Security and Fire Protection FAQ

Sting Alarm is a local, independently owned security and fire protection company serving Las Vegas and Phoenix since 2003. Below are answers to the questions we hear most, organized by topic: the company, home security, business security, fire protection, service and support, and billing. The most common questions are collected at the bottom of the page. Don't see yours? Call (702) 737-8464 in Las Vegas or (602) 431-1300 in Phoenix or request a free quote.

About Sting Alarm

Is Sting Alarm locally owned?

Yes. Sting Alarm is independently, locally owned and operated. We are not a franchise and we are not part of a national company. The people who answer your call are the same people who stand behind the work. Read more about Sting Alarm.

How many reviews does Sting Alarm have?

Sting Alarm has over 1,000 five-star Google reviews from homeowners, business owners, property managers, and more.

Home security

Learn more on our smart home security page.

What home security services does Sting Alarm offer?

Intrusion alarm systems, indoor and outdoor cameras, video doorbells, smart locks, smart thermostats, smart lighting controls, water leak detection, and 24/7 security monitoring, all managed through a single app on your phone.

Does my system work with smart home devices?

Yes. Our residential systems work with smart door locks, thermostats, light switches, garage door openers, and more. We set everything up and make sure it works before we leave.

What is included in a home security installation?

Every installation is customized to your home. Systems include a main control panel, keypad, backup battery, yard sign, and window decals. Motion detectors, door and window sensors, glass break detectors, smoke and heat detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and cameras are added based on your property and the protection you want. We do not recommend equipment you do not need.

I moved into a home with an existing Sting Alarm system. Can I activate it?

Yes. Call (702) 737-8464 in Las Vegas or (602) 431-1300 in Phoenix and we can usually activate your existing system quickly.

I moved into a home with another company's system. Can Sting Alarm take it over?

Often, yes. We can typically replace the control panel and reuse compatible sensors and devices. We evaluate the existing equipment during your free consultation and tell you what carries over.

I rent my home. Can I still get a security system?

Yes. We have residential options for renters. Call (702) 737-8464 in Las Vegas or (602) 431-1300 in Phoenix to talk through what works for your situation.

How do I test my system?

We encourage monthly tests. Call our monitoring center to put your system in test mode, then arm it and trigger your sensors: open doors and windows, walk in front of motion detectors, and test smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detectors. Call (702) 737-8464 in Las Vegas or (602) 431-1300 in Phoenix for help with a full system test.

My system shows a low battery warning. What do I do?

Most sensor and device batteries are customer replaceable. Call us and we will tell you which battery you need and walk you through the replacement. A low battery warning is not an emergency, but take care of it within a few weeks to keep your system fully working. For panel how-tos, see the troubleshooting guide.

What happens if I move before my agreement ends?

Call us at (702) 737-8464 in Las Vegas or (602) 431-1300 in Phoenix. In many cases we can transfer service to your new home and keep your agreement in place.

Business security

Learn more on our business security systems page.

What business security services does Sting Alarm offer?

Business security systems, video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, remote guarding, autonomous security drone patrol, temperature monitoring, business analytics and reporting, and 24/7 security monitoring.

What types of businesses do you work with?

Casinos and gaming properties, homeowners associations, cannabis dispensaries, schools, retail stores, restaurants, warehouses and distribution centers, offices, medical practices, banks, property management companies, construction sites, and multi-location chains.

Can remote guarding replace on-site security guards?

In many situations, yes. Remote guarding provides 24/7 live coverage, and agents can intervene before incidents escalate, issue warnings, and dispatch emergency services. The right answer depends on your property, risk level, and operations, and we will walk you through the comparison during your consultation.

Do you offer video surveillance for businesses?

Yes. We design, install, and support systems from a few cameras to enterprise deployments, with indoor and outdoor cameras, license plate recognition, analytics, cloud and local storage, and remote viewing. Video can be integrated with access control, remote guarding, and fire systems.

What is smart access control?

Access control replaces keys with electronic credentials, such as key fobs, mobile credentials, PIN codes, or biometric readers, that you manage remotely. You decide who can open which doors and when, get a log of every entry, and grant or revoke access without changing locks.

Do you provide opening and closing reports?

Yes. Business customers can receive automated email reports showing when the alarm was armed and disarmed, sent to designated contacts. There is a nominal monthly fee.

Do you protect multiple business locations?

Yes. Our multi-location solutions include centralized monitoring, consolidated billing, and coordinated service, whether your sites are in Las Vegas, Phoenix, or both.

Do you offer security for construction sites?

Yes. We offer rapidly deployable security systems and remote guarding for active construction sites, protecting equipment, materials, and the perimeter after hours, nights, and weekends.

Do you offer autonomous drone security?

Yes. Our autonomous security drone flies scheduled or triggered patrols, providing aerial video over large areas with live remote guarding oversight on every flight. It is well suited to large commercial properties and campuses.

