The Complete CWC Security FAQ: Alarms, CCTV, Access Control, Fire, and More

We get a lot of the same questions from homeowners and businesses across Long Island, so we pulled together the most common ones — and the real answers — in one place.

General

What areas does CWC Security serve?

CWC Security serves Nassau and Suffolk County on Long Island, NY, providing residential and commercial security installation and 24/7 monitoring since 2012. CWC also has a branch office in Lexington, South Carolina.

What security services does CWC Security offer?

CWC Security installs and monitors burglar alarms, CCTV camera systems, access control, commercial and residential fire alarms, water leak detection and automatic water shut-off, environment monitoring, vehicle tracking, and managed IT services including networking, WiFi, VoIP phone systems, structured cabling, and audio-video/lighting integration.

Is CWC Security licensed?

Yes. CWC Security, LLC is licensed by the New York State Department of State (License #12000299494), holds a Nassau County Fire Marshal license (FM# 20000258) and a Suffolk County restricted electrician license, and is a BBB accredited business, ASIS International member, and ESA (Electronic Security Association) member.

How long has CWC Security been in business?

The team brings 30 years of industry experience and has served Long Island since 2012, covering Nassau and Suffolk County.

What industries and property types does CWC Security work with?

CWC Security designs systems for commercial and residential properties, as well as retail, government, schools, and cannabis dispensaries — plus homes, offices, warehouses, apartment/multi-family buildings, and medical facilities.

Burglar Alarms & Monitoring

Does CWC Security monitor alarms 24/7?

Yes. CWC Security provides 24/7 central station alarm monitoring for burglar, fire, CO, water, and gas detection systems, through UL Listed, CSAA 5-Diamond Certified central station Metrodial.

How much does a burglar alarm system cost on Long Island?

Cost depends on property size, the number of sensors, and whether cameras or access control are included. CWC Security provides a free on-site consultation to give an exact quote — call 516-889-3600 to schedule one.

Does a wireless alarm system still work if the power or phone line goes out?

Yes. CWC Security’s wireless burglar alarm systems keep operating through power outages, phone line failures, or cut lines, using battery backup and digital, radio, or cellular signal paths.

How fast does CWC Security respond to a triggered alarm?

CWC’s UL-listed central station (Metrodial) has an average dispatch response of under one minute, determining the nature of the emergency and notifying police, EMS, or fire as needed.

Can I control my alarm system remotely from my phone?

Yes. Systems are built around Honeywell Total Connect, letting you arm or disarm your alarm, view cameras, and control locks, thermostats, and lighting from a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

What’s included in a typical alarm installation?

A standard install includes door/window contacts, motion detectors, glass-break sensors, a smart keypad, 24-hour UL-listed central station monitoring, and Total Connect remote access. Cameras and access control can be added.

Does CWC Security install alarms for both homes and businesses?

Yes. CWC Security designs and installs residential and commercial burglar alarm systems across Nassau and Suffolk County, including multi-zone commercial panels with integrated CCTV and access control.

Who monitors CWC Security’s alarms, and how are they certified?

CWC Security partners with Metrodial, a UL Listed central station awarded CSAA 5-Diamond Certification — the industry’s highest recognition. Metrodial holds UL 2050, UL CPVX, CVSG-UL, and UUFX listings and is NYC Fire approved to monitor fire alarms in all five boroughs.

CCTV & Cameras

How much does a CCTV camera system cost?

Costs vary based on the number of cameras, property size, and system features. CWC Security provides free estimates to match your needs and budget.

Can I view my cameras remotely from my phone?

Yes — all modern systems include mobile access so you can monitor your property from anywhere, on any device.

Do the cameras work at night or in low light?

Yes, CWC Security installs cameras with advanced night vision and low-light capabilities for clear footage around the clock.

What kinds of properties does CWC Security install CCTV for?

Homes and residential properties, retail stores and offices, warehouses and industrial facilities, and apartment buildings or multi-family units.

What camera brands does CWC Security work with?

CWC Security works with top-tier manufacturers including Honeywell, Axis Communications, Avigilon, Hikvision, Hanwha Vision, Ring, Nest, and Dahua, and is an Authorized Hanwha Vision STEP Partner with up to 5 years of manufacturer warranty on eligible products.

Is offsite/cloud video backup available?

