functions. As an additional safety feature, other users who do not have
a need to know your code can be assigned different security codes. Refer to the SECURITY
CODES section for procedures on adding security codes to the system.

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SYSTEM OVERVIEW
Fire Protection The fire protection portion of your security system (if used) is always active and will sound an
alarm if a fire condition is detected. Refer to the FIRE ALARM SYSTEM section for important
information concerning fire protection, smoke detectors and planning emergency exit routes
from the premises.
Alarms When an alarm occurs, both the keypad and external sounders will sound, and the keypad will
display the zone(s) causing the alarm. If your system is connected to a central monitoring
station, an alarm message will also be sent. To stop the alarm sounding, simply disarm the
system.
Memory of Alarm When an alarm condition occurs, the keypad displays the number(s) of the zone(s) that caused
the problem, and displays the type of alarm (ex. FIRE, ALARM). It remains displayed until it is
cleared by disarming the system (see DISARMING THE SYSTEM section).
Phone Access &
Voice Response
Capability
Your system may include a voice module that will permit you to access the system via a Touch-
Tone phone, either on-premises or by call-in when away. The phone access feature will enable
you to do the following:
•Receive synthesised voice messages over the telephone regarding the status of the security
system.
•Arm and disarm the system and perform most function commands via the telephone, with
voice confirmation provided after each command entry.
Complete information regarding the use of this feature is provided in a separate manual entitled
PHONE ACCESS USER'S GUIDE, which accompanies the voice module.

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ENTRY/EXIT DELAYS
General Information Your system has preset time delays, known as exit delay and entry delay. Whenever you arm
your system, exit delay gives you time to leave through the designated exit door without setting
off an alarm. Exit delay begins immediately after entering any arming command, and applies to
all modes of arming protection. If programmed, a slow beeping will sound throughout the exit
delay period.
Entry Delays give you time to disarm the system when you re-enter through the designated
entrance door. But you must disarm the system before the entry delay period ends, or an alarm
will occur. The keypad beeps during the entry delay period, reminding you to disarm the
system. There are two entry delays (if programmed). The first is for your primary entrance and
the second can be used for a secondary entrance, where a longer delay is required to walk to
the keypad to disarm the system.
You can also arm the system with no entry delay at all by using either INSTANT or MAXIMUM
arming modes. These modes provide greater security while on the premises or while away for
extended periods of time.
See your installer for your delay times.
Partition 1 Exit Delay: seconds Entry Delay 1: seconds
Entry Delay 2: seconds
Partition 2 Exit Delay: seconds Entry Delay 1: seconds
Entry Delay 2: seconds

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ABOUT THE KEYPADS
General
IMPORTANT: If the key-
pad beeps rapidly upon
entering the premises, it
indicates that an alarm
has occurred during
your absence and an
intruder may still be on
the premises. LEAVE
IMMEDIATELY and
CONTACT THE POLICE
from a nearby safe
location.
Your keypads allow you to control all system functions. The keypads feature a telephone
style (digital) keypad and a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) which shows the nature and location
of all occurrences.
The keypads also feature a built-in sounder which will sound during alarms and troubles. The
keypads also "beep" during certain system functions, such as during entry/exit delay times, in
CHIME mode, and when depressing any of the keys (to acknowledge the key press).
There are two basic types of keypads – a Fixed-Word keypad and an Alpha keypad (both
described below).
2-Line Alpha Keypad
2-line Alpha keypads feature a 2-line, 32-character alphanumeric LCD which can display
system messages in friendly English. These keypads can also be programmed with custom
zone descriptors. The screen displays depicted throughout this manual are those that
would typically appear on a 2-line Alpha keypad.
Fixed-Word Keypad
Fixed-Word keypads are functionally identical to Alpha keypads, but the LCD display uses
pre-designated words to identify the nature and location of occurrences.