Fire protection

Learn more on our fire protection services page.

What fire protection services does Sting Alarm offer?

Fire alarm system design and installation, 24/7 fire alarm monitoring, annual inspections and maintenance, and repair for commercial properties in Las Vegas and Phoenix. We act as your compliance partner to help you stay current with code year-round.

How does fire alarm monitoring work?

When a smoke detector, heat detector, pull station, or suppression system triggers, the signal goes to our monitoring center. An agent dispatches the fire department and contacts your designated representatives, 24 hours a day, even when no one is on site.

How is fire monitoring different from security monitoring?

They use separate signal types and dispatch procedures. A fire alarm signal goes to the fire department without the verification call often used for intrusion alarms. Having both on one account with Sting Alarm keeps them tracked, documented, and supported in one place.

What happens if we fail a fire inspection?

We document any deficiencies clearly and prioritize the repairs, whether they were found by us or by the authority having jurisdiction. We work with you before and after inspections so you are not left to sort out the paperwork alone.

Do you service fire systems you did not install?

In many cases, yes. We will evaluate your existing system and tell you whether we can take over its monitoring, inspection, or service, and under what conditions.

Do you work with industries that have strict fire code requirements?

Yes, including gaming and hospitality, healthcare and medical offices, cannabis facilities, schools, warehouses, and restaurants. Each has its own code requirements and inspection documentation standards.

Are you licensed for fire work in Nevada and Arizona?

Yes. In Nevada we hold Fire Protection License C41-0090059 and Fire Marshal licenses E292, F602, and G1209. In Arizona we hold ROC license CR-16 #359059. We can provide documentation on request.

Service and support

For step-by-step panel help, see the troubleshooting guide.

How quickly can you respond to a service call?

Our remote support team resolves most issues by phone, often while you are on the call. When a technician visit is needed, we schedule promptly and confirm a time window in advance.

If I leave a voicemail, when will I hear back?

During business hours, expect a return call by the next business day. For after-hours emergency messages, expect a return call within four hours.

What is the Extended Service Plan?

An optional add-on that covers service and repair of your alarm system with no charge beyond your monthly service fee, and no separate trip fee when a technician visit is needed. It does not cover damage from acts of God, vandalism, remodels or tenant improvements, or failures caused by customer-provided internet or Wi-Fi.

Do you offer service plans for video surveillance or access control?

Yes. They are customized to the size and complexity of your system. Call (702) 737-8464 in Las Vegas or (602) 431-1300 in Phoenix to talk through options.

Is remote support free?

Remote support is a billable service. Some service plans include it at no extra charge or at a reduced rate. Call us if you are unsure what your plan includes.

Do I have to try remote support before a technician visit?

In most cases, yes. Remote support resolves many issues without a site visit, which keeps service costs lower. If it does not fix the problem, we dispatch a technician. Some service plans allow a direct dispatch in specific circumstances.

Are calls to Sting Alarm recorded?

Yes. All calls to and from Sting Alarm are recorded for accuracy, quality, and security.

Billing

Can I pay quarterly or annually?

Yes. You can pay up to 12 months in advance. Monthly invoices are still generated and applied against your prepaid balance.

Who do I contact with a billing question?

Call (702) 737-8464 in Las Vegas or (602) 431-1300 in Phoenix, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or sign in to the Sting Customer Portal to pay or update your payment information. You can also reach us through the contact page.

Five-star Google reviews

4.9 stars from 1,166 Google reviews

★★★★★ Isaac and Isaac from Sting were amazing!!! They showed up on time and even got the installation done before the quoted time. Isaac explained how the system worked in detailed and set up my cameras and doorbell without any issues. I would recommend Sting to anyone looking to upgrade their security system and ask for Isaac.

Jason Brooks · 2 weeks agoGoogle review

★★★★★ From the beginning, Sting Alarm has been so easy to work with. From Jeff in Sales, to scheduling, and finally when our tech came out in a Saturday for the installation, everything was seamless. Our tech Isaac was fantastic. He was neat and cleaned up after the installation, and took time with me and my husband to get us set up on the app. He was patient, walking us through all the features.… Read on Google

Heather Mulligan-Gonzalez · a month agoGoogle review

★★★★★ Mike in service is an amazing tech. This morning he came out to replace our faulty smoke detector. He was professional, efficient, really friendly and took the time to explain everything clearly. The whole process was quick and stress-free—highly recommend Mike and Sting Alarm

Ronald Sloy · 3 months agoGoogle review

Frequently asked questions

What is Sting Alarm?

Sting Alarm is a local, independently owned integrated security and fire protection company. Founded in Las Vegas in 2003 and now serving both the Las Vegas valley and the Phoenix metro, it designs, installs, monitors, and services security systems, cameras, access control, remote guarding, and fire alarms for homes and businesses in Southern Nevada and the Phoenix metro.

