SimpleSafe SSBS3 Wireless Home Security System User Guide
Install your Base Station
The Base Station is the brain and primary siren of your system. It communicates with all of your devices and sends us your alarm signals if you have activated the alarm monitoring service.
- Place your Base Station in a central location in your house. Don’t install it on the floor.
- Plug the Base Station into a power outlet using the included power cord.
Make sure the power outlet is not controlled by a light switch which could accidentally cut power to the Base Station. Your Base Station’s LED light indicates the status of the system. Blue means it’s armed, no light means it’s disarmed.
Install your Keypads
- Follow the onscreen instructions for setting your Master PIN.
- Adhesive tape has already been installed on the back of the Keypad—just peel and press it firmly to the wall for 30 seconds. If you make a mistake.
- Adhere the Keypad to the wall by your main entrance. You can take the Keypad with you to name your devices as you install them. After you adhere the Keypad to the wall just slide it up and off its bracket.
Install and Name your Devices with the Keypad
When the Keypad prompts you, remove the battery tab on the device you want to install, then press its Test Button.
Choose from the list of names on the Keypad, and then follow the instructions for installing the device on the following pages.
Install your Motion Sensors
Motion Sensors detect motion within 30 feet. They look straight ahead with a 90° field of view as well as downward at a 45° angle. Mount it in a corner for maximum coverage of your room
- Place the Motion Sensor on a shelf or adhere it to a wall, approximately 4 to 5 ft off the ground. Avoid placing the sensor near a heater, air conditioner, lamp, or electronics (such as a wifi router).
- Dog Owners: For pets over 30 pounds, install button-side down, about 4 feet off the ground.
- Cat Owners: Place the Motion Sensor so that cats cannot climb near it, button-side up, 6 to 10 feet off the ground.
- Motion Sensors are active in Away Mode only by default. Put the system in Home Mode and you can move freely about your home without setting off an alarm.
Install your Glassbreak Sensors
- Glassbreak Sensors are programmed to “listen” for the specific frequency of glass breaking.
- Avoid placing your Glassbreak Sensor in the kitchen, as glasses knocking into each other could trigger a false alarm.
- Curtains can dull the sound of glass breaking. If your windows are covered in heavy curtains, place your Glassbreak Sensor within 5-10 ft of your windows.
Install your Entry Sensors
- Line up the magnet and sensor on the door or window so that the grooves align and the pieces are less than 2 inches apart when the door or window is closed.
- Test the alignment before you adhere to each piece. The blue light should flash once when the door or window opens and twice when it closes.
- Adhere to the sensor on the door and the magnet on the doorframe, or the other way around. There is no “right side up.”
Note: to decrease the risk of false alarms, do not place the entry sensor where a child may be able to reach it.
EXAMPLES:
Install your Panic Buttons
Panic Buttons will trigger an alarm when you hold down the button for 2 full seconds.
- Adhere the Panic Button to a wall in your master bedroom or anywhere you want a bit of extra security.
Note: to decrease the risk of false alarms, do not place the panic button where children may be able to touch it.
- The red LED in the top right corner will flash when your panic signal has been sent.
- When you’ve put your system in test mode, the Panic Button itself becomes its test button.
Install your Extra Sirens
- Adhere to the Siren by pressing and holding it to the wall for 30 seconds to ensure it stays in place.
- For permanent installation, push up on the Siren to remove it from its bracket. Then screw the bracket into the wall with the included screws.
- Install your Siren by the front door to scare away intruders
- Be cautious when testing your 105 dB Siren. Prolonged exposure can cause hearing damage.
- Use your Keypad menu to configure your Siren’s volume and settings.
Install your Smoke Detectors
- Remove the mounting bracket from the detector by rotating it counterclockwise.
- Install the bracket on the wall or ceiling using the included screws and wall anchors
- Push the Smoke Detector against the mounting bracket and rotate it clockwise until it snaps into place. A solid yellow light means it is not snapped in place.
Do not install it near your furnace, stove, fireplace, kitchen, garage, or bathroom with a shower.
- Place Smoke Detectors near your sleeping areas. For maximum protection, place one on each level of your home.
This detector is for household use only. There are local laws that apply to Smoke Detectors. Please refer to the information included in the detector box and consult with your local fire department regarding any requirements.
Install your CO Detectors
- Separate the mounting bracket from the back of the Carbon Monoxide Detector by rotating it counterclockwise.
- Mount the bracket to your wall or ceiling using the included screws and wall anchors.
- Push the CO Detector against the mounting bracket and rotate it clockwise until it snaps into place. A solid yellow light means it is not snapped in place.
Do not install it near your furnace, stove, fireplace, kitchen, or garage.
- Typical installation locations: Near bedrooms and on each level of your home.
