Are the DSC Security Products any Good?
Let’s talk about a key player in the security alarm industry, DSC (Digital Security Controls). DSC security isn’t exactly your regular home alarm system provider. They are more recognized as innovative manufacturers of home security systems ranging from revolutionary control panels to IP alarm monitoring products and self-contained wireless panels.
DSC has always been a pioneer in the security business, from our ground-breaking control panels to our market-leading IP alarm monitoring systems to our slick, modern self-contained wireless panels today.
A quick search on DSC would show a delayed version of cutting edge innovation on what an alarm system should provide. This review would show a breakdown of some of the systems DSC offers.
Here is a brief overlook of the pros and cons of DSC Alarm:
Pros
- Rich history of providing security products
- Affordable
- Good for dealers
- You can have Honeywell and other companies take over your DSC System
- Used by businesses
- Easy to install
- Flexible Products
Cons
- Outdated quickly
- Have to rely on dealer support and not of DSC
- Not very appealing as well as their website
History 101… DSC as a security system manufacturer was founded in 1979. Recognized in over 140 countries, DSC has its headquarters in Toronto.
In 1990. DSC acquired Sur-Gard, a close competitor specializing in manufacturing central station monitoring equipment, and in 1998, they completed the acquisition of Italian security product manufacturer, Bentel. Currently, DSC is being run by Tyro international, one of the largest security portfolios in the world.
With manufacturing plants in Canada, Italy, and Korea providing security systems with the highest ISO and sigma ratings. They are credited with introducing the industry’s first small security keypads and micro-processor-based alarm panels.
DSC offers an unrivaled fusion of cutting-edge technology and professional knowledge. The end result is HIGHEST QUALITY security systems that are RELIABLE, FLEXIBLE, DURABLE, EASILY INSTALLABLE, EASILY USABLE, AND EASILY UPGRADEABLE. They are the experts in this area for more than three decades. Therefore, turn to DSC when you need outstanding security products that perform when it counts.
DSC Alarm Products
They are numerous product they offer. We have observed some installers that install DSC products for customers instead of other branded alarm products like ADT. The DSC range of product ranges from
- Security Panels, Keypads, and Modules
- Wireless Home Security
- Wired Home Security
- TouchScreen Security Keypad
- Audio Verification & Integration
- Business Security
- Security window Sensors & Accessories
- Motion Detectors
- Glassbreak Detectors
- Smoke Detectors
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Flood Detectors
- Security Alarm Communications
- Central Station Receivers
- Life Safety Sensor
We recommend purchasing any of this equipment through a dealer. A list of authorized dealers is available on their website. It is not something you can do by yourself as it requires lots of drilling and professional expertise.
- Blink Floodlight works with Outdoor to deliver a wire-free, HD smart security LED floodlight camera with up to two years...
- See, hear, and speak to visitors in real time with 1080p HD live view and two-way audio from the app.
- Light up the night — get 700 lumens of motion-triggered, high-quality LED lights.
Identifying a DSC Alarm Panel
A typical DSC alarm panel comprises of a DSC control panel, one or more keypads and various sensors and detectors. Most people switch their outdated looking equipment out with a new Honeywell DSC system.
Some alarm systems have two names, the Model Number, and the Marketing Name. For example, the PC5010 (Model Number) is also known and the Power 832 (Marketing Name) which is usually found on the control panel.
While researching for a DSC alarm system, be sure to check for the specific model number as each system differs to a great extent from each other.
Just like their PowerSeries Control Panel. It has 3 different types which is the PC1616, PC1832, and the PC1864.
Take a look at the various user guides that are available on the DSC website. Simply search and contact their customer support if you have any complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my DSC alarm from beeping?
- Go to any keypad and make sure the system is disarmed. If not, enter your disarm code as usual.
- Press the “#” key. This will silence your DSC alarm system keypads.
Sadly, if you want to eliminate the underlying issue, you’ll have to consult the user manual, as DSC has changed a lot of its approaches over the years when it comes to troubleshooting problems.
What is the default master code for a DSC alarm?
By default, every DSC alarm should come with the classic 1234 master code. If that doesn’t work, try contacting support or resetting the alarm yourself by following the instructions in the user manual.
What Steps Must Be Taken To Clear An Alarm Fault Code?
To erase a fault code from your DSC system, type your master code twice, press the reset button once, and then enter [*][72]. Then, to prevent a false alarm, identify the issue code that triggered the alarm when it goes off.
Final Thoughts
The DSC alarm systems might have had their ups and downs throughout the years, but their newer offerings seem to be doing quite well. Feel free to browse the rest of our website and come to your own conclusion, or go ahead and buy something from DSC if you think that the price and value that it brings are worth it for your needs and budget.