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READYARMED
PANIC
READY
123
654
897
0
*#
INSTANT CODE CHIME
MAX TEST BYPASS
OFF AWAY STAY
ARMED
READY
PANIC
OFF AWAY STAY
READY
123
654
897
0
*#
ALARM
CHECK
FIRE
AWAY
STAY
INSTANT
BYPASS
NO AC
CHIME
BAT
NOT READY
MAX TEST BYPASS
INSTANT CODE CHIME
ARMED
READY
A
B
C
ALARM
FIRE
AWAY
BYPASS
STAY
CHECK INSTANT
NO AC
NOT READY
CHIME BAT
OFF AWAY STAY
MAX TEST BYPASS
INSTANT CODE CHIME
READY
123
456
*
98
7
#0
PANIC
6139 ALPHA KEYPAD
6128 6137
FIXED-WORD KEYPADS

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ABOUT THE KEYPADS
Fixed-Word Keypad Displays
AWAY: All burglary zones, interior and perimeter, are armed.
STAY: Perimeter burglary zones, such as protected windows
and doors, are armed.
INSTANT: Perimeter burglary zones armed and entry delay is
turned off.
BYPASS: One or more burglary protection zones have been
bypassed.
NOT READY: Appears when burglary portion of the system has open
protection zones.
READY: All burglary system zones are secure.
NO AC: Appears when AC mains has been cut off. System is
operating on backup battery power.
AC: Appears when AC mains is present.
00
ALARM
CHECK
FIRE
AWAY
STAY
INSTANT
BYPASS
NO AC
CHIME
BAT
NOT READY
00
00
6128 DISPLAY
00
ALARM
FIRE
AWAY
BYPASS
STAY
CHECK INSTANT
NO AC
NOT READY
CHIME BAT
00
STAY
FIRE
ALARM
AWAY
6137 DISPLAY
CHIME: Appears when the CHIME feature is activated.
BAT: Low battery condition in a wireless sensor (if zone
number displayed) or low system battery (if no zone number displayed).
ALARM: Appears when an intrusion has been detected and the system is armed (also appears during a fire
alarm or audible emergency alarm). Accompanied by the protection zone in alarm.
CHECK: Appears when a malfunction is discovered in the system at any time or if an open is detected in a FIRE
zone at any time or a fault in a DAY/NIGHT burglary zone during a disarmed period. Accompanied by a
display of zone number in trouble.
FIRE: Appears when a fire alarm is present. Accompanied by a display of the zone in alarm.

– 10 –
FUNCTIONS OF THE KEYPADS
1. DISPLAY WINDOW: Shown on next page, a 2-line, Liquid
Crystal Display (LCD). Fixed-word keypads are functionally
similar but use pre-designated words in their displays. Both
types display protection point identification and system
status messages.
2. OFF KEY: Disarms the burglary portion of the system,
silences alarms and audible trouble indicators, and clears
visual alarm trouble after the problem has been corrected.
3. AWAY KEY: Completely arms both perimeter and interior
burglary protection for backup protection by sensing an
intruder's movements through protected interior areas as
well as guarding protected doors, windows, etc. Entrance
can be made through an entry delay zone without causing
an alarm if the system is disarmed before the entry delay
time expires.
4. STAY KEY: Arms the perimeter burglary protection,
guarding protected doors, windows and other perimeter
protection points, and sounds an alarm if one is opened.
Interior protection is not armed, which allows movement
within your house without causing an alarm. Entrance can
be made through an entry delay zone without causing an
alarm if the system is disarmed before the entry delay time
expires.
5. MAXIMUM KEY: Arms in manner similar to AWAY mode,
but eliminates the entry delay period, thus providing
maximum protection. An alarm will occur immediately upon
opening any protection point, including entry delay zones.
6. TEST KEY: Tests the system and alarm sounder.
7. BYPASS KEY: Removes individual protection zones
from being monitored by the system. Displays currently
bypassed protection zones.
8. INSTANT KEY: Arms in manner similar to STAY mode,
but turns off the entry delay period, offering greater security
while inside and not expecting any late arrivals. An alarm
will occur immediately upon opening any perimeter
protection point, including entry delay zones
9. CODE KEY: Allows the entry of additional user codes
that can be given to other users of the system.
10. CHIME KEY: Turns the CHIME mode on and off. When
on, any entry through a protected delay or perimeter zone
while the system is disarmed will cause a tone to sound at
the Keypad(s).
11. READY KEY: When depressed prior to arming the
system, the keypad will display all open protection zones
within the keypad's home partition.
12. # KEY: Permits ARMING of the system without use
of a security code ("Quick Arm", if programmed). Also used
to view the second line of single-line Alpha keypads.
13. KEYS 0–9: Used to enter your individual security access
code(s).