Yes. CWC Security offers 30 days of guaranteed-accessible cloud footage that stays safe even if the on-site recorder is damaged, stolen, or destroyed — for businesses, homeowners, and rentals.

Can CWC Security meet NDAA or TAA compliance requirements for government or school projects?

Yes. CWC Security offers NDAA-compliant options, ensuring equipment doesn’t come from sources deemed a national security threat, and a select range of products meet TAA requirements for federal contracts — contact CWC to verify which products apply to your project.

Access Control

What types of access control credentials does CWC Security install?

CWC Security installs keycard and fob systems, mobile and app-based entry, keypad and PIN code entry, and biometric access control, depending on the security level a property needs.

Can I revoke someone’s access instantly if a card is lost or an employee leaves?

Yes. Access can be revoked remotely in seconds with no rekeying required, whether a card is lost or an employee is terminated.

Does access control track who enters and exits a building?

Yes. Every entry and exit is recorded, giving property owners a complete audit trail on demand.

Can access rules be different for different doors or times of day?

Yes. Access can be granted by door, by group, or by time of day, so internal areas can be restricted to only those who need them.

What properties is access control suited for?

CWC Security installs access control for office buildings, retail stores, warehouses, apartment complexes, medical facilities, and schools — from a single door to large multi-site commercial applications.

Which access control brands does CWC Security work with?

CWC Security is an authorized dealer for Honeywell NetAXS, Keri Systems, Paxton Access, and ProdataKey (PDK).

Fire Alarms

Does CWC Security install both residential and commercial fire alarms?

Yes. CWC Security designs and installs fire alarm systems for homes and businesses across Nassau & Suffolk County, including smoke, heat, and CO detection integrated with your existing security system.

Is fire alarm monitoring available 24/7?

Yes. Every fire alarm system can be connected to 24-hour UL-Listed central station monitoring, including NYC FDNY-approved commercial fire monitoring.

Do you install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors along with fire alarms?

Yes. CO detection can be added to any residential or commercial fire alarm installation and monitored alongside smoke and heat detection.

How often should I test or replace my smoke alarm?

Test battery-powered alarms monthly and replace batteries yearly. All smoke alarms — battery-powered or hardwired — should be fully replaced every 10 years regardless of type. Units with a sealed 10-year lithium battery should be replaced whole, per the manufacturer’s instructions, since that battery can’t be swapped.

Does CWC Security offer fire alarm inspection, not just installation?

Yes — CWC Security’s Commercial Fire Inspection service covers scheduled testing and code-compliance visits to keep commercial systems compliant year-round.

What happens if my fire alarm system needs repair — is my building unprotected in the meantime?

CWC Security offers Fire Watch coverage to keep a property protected and code-compliant while a system is being restored.

Does CWC Security handle sprinkler and suppression system monitoring?

Yes. Commercial fire service includes tie-in monitoring for sprinkler flow switches, tamper switches, and suppression systems, so a triggered system reaches the central station immediately.

What types of commercial properties does CWC Security serve for fire alarms?

Offices, retail, warehouses, multi-family communities, schools, and government facilities across Nassau & Suffolk County. CWC Security is Nassau County Fire Marshal licensed (FM# 20000258).

Water Leak & Environment Monitoring

How does automatic water shut-off work?

The WaterCop system uses an automatic shut-off valve installed on a home or commercial building’s water supply line. When sensors detect a leak, a signal is sent to the valve and water flow to downstream areas is quickly stopped, reducing the chance of major flooding.

How is water shut-off different from just leak detection?

Leak detection (via the WaterBug® sensor line) alerts you that water has been found. WaterCop goes a step further — it doesn’t just detect leaks, it automatically stops them by closing the water supply valve, without anyone needing to be present.

Where do most water leaks happen, and does CWC Security cover those spots?

WaterCop monitors the high-risk plumbing locations where the large majority of leaks occur, including easy-to-overlook spots like a kitchenette pipe or a fixture in a seldom-used restroom.

Is automatic water shut-off worth it for a second home?

Yes — it’s considered especially valuable for secondary residences, since WaterCop monitors the property 24/7 even when it’s left unattended for extended periods, which is when undetected leaks tend to cause the most damage.

Who installs the WaterCop valve?

CWC Security works with a licensed plumber to install the valve on the water main, then sets up mobile alerts or connects the system to your security system so the central station can monitor it.

Does CWC Security monitor conditions beyond water, like temperature or humidity?