This detector is for household use only. There are local laws that apply to CO Detectors. Please refer to the information included in the detector box and consult with your local fire department regarding any requirements.
Install your Water Sensors
Water Sensors prevent damage from leaks and floods. You can place one in the drip pan of your water heater or washing machine, or near bathroom plumbing to detect any leaks, overflows, or broken plumbing.
- Simply place your water sensor on the floor underneath any potential leaks.
- Most homeowners insurance companies will give you an extra discount for having Water Sensors installed.
- Your Water Sensor does not need to adhere, but if you choose to adhere it using the extra adhesive tabs, make sure not to cover up any of the 6 metal contact points on the bottom of the device
Install your Temperature Sensors
Adhere the Temperature Sensor on the wall near your home’s main thermostat or near any exposed plumbing that’s vulnerable to burst during a freeze.
- You can change the sensor’s temperature thresholds in the device settings in the Keypad menu.
Install your SimpliCams
Install your SimpliCams after the rest of your system.
- Slide the stand of the camera.
- Insert the Micro-USB into the port on the back of the camera. Replace the stand, and plug the cord into a power outlet.
- Launch the SimpliSafe app on your smartphone to begin installation
- With a recording plan, SimpliCams will capture a recording if an alarm is triggered, if your system is armed or disarmed, or if there is a secret alert.
- When your SimpliCam is all setup, the top status light will be blue. A smaller red light beneath the status light is used at night to help illuminate your room.
Activate Alarm Monitoring
In the event of an emergency, professionally trained operators will contact you and dispatch the authorities. This service is not available until you activate your subscription.
- Write your Base Station serial number here (located on the bottom of your Base Station) so you have it handy during activation.
- Activate at simplisafe.com/activate.
After you activate your subscription, your system will be in Practice Mode for 72 hours while you get used to using your alarm. The alarm will function normally, but you will not receive emergency dispatch. After 72 hours, you will be notified that your Dispatch Service is live.
How Monitoring Works
What happens when a sensor is triggered?
- When your alarm is on and one of your sensors is triggered, the Keypad will start beeping and prompt you for your PIN. You have 30 seconds to turn the alarm off—this time is called the Entry Delay and can be customized in the Keypad menu.
- If the alarm is not turned off within the 30-second Entry Delay, SimpliSafe will sound a siren for four minutes and send an alert signal to our Emergency Dispatch Center (you must activate your service in your online account for this service to function).
- Upon receiving the signal, the Dispatch Center will attempt to contact you.
- If it was a false alarm and you provide your previously chosen Safeword, no authorities will be dispatched.
- If it is a true emergency or if they are unable to reach you, they will immediately dispatch the police or fire department to your location.
- Your alarm system will automatically re-arm, but the sensor that caused the burglar alarm will be disabled until the alarm system is disarmed and re-armed again.
Using your System
Put your system into Away Mode
Use this mode when you are leaving. All of your sensors, including Motion Sensors, will be active
- Press “away” on your Key Fob or Keypad.
- You have 60 seconds to exit before the alarm is active. To cancel during the exit delay, simply press “off”
Put your system into Home Mode
Use this mode when you are staying home. By default, all of your sensors will be active, except for Motion Sensors. Cameras will have their privacy shutters closed.
- Press “home” on your Keypad.
Turn your system Off
Use the same method to turn off your alarm, whether it’s in Home or Away Mode. Press “off” on your Key Fob or press “off” on your Keypad followed by your 4-digit PIN. If a sensor is triggered, there will be a 30-second Entry Delay before the alarm siren sounds and the Dispatch Service is notified.
Putting your system into Test Mode
We recommend you test your system regularly and after making any changes.
- In the “menu” select “Test Mode”
- Follow the instructions below and on the Keypad to test your devices. The Base The station will announce the sensor type to confirm that it has received the signal.
- Press the left arrow to exit Test Mode.
- If you have a professional monitoring plan, you will receive a phone call confirming the test.
Motion Sensors:
Press the Test Button on the top of the Motion Sensor. For an accurate test, leave the room for the sensor you are testing then wait 15 seconds. Re-enter the room and the Base Station will say “Motion Sensor.” Glassbreak Sensors: Press the Test Button on the top of the sensor then clap your hands loudly near your windows. In Test Mode, the Glassbreak Sensor will be activated by all loud sounds. When the system is armed, the Glassbreak will only react to glass breaking.
Entry Sensors:
Open and close protected doors and windows.
Panic Buttons:
Hold the Panic Button down for 2 seconds.
Smoke and CO Detectors:
Hold the Test Button on the front of the sensor for 4 seconds. The sensor will beep 3-4 times. Extra Siren, Water, and Temperature Sensors: Press the Test Button on the top of each sensor.
