OSI ALARM (with Display): What do the different "Zone Attributes" mean? (also called "Mode" on Alarm Display)

3 min. readlast update: 10.17.2023

Zone Attribute is the customized operation given to each sensor (door/window / PIR Motion sensor). Zone Attribute is what its called when making changes through the Smart Life App. This is called Mode when making these changes through the Alarm Display.

NOTE: Zone attribute settings are slightly different for the OSI Mini Alarm - Click here

The fastest way to change the sensor "Zone Attribute" is to do it on the Smart Life App. Follow the steps below: 

Select the Alarm device on your Smart Life app

  • Select "Settings"
  • Navigate to "Accessories"
  • Select "Detector" (the specific sensor you want to change settings on )
  • Select "Zone Attribute

If you wish to do this directly from the Alarm Display follow these steps:

  • Select Menu
  • Select "Detector" (the specific sensor you want to change settings on )
  • Select the Sensor which you want to make changes to the "Zone Attribute" (on the display this is called Mode)
  • Select "Mode"  

Zone Attributes (Mode) Settings:

StayArm Active: This is the Zone Attribute setting *recommended for Window/Door Sensors*. This setting will make the sensor ACTIVE when you arm the system both by pressing *"Away"* (when you leave the house) or *"Home"* (such as when you are going to bed).

Stay Arm Active (without Delay): Same as above except the sensor will trigger immediately and sound the alarm siren without any delay. You would want to use this setting if you want the siren to go off immediately giving no time for anyone to turn off the alarm.

Out Arm Active: This is the Zone Attribute setting *recommended for PIR Motion Sensors*. This setting will make the sensor ACTIVE only when you arm the system by pressing *"Away"* (when you leave the house). The sensor will NOT be active when you arm the system by pressing "Home". This allows you to walk freely in the middle of the night to get a glass of water without triggering the motion sensors for example.

Out Arm Active (without Delay): Same as above except the sensor will trigger immediately and sound the alarm siren without any delay. You would want to use this setting if you want the siren to go off immediately giving no time for anyone to turn off the alarm. 

24 Hours Active: This setting is used for when you want a specific sensor to be active at all times. the Alarm does not need to be armed to be active as it will ALWAYS be active. This is good for a special secured room which you may always want active, but typically this is used for Smoke/Fire. Gas/CO2 and Water (Moisture) sensors)

Doorbell: Doorbell mode is the setting you use when you want the Door / Window Sensor to act as a doorbell, so it would make a doorbell sound whenever the door is opened. This feature is great for businesses where you want a pleasant doorbell sound whenever a customer walks in. This is especially useful if you are running a small business such as a convenient store and an employee is working alone, where he or she may be in the back room or stocking behind shelves and cannot see the entrance.  This may also be a great feature for parents who want if their child has opened the door. 

Note: if you would like to have the door have both a doorbell and act as a sensor to trigger alarm when the alarm is armed, you will need 2 door sensors on the same door. One with "Doorbell" zone attribute and one with "Stay Arm", "Out Arm" or "24 Hours Active" zone attribute. 

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