– 11 –
14. READY INDICATOR: (GREEN) The
system has no open zones if lit, while
unlit indicates the system has open
zones.
15. ARMED INDICATOR: (RED) Lit when
the system has been armed (STAY,
AWAY, INSTANT or MAXIMUM).
16. INTERNAL SOUNDER: Source of
audible internal warning and confirmation
sounds, as well as alarms (see
"Summary of Audible Notifications").
17. A-B-C PANIC KEYS: Some keypads
use key pairs to activate panic alarms,
rather than individual keys. Refer to the
PANIC KEYS section for descriptions of
these keys.
IMPORTANT!:
When you use the keypad to enter codes
and commands, press the keys within 2
seconds of one another. If 2 seconds
elapse without a key depression, the entry
is aborted and must be repeated from its
beginning.
1 2 3
A
4 5 6
B
7 8 9
C
*
0
#
D
OFF AWAY STAY
MAX TEST BYPASS
INSTANT CODE CHIME
READY
READYARMED
PANIC
A
B
C
OFF AWAY STAY
MAX TEST BYPASS
INSTANT CODE CHIME
READY
123
654
897
0
*#
1 2
53
4
6
7
9
10
12
1311
817
16
14
15
SHOWN WITH KEYPAD COVER REMOVED
TYPICAL ALPHA KEYPAD
Fixed-Word Keypads are functionally similar,
except for screen displays.

– 12 –
CHECKING FOR OPEN ZONES
Using the ✱
READY Key Before arming your system, all protected doors, windows and other protection zones not on the
exit route must be closed or bypassed (see BYPASSING section). Otherwise the keypad will
display a "Not Ready" message.
Note: A green READY indicator on the keypad will be lit if all protection zones in the system
are secure. If not lit, the system can only be armed if the zones that are NOT READY are on
the exit route.
DISARMED- PRESS ✱
T O SH OW F AUL TS
Using the READY key will display all zones that are faulted,
making it easier for you to secure any open zones.
To show faulted zones:
READY
1. ✱ PRESS THE READY KEY
Do not enter security code, but simply press the READY key.
2. FAULT 05 FRONT
UPSTAIRS BEDROOM
SECURE FAULTED ZONES
Typical fault display shows open zones. Secure or bypass the
non-exit route zones displayed before arming the system.
3. ✱✱✱ DISARMED ✱✱✱
READY T O ARM
SYSTEM CAN BE ARMED
The "Ready" message will be displayed when all protection
zones have been either closed or bypassed.
You may now arm the system as usual if the zones that are NOT
READY are on the exit routes.