Keypad Warnings
| Entry Sensor Open | SimpliSafe is warning you that you may have left a door or window open. If they are already closed, make sure each Entry Sensor and its magnet are less than 2 inches apart. |
| Low Battery | Slide the sensor up and off of the wall (the bracket will remain adhered to the wall) and replace the batteries. |
| Keypad Out of Range | If you see this message frequently, your Keypad and Base Station may be too far apart for reliable wireless communication. Try moving them closer together. |
| Sensor Error | A wireless sensor is not responding. Move the sensor and Base Station closer together or replace the sensor’s battery. If the sensor displayed on your Keypad is not one of your sensors or it is not installed, remove that sensor from your system (page 20). |
| Power Outage | Your Base Station will function as usual for up to 24 hours on its rechargeable backup battery. If your home has not lost power, make sure the wall plug is securely inserted into your power outlet and the Base Station. |
| No Link to Dispatcher | SimpliSafe cannot communicate with the Alarm Monitoring Service, for one of the following reasons: • Your Alarm Monitoring Service is not active. Please check your account on our web or mobile app. • The Base Station is located in an area with poor cellular coverage. Move it near a window for better reception. • Your wifi connection is weak or not yet set up. Wifi can provide a secondary connection to the Alarm Monitoring center. |
Common Questions
How do I move a device?
To move a device, push up on the front of the device in the direction of the test button—the back will stay on the wall and the white adhesive tape tab will be visible. Pull down (not out) slowly on the tab until the back is removed from the wall. When you are ready to re-adhere the device in a new location, use a fresh piece of adhesive tape (extras have been included).
What if I have a door or window open when I turn on the alarm?
Your SimpliSafe alarm will warn you that a door or window is open when you turn the alarm on. Open doors or windows will not be protected until they are closed. Once they are closed, the Base Station will start monitoring them.
What happens if I accidentally trigger an alarm?
How do I avoid false alarms? Enter your PIN on the Keypad or press “off” on the Key Fob to stop the siren. If you cancel the alarm within a few seconds, the Emergency Dispatch Center will abort the alarm. Otherwise, they will call the numbers you provided to confirm the false alarm. After the operator has verified your identity (please have your Safeword handy), they will cancel any alarms. To avoid the most common causes of false alarms:
- Do not place Motion Sensors near a heater or air conditioner, or facing an open window. If you have large pets, please refer to the instructions on page 4.
- If pets continue to set off false alarms, you can lower the sensitivity on your Motion Sensor. To do so, slide the motion sensor up and off its bracket. On the back, move the switch to the left towards the “L” setting.
- Make sure that a rattling window or door does not trigger an Entry Sensor. Each magnet should be as close as possible to the Entry Sensor. If you’re still having trouble with false alarms, please contact SimpliSafe support.
Can I get a discount on my homeowners or renters insurance?
Most insurance carriers will provide you with a discount for having a monitored home security system like SimpliSafe. To be eligible for this discount you must be subscribed to one of our Professional Monitoring plans. Contact your insurance carrier for details.
How can I test my Emergency Dispatch Service?
After your 72 hour Practice Mode is over, select “Test Mode” in your Keypad menu and follow the prompts. This will cause your Base Station to send a test signal to the Emergency Dispatch Center. A dispatcher will contact you to let you know the test signal was successfully received.
Will SimpliSafe work in the event of a power outage?
Yes. Most of our sensors are battery powered and the Base Station has a built-in rechargeable backup battery that provides power for up to 24 hours during a power outage.
Can I use SimpliSafe without the Dispatch Service?
Yes, but we don’t recommend it. Without the Emergency Dispatch Service, only the alarm siren will sound and no authorities will be called. The SimpliSafe Emergency Dispatch Service is easy to set up and can be canceled at any time.
How do I change the batteries?
Voice prompts will warn you when your batteries are low (battery life is approximately 1 year for a Keypad and 5 years for all other sensors). To change batteries, remove the component from the wall as described above. Replace the batteries behind the back panel and slide the component back into place. The Base Station backup battery is rechargeable and does not normally need to be replaced.
What happens if my Key Fob is lost or stolen?
Your Key Fob will work for whoever has it in their possession. If you lose your Key Fob, you should disable it by going into the menu and removing it from your list of devices (you can easily add it back later). If you are concerned about the security of your Key Fob, you can disable its ability to turn the alarm on and off in the device settings. You will still be able to use it as a portable panic button within your home.
System Updates
Your system may occasionally receive optional system updates to add features and functionality. If your system is connected to wifi and there is an update available, you will see a gear symbol
on the left side of your Keypad’s screen. Press the off button to refresh your Keypad’s screen to determine if an update is available. To accept the update, follow the prompts and wait for your Base Station and Keypad to reboot. The update process may take between 10 and 20 minutes, during which your system will be offline. After the update is complete, you will have to select the gear icon on each additional Keypad you own to update them as well.