Where does Sting Alarm provide service?

The entire Las Vegas valley, including Henderson, Summerlin, North Las Vegas, Centennial Hills, Aliante, Green Valley, Anthem, Enterprise, Spring Valley, Rhodes Ranch, Mountain Edge, Pahrump, and Mesquite, plus the Phoenix metro, including Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Gilbert, Glendale, and Peoria.

How long has Sting Alarm been in business?

Since 2003. Sting Alarm started as a security company, added life safety fire protection in 2022, and now also serves the Phoenix metro.

How is Sting Alarm different from national alarm companies?

We are local and independently owned, so you deal with the local team in Las Vegas or Phoenix that designed and installed your system, not a distant call center. We also handle both security and fire protection, so one vendor is accountable for everything.

Is Sting Alarm licensed?

Yes. Nevada Low Voltage License C2D-0061014, Nevada Fire Protection License C41-0090059, Nevada Fire Marshal licenses E292, F602, and G1209, and Arizona ROC licenses CR-16 #359059 and CR-67 #357917.

How does 24/7 security monitoring work?

When a sensor triggers, such as a door, window, motion detector, or smoke alarm, a signal goes to our UL-listed monitoring center. A trained agent reviews the event and follows a verification process before contacting you, your emergency contacts, or dispatching police or fire as the situation requires, around the clock.

Do I need an internet connection for my security system?

No. Sting Alarm security systems communicate with our monitoring center over a built-in cellular connection, so they keep working if your internet or Wi-Fi goes down. Internet is needed only for video cameras and smart home automation. For video, we recommend at least 2 Mbps of upload speed per camera.

What happens to my alarm system during a power outage?

It keeps running on a backup battery for several hours. If the battery gets low, the system automatically signals our monitoring center so we can notify you.

Can I control my security system from my phone?

Yes. All new Sting Alarm systems include app access to arm and disarm, view live and recorded video, receive alerts, lock and unlock smart locks, and manage smart home devices from your phone or tablet.

What is remote guarding?

Remote guarding, also called virtual guard, uses cameras and live agents to watch your property. When suspicious activity is detected, an agent responds in real time with an audio warning over a speaker, alerts your team, or escalates to law enforcement. Remote guarding typically costs 60 to 80% less than a full-time on-site security guard.

Why does it matter that one company handles security and fire?

When different companies run your security and fire systems, gaps open up in communication, response, and accountability. With Sting Alarm handling both, your systems and monitoring are coordinated and one team responds with the full picture.

Is fire alarm monitoring required for my business?

For most commercial occupancies in Nevada and Arizona, yes. Requirements depend on your building type, occupancy classification, and the local authority having jurisdiction. We can assess your property and explain what applies.

How often are fire alarm inspections required?

Most commercial properties in Nevada and Arizona must have their fire alarm systems inspected annually, and some occupancies require more frequent inspections. We will tell you what your property requires.

What are Sting Alarm's hours?

Our office, including sales, customer care, installation, and service, is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our monitoring center operates 24/7, 365 days a year. After-hours emergency support is available by phone and is billed at an after-hours labor rate with a two-hour minimum.

Is same-day service available?

Same-day service is often available for existing customers, depending on technician availability. After-hours rates may apply.

What warranty does Sting Alarm provide?

We provide a 90-day warranty on all labor. Equipment is covered by the manufacturer's warranty, which varies by product, typically at least one year and often three to five years.

Do I need a contract?

Yes. Monitored systems require a 3-year monitoring agreement. We explain the agreement clearly before you sign.

How long is a residential monitoring agreement?

Our standard monitoring agreement is 36 months. After the initial term, it renews annually.

How much does a security system cost?

It depends on your property, the equipment, and the services you choose. Residential systems typically involve a one-time installation fee and a monthly monitoring fee, and commercial systems are scoped to your requirements. Request a free quote for an itemized proposal.

Are consultations and estimates free?

Yes. All consultations and estimates are free, with no obligation.

What payment methods does Sting Alarm accept?

ACH bank draft, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Autopay by ACH or credit card is easiest and avoids the paper invoice handling fee.

How do I cancel service?

Call (702) 737-8464 in Las Vegas or (602) 431-1300 in Phoenix. We require 30 days written notice from the person who signed the original agreement, before the end of the current contract term. If a concern is behind the request, we would like the chance to fix it first.

How do I get started with Sting Alarm?

Request a free quote online or call (702) 737-8464 in Las Vegas or (602) 431-1300 in Phoenix. We schedule a consultation in person, by phone, or on site, then provide a proposal with no obligation.

Answers by topic

More questions, answered on the page for each service and location. Pick a topic to see every question we answer about it.

Home security 63 answers

Frequently Asked Questions