Once you’ve installed your security system, it’s vital that you know how to use it. There are two primary modes on practically every standard security system that you should understand before activating your alarms — Arm Stay and Arm Away. Some systems label them as Armed Stay and Armed Away. Both features are designed to alert you of any intruders that try to enter your home or business while preventing false alarms. However, they each have different security functions.
This guide will differentiate Arm Stay versus Arm Away and discuss when you should use each.
What Is Arm Stay?
The Arm Stay security mode automatically bypasses all interior zones, such as motion sensors, and arms the building’s perimeter zones — typically entry and exit points like doors and windows. This mode secures the perimeter of your home or business while allowing you to move freely within the building without tripping any alarms.
Under Arm Stay mode, perimeter sensors, such as glass detectors, door sensors and window sensors, will be activated with an exit and entry delay. These delays ensure that the perimeter is secure while stalling your security system for 30 seconds to two minutes so you can enter and exit the building without setting off a false alarm. All interior sensors will remain inactive, allowing you to move about the building without triggering any motion sensors.
When to Use Arm Stay
Because Arm Stay only monitors perimeter zones, it’s meant to be used when you or someone else plans to be in the building. Arm Stay is ideal for when you’re inside your house, whether you’re having a restful day in, sleeping at night or working from home. This mode is also useful if you have children who get home before you do.
Arm Stay is helpful if you’re not at home but have a pet in the house, especially a larger animal. Your security system will secure doors and windows without misconstruing your pet’s movement as an intruder.
What Is Arm Away?
Arm Away protects your home more comprehensively than Arm Stay. When enabled, this mode will arm your entire security system, including the perimeter and interior zones. That means all interior motion and glass break detectors will be active, as will all exterior door and window sensors.
Because Arm Away activates both the interior and perimeter sensors, any forced entry attempts or movement from inside the house will trigger the alarm. That means common areas like living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms will be monitored, along with entry and exit points like doors and windows.
Like Arm Stay, this mode features an entry and exit delay so you can leave the house before your security system is armed and enter with enough time to turn it off.
When to Use Arm Away
Because Arm Away offers a higher, more sensitive level of security, it’s best suited for when no one is in the house. Most motion detectors don’t pick up on smaller pets under 80 pounds, so you can typically use Arm Away if you have a small animal at home.
It’s a good idea to use Arm Away mode if you’re:
- At work.
- On vacation.
- Running errands.
- Leaving your home unattended.
You should not use Arm Away if you or a large pet is at home to risk setting off alarms accidentally.
Bypassing Armed Zones
Circumstances may arise where neither Arm Stay nor Arm Away is ideal for the situation. Luckily, you can bypass alarm zones on your security system according to your needs. There are various instances where you may need to disarm an alarm, such as when:
- You want to sleep with a window open.
- One of your sensors is faulty or damaged.
- You need to allow access to a certain part of your home.
Some security systems will allow you to bypass a zone by opening the door or window you wish to disarm before activating your alarm system. Other security solutions will require you to enter a code corresponding to the zone you want to bypass.
Other Arming Modes
All security systems are different, and some have more than just two arming modes. Other types of activation modes you may find on your security panel include:
- Instant Mode: This mode is similar to Arm Stay, bypassing interior security sensors. However, Instant Mode does not have an entry delay, meaning an alarm will immediately sound the moment someone opens a door.
- Maximum Mode: Maximum Mode is a lot like Arm Away because it secures both the interior and perimeter zones. Like Instant Mode, it does not offer an entry delay.
- Night Mode: Night Mode is useful for individuals who sometimes get up and move around at night. This activation mode creates a bypass zone over areas where you might set off alarms by mistake at nighttime.
Invest in Home Alarm Monitoring at Wayne Alarm Systems
You can arm your home or business against intruders with dependable and efficient security solutions from Wayne Alarm Systems. We’ve been in the physical security business for over 50 years, providing customers with cutting-edge residential and commercial security systems to protect their properties and keep occupants safe. We’re dedicated to helping our customers stay informed and gain peace of mind.
Request a quote for our home or business security systems today. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us for more information.