Latest Posts
- 3 Ways to know your Alarm System is Outdated
- Vivint vs ADT
- 7 Best Outdoor Motion Sensor Lights for Homes
- Top Home Security Systems in Atlanta, GA
- How to Cancel Your Alarm Contract
William is a tech buff and former corporate security officer turned cybercrime analyst. Computers have few secrets left for him, but home security and alarm systems… Well, those have plenty of secrets for their users, which William is now uncovering and explaining. His articles on home security helped many people take the matter seriously, invest in highly performing systems, and avoid becoming victims of burglaries.
Last update on 2025-11-25 at 06:53 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Jeremie Renolds says
As of now, I am still looking for a reliable security system for my new house. Thank you so much for this post decided on whether what I will get. Although DSC is a good one, aside from it having a wired system, it is also one of the most affordable systems in the market.
Nivek Ipil says
This DSC alarm system is one of the more affordable and worthwhile investments I’ve made. Aside from the fact that it helps me sleep and keeps me calm in the middle of the night, I am confident that this DSC alarm system will perform admirably.
Alexander Jones says
I think this review really helped me make a choice, it is well organised and with a lot of info, thank you very much!
David Rosen says
I don’t recommend that you install a DSC system. These systems are highly technical and difficult for homeowners to manage. Problems generally have to be handled by technicians. This is OK as long as you have a monitoring contract with a company. Service calls may or may not cost money. If however your monitoring company goes out of business (as happened to me) your system will likely become completely useless since there will be an installer code that your company had without which you cannot resolve problems (even if you have the technical ability to figure out what to do). Without this code even an independent technician wouldn’t be able to fix the system.
Russ says
DSC is a great company with an excellent product line. I purchased my first wireless system online over ten years ago and have not looked back… Over the years I have upgraded the monitoring of my Alexor ( no longer available but replaced with another system ) with my independent monitoring company.
I disconnected my landline 3 years ago and purchased a cellular module for about $ 150 – it works great as I am notified within minutes of any problem when I am not home. Always able to resolve issues by calling my monitoring company, whom I have been with for over ten years…
As another person commented, it takes a bit of time ( reading and following the manual ) to be able to program the DSC system. Since my original purchase of the Alexor, I have installed 3 other systems using the 1832 panel for family…
You may find something more “ user friendly “ on Amazon, but I think DSC is the Rolls Royce in the security equipment market !
My advice: find a monitoring company NOT tied to any one brand and you will always have the support you need in short order. My choice is Alarm Relay out of California ‘-)
Thanks for reading !
Felix says
DSC products are superb. I’m currently using their glass breaker detectors in my workshop, and it has been a pleasant experience. Recently, my wife Joan started a baking business, and I wish to surprise her with a smoke detector. Can you recommend any particular DSC smoke detector?
Charlie Leo says
Oops. That’s not too bad. I’ll suggest you call their customer support for a little help. Maybe they could tell you what to do or simply send a professional or something to help you out. Just don’t let it go.
Angela says
Well, my mistake was not getting this through a dealer. i actually did the whole buying myself and I must say that is not really a wise decision. Right now I don’t know what to do with what I got and I hope it doesn’t go to waste.
Juliet Emmanuel says
Yeah it may not be appealing but the motion detector and glass break detector is super sensitive and one can get alerted over such actions very quickly. The smoke detector has also saved my house from burning down and it’s been helpful.
Gerald T says
We have had a DSC power series for about 3 1/2 years so far. I don’t know much about security systems but I was miffed that it was something we couldn’t adjust ourselves (i.e. sensitivity of monitors) and not told up front about that, but our dealer has been great and done work for nothing (well I’m sure he gets compensated for the annual monitoring but nonetheless he has been good).
My question is, does anyone else get false alarms? It seems once or twice/yr we get a false alarm and always in the middle of the bloody night. They always have some story (it must have been a spider walked in front of the control, etc.) and I find that rather unacceptable. Is this normal because it sucks waking up right bloody now at 2 am. Last night was our latest, hence this comment. Our bedroom controller went blank and started beeping loudly. I searched the house, all was fine. I pressed a couple buttons to see if it would come back on and stop beeping. It did but I somehow set it to “Away” and 1 minute later it armed, I moved, and off it went. Funny now, not funny then
Alarm Reviews says
2AM is no time for false alarms and this is why people HAVE home security systems to alert them in time to grab the gun etc. as needed. Did you check all your door / windows to ensure it was a false alarm and not DSC fault? You may want to contact who you monitor the DSC system through. Depending how old it is (4+ years) it may be a battery issue as well. Consider that false call ‘training’ so if you ever did encounter a middle of night invasion your prepped but no fun. May be time to upgrade the system all around depending on the DSC model; thousands of homes have their old equipment.