Product Safety Information
Use only approved batteries and the supplied UL approved power adapter with your SimpliSafe Home Security System. Any tampering with the product or other unauthorized use will void your limited warranty. To prevent a fire hazard or electrical shock, do not expose the Base Station (SSBS3) or other components to water or operate the System while you are wet or standing in water. Be sure that electrical and telephone cords used are not frayed or placed in a location where they can pose a danger.
Caution: To ensure proper operation, this equipment must be installed according to the enclosed installation instructions. To verify that the equipment is operating properly and can successfully report an alarm, this equipment must be tested immediately after installation, and periodically thereafter, according to the enclosed test instructions.
Caution: Please verify periodically that components remain firmly adhered. A falling component could harm a passing person. Also, swallowing a small piece, such as a magnet or battery could be harmful. To decrease the risk of false alarms and children swallowing small pieces, do not install sensors where children may be able to reach them.
Power Supply:
Input: 100-240 VAC, 50/60Hz, 0.4A Max, Output: 6.5VDC, 1.6A DONGGUAN GANGQI ELECTRONIC CO LTD, GQ12-065160-AU.
Batteries:
Base Station: Four(4) Eneloop BK-3MCCA, 1.2V min 1900mAh OR FB 1000, 1.2V, 1000mAh, NiMh. (Note: NiMh batteries must be recycled or disposed of properly). Keypad: four 1.5V Alkaline, size AA. Motion, Glassbreak Sensors: one 3V Lithium, size CR123A. Panic Button, Temperature, Water Sensors, Entry Sensors: one 3V Lithium, size CR2032. CAUTION: Risk of explosion if the battery is replaced by an incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries according to the instructions.
Operating Temp:
- Base Station: Model SSBS3 Operating Temperature 32°F to 104°F, 90% Max. Humidity
- Keypad: Model SSKP3 Operating Temperature 32°F to 120°F, 90% Max. Humidity
- Keyfob: Model SSKF3 Operating Temperature 32°F to 120°F, 90% Max. Humidity
- Entry Sensor: Model SSES3 Operating Temperature 32°F to 120°F, 90% Max. Humidity
- Motion Sensor: Model SSMS3 Operating Temperature 32°F to 120°F, 90% Max. Humidity
- Panic Button: Model SSPB3 Operating Temperature 32°F to 120°F, 90% Max. Humidity
- Glassbreak Sensor: Model SSGB3 Operating Temperature 32°F to 120°F, 90% Max. Humidity
- Smoke Detector: Model SSSD3-0 Operating Temperature 32°F to 120°F, 90% Max. Humidity
- Carbon Monoxide Detector: Model SSCO3-0 Operating Temperature 32°F to 120°F, 90% Max. Humidity
- Water Sensor: Model SSWT3 Operating Temperature 32°F to 120°F, 90% Max. Humidity
- Temperature Sensor: Model SSFS3 Operating Temperature 32°F to 120°F, 90% Max. Humidity
- Extra Siren: Model SSWS3 Operating Temperature 32°F to 120°F, 90% Max. Humidity
- SimpliCam: Model SSCM1 Operating Temperature 14°F to 104°F, 90% Max. Humidity
FCC Part 15 Notices
The FCC ID of the Base Station (U9K-BS3000) can be found on its base. The FCC ID of the cell module (RI7GE910) is printed on a label on the module itself, which is inside the Base Station and not accessible to the customer. The FCC ID of the Key Fob (U9K-KF3000), Keypad (U9K-KP3000), Entry Sensor (U9K-ES3), Motion Sensor (U9K-MS3000), Panic Button (U9K-PB3000), Glassbreak Sensor (U9K-GB3000), CO Detector (U9K-CO3000), Smoke Detector (U9K-SD3000), Water Sensor (U9K-WT3000) and Temperature Sensor (U9K-FS3000) can be found when changing their batteries.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, according to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used per the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
- Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
To maintain compliance with the FCC’s RF exposure guideline, place the Base Station at least 20 cm from nearby people. Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by SimpliSafe, Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Canadian Notices
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and ( 2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
FCC and IC Radiation Exposure Statement:
This equipment complies with FCC and Canada radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter. Déclaration d’IC sur l’exposition aux radiations: Cet équipement est conforme aux limites d’exposition aux radiations définies par le Canada pour des environnements non contrôlés. Cet émetteur ne doit pas être installé au même endroit ni utilisé avec une autre antenne ou un autre émetteur
NFPA Notice
This equipment should be installed under Chapter 2 of the National Fire Alarm Code, ANSI/NFPA 72, (National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269). Printed information describing proper installation, operation, testing, maintenance, evacuation planning, and repair service is to be provided with this equipment. Warning: Owner’s instruction notice: Not to be removed by anyone except occupant.” This system must be checked by a qualified technician at least once every three (3) years.
Keypad quick guide
