For how long does a VIsta 20P siren sound when it goes off?

Vista 20P alarm sirens normally sound for a continuous 4 minutes when tripped.

However, users can alter the length of the alarm siren by following these simple steps: Access the programming mode by entering your 4-digit installer code, followed by "800". Click here if you don't remember your installer code. Press *33 (this is the bell timeout field). Now you can program your alarm sounding time. Below is a list of selectable codes and their corresponding alarm times.

0 - No alarm
1 - 4 minutes (default)
2 - 8 minutes
3 - 12 minutes
4 - 16 minutes (maximum time)

The safety testing and certification organization, Underwriters Laboratories, recommends that a residential fire alarm should sound for 4 continuous minutes, and 16 minutes for commercial burglaries.

Once you have chosen the appropriate alarm sounding time, press *99 to exit the programming mode and save your information.

Test your changes by arming your system and purposely setting off an alarm. Disarm your system to stop the alarm from sounding.

Click here for more on installing alarm sirens.