– 13 –
ARMING PERIMETER ONLY
(With Entry Delay ON)
Using the 3
STAY key Use this key when you are staying home, but might expect someone to use the entrance door later.
NOTE:
Failure to close an
open exit route zone
before the exit delay
time ends may result in
that zone being auto-
matically bypassed at
that time
When armed in STAY mode, the system will sound an alarm if a protected door or window is
opened, but you may otherwise move freely throughout the premises. Late arrivals can enter
through the entrance door without causing an alarm, but they must disarm the system within the
entry delay period or an alarm will occur.
Close all protected perimeter windows and non-main exit doors before arming (see
CHECKING FOR OPEN ZONES section).
STAY
1. + 3 ENTER SECURITY CODE THEN PRESS STAY
(Security Code) Example: 7 2 9 6 then press the STAY key.
2. ARMED ✱✱✱STAY✱✱✱ LISTEN FOR 3 BEEPS
The keypad will beep three times and will display the armed
STAY message. The red ARMED indicator also lights.
You can restart the exit delay at any time after arming in the STAY mode by pressing the ✱
key. This is useful if you wish to open the entry/exit door to let someone in after arming the
system. This avoids having to disarm the system and then arm it again.

– 14 –
ARMING PERIMETER ONLY
(With Entry Delay OFF)
Using the 7
INSTANT Key Use this key when you are staying home and do not expect anyone to use the entrance door.
When armed in INSTANT mode, the system will sound an alarm if a protected door or window
is opened, but you may otherwise move freely throughout the premises. The alarm will also
sound immediately if anyone opens the entrance door.
Note:
Failure to close an
open exit route zone
before the exit delay
time ends may result in
that zone being auto-
matically bypassed at
that time
Close all protected perimeter windows and non-main exit doors before arming (see
CHECKING FOR OPEN ZONES section).
INSTANT
1. + 7 ENTER SECURITY CODE THEN PRESS INSTANT
(Security Code) Example: 7 2 9 6 then press the INSTANT key.
2. ARMED ✱INSTANT ✱LISTEN FOR 3 BEEPS
The keypad will beep three times and will display the armed
INSTANT message. The red ARMED indicator also lights.
You can restart the exit delay at any time after arming in the INSTANT mode by pressing the
✱ key. This is useful if you wish to open the entry/exit door to let someone in after arming
the system. This avoids having to disarm the system and then arm it again.

– 15 –
ARMING ALL PROTECTION
(With Entry Delay ON)
Using the 2
AWAY Key Use this key when no one will be staying on the premises.
When armed in AWAY mode, the system will sound an alarm if a protected door or window is
opened, or if any movement is detected inside the premises. You may leave through the
NOTE:
Failure to close an
open exit route zone
before the exit delay
time ends may result in
that zone being auto-
matically bypassed at
that time
entrance door during the exit delay period without causing an alarm. You may also re-enter
through the entrance door, but must disarm the system within the entry delay period or an alarm
will occur.
Close all protected perimeter windows and non-main exit doors before arming (see
CHECKING FOR OPEN ZONES section).
AWAY
1. + 2 ENTER SECURITY CODE THEN PRESS AWAY
(Security Code) Example: 7 2 9 6 then press the AWAY key.
2. ARMED ✱✱ AWAY ✱✱
YOU MAY EXIT NOW
LISTEN
The keypad will beep twice, or beep continuously if exit
warning has been programmed for your system, and
displays the armed AWAY message. The red ARMED
indicator also lights.
The "You May Exit Now" portion of the message disappears
when the exit delay expires.

– 16 –
ARMING ALL PROTECTION
(With Entry Delay OFF)
Using the 4
MAXIMUM Key Use this key when the premises will be vacant for extended periods of time such as vacations,
etc., or when no one will be moving through protected interior areas.
When armed in MAXIMUM mode, the system will sound an alarm if a protected door or window
is opened, or if any movement is detected inside the premises. You may leave through the
NOTE:
Failure to close an
open exit route zone
before the exit delay
time ends may result in
that zone being auto-
matically bypassed at
that time
entrance door during the exit delay period without causing an alarm, but an alarm will be
sounded as soon as someone re-enters.
Close all protected perimeter windows and non-main exit doors before arming (see
CHECKING FOR OPEN ZONES section).
MAXIMUM
1. + 4 ENTER SECURITY CODE THEN PRESS MAXIMUM
(Security Code) Example: 7 2 9 6 then press the MAXIMUM key.
2. ARMED ✱MAXIMUM✱
YOU MAY EXIT NOW
LISTEN
The keypad will beep twice, or beep continuously if exit
warning has been programmed for your system, and will
display the armed MAXIMUM message (AWAY/INSTANT on
fixed-word keypads). The red ARMED indicator also lights.
The "You May Exit Now" portion of the message disappears
when the exit delay expires.

