During routine testing of an alarm system, what should be performed?

Performing a thorough test of each component and checking communication pathways is critical during routine testing of an alarm system. This process ensures that all parts of the system are functioning correctly and efficiently. Each component, such as sensors, alarms, and control panels, should be individually tested to verify that they respond appropriately to alerts or triggers, ensuring that the system will operate as intended in real-world scenarios.

Checking communication pathways is equally essential, as it confirms that signals are transmitted correctly between components, particularly from sensors to the control panel and any external monitoring services. A failure in communication can lead to undetected breaches or malfunctions, placing the security of the premises at risk.

While checking battery levels is important, it does not provide a comprehensive assessment of the system's functionality. Resetting user credentials and adjusting system settings may be necessary at different times, but they do not address the immediate need to verify operational integrity during routine testing. Thus, conducting a full test of each system component and communication pathways ensures optimal performance and reliability of the alarm system.