Karen Holloway says
I don’t understand why there are so many comments about being “outdated”. You can buy a brand new car and as soon as you drive it off the lot its outdated!! Our system was installed 16 years ago by the builder. It Is still working great. It is simple to use and other than replacing the battery maybe twice, it keeps going. We have it hooked to a monitoring company and we have been happy with it. I have known people with ADT and Vivint and have had nothing but problems. Ill stay with the “outdated” products.
Alarm Reviews says
Good point. DSC is bulletproof equipment. But you probably aren’t packing around a flip phone from the 2000’s in your pocket either. Alarm systems don’t need to be regularly updated but to stay safe and ahead of the bad guys every 7 to 10 years is a safe bet.
David Frankkos says
I installed my DSC system myself and I have to say that it was repetitively easy. I am not a profession installer, so all my questions had to be answered by “Google” And DSC is very versatile. I exploited my install to the max as far as demands and was able to satisfy each easily. I have experience (as a hobby) with all the name brands (Honeywell-Concord-2gig) and they are the easiest to program.
Shelly says
Thank you for your information. My sister has a 5 year old DSC system that I want to have monitored and what you’re saying makes perfect sense. I KNOW this was not a cheap system so I’m going to look into getting it monitored by a local company.
Thanks again
Shelly in Big Lake, MN
James says
I have had a DSC system for many years. I bought the components and installed them myself. The job was a snap. Programming the zones took a little studying but once I got the hand of it, it went pretty fast.
I never had the system connected to a monitoring system, I was just interested to know if the house security had been breached. I am retired and not away very much.
I just don’t understand all the fray about being “outdated” quickly. The system works well and does what it should. I don’t expect it to make my coffee and shine my shoes.
I worked for about 40 years in the aerospace industry and I prize products that are straightforward and not difficult for the user. DSC does all that I need in a security system. When it is time to replace it, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy DSC..
Alarm Reviews says
Agreed they are a giant in the industry and have a great track record. Hopefully they can keep up with the new innovations of ADT, Vivint and Nest home security. DSC equipment is getting outdated quickly, we’ll see if their brand adapts or not.
George Willis says
Used to love the DSC system but now it feels outdated. I have been with them now for 4 years and I feel safer and more secure. I spend a lot of time away from my house, sometimes working up to 14 hour days and because of my long commute, having a pair of eyes watching the house keeps my mind at ease.
Mathew Riggs says
The only down side is that their equipment feels dated but that didn’t stop me from going with their service. The only issue I had was that I have to keep up with the dealer myself if I wanted to check for upgrades. They didn’t let me know about any I had coming or could get which sucked.
Dexter M. says
Your comment was a bit contradicting. I feel like you saying that it “feels outdated” was a bit of a con. I am not sure how I could feel secure with something that also feels outdated. That is like saying you feel safe on an older computer with older virus protection. I don’t know. Just knit picking here. I am going to look into more up to date options.
Adam says
Really appreciate the run down for these companies. I had a system installed a few weeks back by DSC and I have had so many issues since. I try to get a hold of the person who sold me the unit and he never calls back. I think I was scammed. You live and you learn I guess. If your only option is to rely on a dealer then go elsewhere.
Sarah Shells says
Dealers aren’t all that bad. It depends on who you are going through. At most you pay a slight spike in fees and product costs. I feel like some people out there have been rubbed the wrong way. Dealers in some cases have better customer service as well because they are like a middle man.
Gregory says
I thought I was alone with this place being underwhelming. It seems like they don’t have a lot to offer as compared to other companies. I was reading a bit on your site and I really love the reviews. This is one I intended on going with at first but I think I will go with my second choice seeing as they offer more.
Charles says
When I mentioned to my sister about getting DSC Alarm security she had no idea who I was talking about. I guess this company is not well known. I liked the review. I had no idea that you had to rely on a dealer for support. I am not a fan of that.
Sean Mase says
It is not that complicated. I mean is sounds riskier than it is. I have been with DSC for a little over a year and have no major complaints. I feel like they are a great option for someone who wants a very basic package. No bells and whistles but it gets the job done for me.
Paula says
I’ve never actually heard of DSC before. I was willing enough to read your review and consider them but the review makes it seem like its not the place for me. To many cons. Plus if you don’t have a plant in the US I don’t think I want to use them.
Vincent says
Thanks for the guide. I really don’t like the fact that their products gets outdated so fast. I was considering to contact them but I need products with durability. However, I will still have to contact the customer support to know if there can be warranty for products. Thanks.
Saint says
Hi, Vincent did you contact them and If yes can you please share the reply you got from them? I’m also curious about getting to know if their product comes with warranty.
Thanks.
Saint.