– 17 –
DISARMING AND SILENCING ALARMS
Using the 1
OFF Key Use the OFF key to disarm the system and to silence alarm and trouble sounds. See
"SUMMARY OF AUDIBLE NOTIFICATION" section for information which will help you to
distinguish between FIRE and BURGLARY alarm sounds.
IMPORTANT: If you return and the main burglary sounder is on, DO NOT enter the premises,
but call the police from a nearby safe location. If you return after an alarm has occurred and
the main sounder has shut itself off, the keypad will beep rapidly upon entering, indicating that
an alarm has occurred during your absence and an intruder may still be on the premises.
LEAVE IMMEDIATELY and CONTACT THE POLICE from a nearby safe location.
To disarm the system and silence burglary alarms:
OFF
1. + 1 ENTER SECURITY CODE, THEN PRESS OFF
(Security Code) Example: 7 2 9 6 then press the OFF key.
2. ✱✱✱ DISARMED ✱✱✱
READY T O ARM
LISTEN FOR 1 BEEP
The “Ready” message will be displayed (if no alarms have
occurred while armed) and the keypad will beep once to
confirm that the system is disarmed.

– 18 –
DISARMING AND SILENCING ALARMS
(Continued)
Memory of Alarm If an alarm occurs, the keypad displays the zone number (s) that caused the alarm and the type
of alarm. These messages remain displayed until cleared by a user.
To clear the display, note the zone number displayed and enter an OFF sequence (enter your
security code and press the OFF key).
If the “Ready” message will not display, go to the displayed zone and correct the fault (close
windows, etc.). If the fault cannot be corrected, notify your alarm company.

– 19 –
BYPASSING PROTECTION ZONES
Using the 6
BYPASS Key This key is used when you want to arm your system with one or more zones intentionally
unprotected. Bypassed zones are unprotected and will not cause an alarm when violated while
your system is armed. All bypasses are removed when an OFF sequence (security code
plus OFF) is performed. Bypasses are also removed if the arming procedure that follows the
bypass command is not successful.
The system will not allow fire zones to be bypassed.
To bypass zones, the system must be disarmed first.
BYPASS
1. + 6 ENTER SECURITY CODE THEN PRESS BYPASS
(Security Code) Example: 7 2 9 6 then press the BYPASS key.
2. ENTER ZONE NUMBERS
(Zone Numbers) Enter the zone number(s) for the zones to be bypassed
(e.g., 01, 02, 03, etc.).
Important! All single-digit numbers must be preceded by a
zero (for example, enter 01 for zone 1).
3. BYPASS 07 FRONT
UPSTAIRS BEDROOM
Typical bypass message
WAIT
The keypad will display the word BYPASS along with each
bypassed zone number. Wait for these zones to be
displayed, to be sure that intended zones are bypassed.
4. DISARMED BYPASS
READY T O ARM
ARM AS USUAL
Arm the system as usual when the keypad displays the
"Ready ” message.
(Continued)

– 20 –
BYPASSING PROTECTION ZONES (Continued)
Displaying
Bypassed Zones For determining what zones have been previously bypassed. Bypassed zones can be displayed
only when the system is disarmed, and when the “Bypass” message shown in step 3 above is
displayed. BYPASS
1. + 6 ENTER SECURITY CODE THEN PRESS BYPASS
(Security Code) Example: 7 2 9 6 then press the BYPASS key.
2. BYPASS 07 FRONT
UPSTAIRS BEDROOM
Typical bypass message
WAIT
In a few moments, all open zones will be sequentially
displayed along with the word BYPASS.