Introduction
If you’re currently using ADT for alarm monitoring but find their services too expensive or restrictive, you might be looking for a better alternative. SafeHomeCentral.com offers affordable, flexible monitoring for homeowners and small businesses who want to keep their existing alarm system without being tied to long-term contracts.
Switching from ADT to SafeHomeCentral.com is possible in many cases, but it depends on your system type. If you have a hardwired alarm system with all sensors wired back to a metal box, SafeHomeCentral.com can monitor it using landline, IP, or cellular. However, if your system relies on a proprietary ADT external cellular or IP communicator, you will need to replace it. This guide will walk you through the process step by step.
Understanding Your Existing ADT System
Before making the switch, it’s crucial to determine what type of ADT system you have. This will help you understand whether your existing equipment can be used with SafeHomeCentral.com or if you need to make any modifications.
Identifying If You Have a Hardwired or Wireless System
ADT offers both hardwired and wireless alarm systems. Here’s how to tell which one you have:
- Hardwired System – If you see a metal box (often in a closet or basement) with many wires connected inside, you have a hardwired alarm system.
- Wireless System (ADT Command Center) – If you only have a touchscreen panel with no wired connections running to a central box, you have an ADT Command Center, which is proprietary to ADT and cannot be monitored by SafeHomeCentral.com.
Proprietary vs. Non-Proprietary Components
ADT often uses proprietary equipment, meaning that some components (like their wireless panels or communicators) only work with ADT’s monitoring service. However, many hardwired alarm systems are non-proprietary and can be monitored by third-party companies like SafeHomeCentral.com.
Can Your ADT System Be Monitored by SafeHomeCentral.com?
The ability to switch depends largely on the type of system and communicator you have.
Hardwired Alarm Systems: Fully Compatible
If you have a hardwired system with sensors wired back to a control panel, you’re in luck. SafeHomeCentral.com can monitor these systems via:
- Landline – Uses your home phone line for monitoring.
- IP Monitoring – Uses your internet connection.
- Cellular Monitoring – Uses a cellular communicator for added security.
ADT Command Center: Locked to ADT
If you have the ADT Command Center (a touchscreen panel with no hardwired components), you won’t be able to switch. This system is entirely proprietary, meaning that it can only be monitored by ADT. Because replacing it would be expensive, most customers end up staying with ADT for another three-year contract.
Proprietary ADT External Cellular/IP Communicators
If your hardwired system uses an ADT-branded cellular or IP communicator, it will need to be replaced with a non-ADT proprietary model. Luckily, these communicators are easy to find online, and swapping them out is straightforward. SafeHomeCentral.com can recommend the appropriate communicator based on the hardwired panel model you own such as the ADT SafeWatch Pro 3000, DSC models, Honeywell Vista series models, Interlogix models.
Steps to Switch from ADT to SafeHomeCentral.com
Switching to SafeHomeCentral.com is a step-by-step process that requires assessing your system, replacing any proprietary components, and setting up new monitoring.
Step 1: Check Your Existing Equipment
- Locate your alarm control panel (usually a metal box in a basement, utility room, or closet).
- Identify if you have a proprietary ADT communicator.
Step 2: Replace Proprietary ADT Communicator (If Needed)
If your system has an ADT-branded cellular or IP communicator, replace it with a non-ADT model. Compatible communicators can be purchased from:
- SafeHomeCentral.com
- Security equipment retailers
- Amazon
Installation is usually a simple process, but remote tech support is available 7 days a week when a SafeHomeCentral.com monitoring customer.
Step 3: Choose a Monitoring Plan with SafeHomeCentral.com
SafeHomeCentral.com offers flexible plans based on how you want your system to communicate:
- Landline Monitoring – Cheapest option but less secure.
- IP Monitoring – Uses your home internet.
- Cellular Monitoring – More secure, works even if power and internet are down.
Step 4: Set Up and Test Your System
- Connect your new communicator.
- Contact SafeHomeCentral.com for activation.
- Test the system to ensure all sensors are working properly.
Comparing Costs: ADT vs. SafeHomeCentral.com
| Feature | ADT | SafeHomeCentral.com |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Monitoring Fee | $40-$60+ | $9-$20 |
| Contract Length | 3 years | No contracts |
| Equipment Ownership | ADT-owned | You own everything |
| Cancellation Fees | High | None |
Switching to SafeHomeCentral.com can save homeowners hundreds of dollars per year while avoiding long-term contracts.
Why SafeHomeCentral.com is a Better Choice
- No long-term contracts – Pay only for the time you need.
- Lower costs – Significant savings compared to ADT.
- Flexible monitoring options – Choose from landline, IP, or cellular.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Can I switch if I’m still under an ADT contract?
Yes, but you may have to pay an early termination fee. -
How difficult is it to install a new communicator?
It’s a simple process that takes less than 30 minutes. -
What if I have both wired and wireless sensors?
SafeHomeCentral.com can monitor wired systems that also have some wireless sensors. These are still considered a hardwired system because the “brain” of the system is in a metal box rather than keypad. -
How fast can I complete the switch?
Most customers can switch within a day by replacing the communicator and setting up new monitoring.
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