Yes. Environment monitoring (via Winland™ INSIGHT and EnviroAlert® solutions) tracks temperature drops that could cause frozen pipes, humidity/mold conditions, and power outages, in addition to water presence — with alerts delivered through your alarm panel.

Managed IT, Networking & Cabling

What do CWC Security’s Managed IT Services cover?

Server and network traffic monitoring, internet service monitoring, battery backup monitoring for power outages, automatic patching and updates, help desk ticketing, and remote access services.

Does CWC Security handle network installation, not just monitoring?

Yes. Services include installation of switches and routers, data/audio/voice/video/fiber cabling, network racks and enclosures, WiFi installation and management, and Microsoft 365 email setup, in addition to ongoing remote monitoring and maintenance.

What happens if something on my network breaks?

CWC Security offers break-fix service on a time-and-material basis, real-time remote support, and a ticketing system for submitting service needs, alongside proactive monitoring meant to catch issues before they cause downtime.

Does CWC Security help with data backup and disaster recovery?

Yes. Managed IT Services include data storage and data backups, disaster recovery, network implementation, and broader security and protection for business systems.

Does CWC Security provide cybersecurity protection as part of managed IT?

Yes. CWC Security partners with SentinelOne for Wayfinder MDR, providing 24/7/365 detection, investigation, and response with curated threat intelligence and proactive defense.

Do you certify structured cabling installations?

Yes. Every job is tested end-to-end with a Fluke certified scanner, with detailed network reports provided along with cabling warranties. This covers Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6A data cabling, fiber backbone runs, coax for CCTV/video, and low-voltage security cabling.

Can CWC Security work with our existing construction contractors on cabling?

Yes. CWC Security works directly with construction contractors throughout New York on both new construction and existing infrastructure projects, including single offices up to full data centers and multi-building campuses.

How does CWC Security design WiFi coverage for a home or business?

CWC Security performs WiFi heat mapping of the property before mounting any access points, to ensure strong, even coverage indoors and outdoors, then runs Cat6e cabling to each access point, installs and programs it, and provides remote network management so most issues are caught before they interrupt your day.

What phone system options does CWC Security offer?

CWC Security offers hosted cloud VoIP (with call recording, custom caller ID, and voicemail-to-email) and UniFi Talk, Ubiquiti’s cloud-hosted VoIP system managed from the same console as your network — no separate on-site PBX hardware required.

Vehicle Tracking

How does CWC Security’s vehicle tracking work?

Through Alarm.com’s Connected Car and Connected Fleet, a Car Connector plugs directly into a vehicle’s OBD-II port — no wiring required — linking the vehicle to the same Alarm.com platform as your home or business security. It supports gas, electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

What can I see and get alerted to with vehicle tracking?

Real-time vehicle location, alerts the moment a parked vehicle moves (with video recording triggered), speeding and risky-driving alerts, and engine/diagnostic status to help avoid roadside emergencies.

Is vehicle tracking available for a single car or a full fleet?

Both. Connected Car suits a personal or family vehicle, while Connected Fleet lets you monitor multiple vehicles from one dashboard, with diagnostics and fuel efficiency data across the fleet.

Contact & Getting Started

How do I get a quote from CWC Security?

Call 516-889-3600 or submit a request through the Contact Us page for a free consultation.

What are CWC Security’s sales and service phone numbers?

Sales: 516-889-3600 ext. 2 · Service: 516-889-3600 ext. 1 · NYC & 5 Boros: 212-863-9852 · Fax: 516-889-3601. Email: customerservice@cwcsny.com (support: support@cwcsny.com).

Where is CWC Security’s office located?

Retail office: 50 Lido Blvd, #669, Point Lookout, NY 11569. Mail & payments: P.O. Box 104, Bellmore, NY 11710. CWC also has a branch office in Lexington, SC (803-756-2510).

Who do I contact for 24/7 monitoring or a central station question?

CWC Security’s monitoring partner is Metrodial Corp, located at 25 Bethpage Road, Hicksville, NY 11801 — reachable at 516-681-8877 or toll-free 1-866-900-METRO.

Can existing customers log in to manage their account or submit a service ticket?

Yes — existing clients can log in through My Account (alarmbiller.com) to view billing, and through the managed IT client portal to submit tickets and track service history.

Still have a question we didn’t cover? Reach out and we’ll get you a direct answer.

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