The alarm system’s backup battery charges slowly while the panel operates on AC power. When the AC power goes out, the system will continue to run on the battery. A backup battery can only provide short-term power to an apparatus. In the meantime, until AC power goes back on, this will have to do. It is crucial to always have power to an alarm system. If the power goes out, the monitoring service stops and the property is no longer secure. That’s why it’s important for security systems to have backup batteries. The backup battery’s form factor and size will normally be determined by the alarm panel in question.
The primary system board of most wireless all-in-one panels will accept a tiny battery pack. Larger batteries, resembling little automobile batteries, are required for wired panels. They can be safely stored in the same metal inclosure as the panel, despite their larger size. The battery still serves the same fundamental function regardless. In the event of a power outage, it will keep your computer and all of its peripherals running smoothly for as long as possible.
While operating on the AC power supplied by its plug-in transformer, a system’s backup battery steadily stores a little quantity of energy. This way, it can be activated immediately upon the loss of AC power. This may occur because of a power cut or because the transformer was accidentally unplugged. If AC power is lost, the panel will indicate that fact with an AC loss status. In the event of a power outage, the system will continue to operate until the battery runs out of juice. The average battery life for a system is between four (4) and twenty-four (24) hours. To predict how long the panel and battery will provide electricity for, check the manufacturer’s specs.
Remember that a battery can only supply power in the short term. When possible, a system should run on AC power. It’s crucial to remember that an alarm system’s communicator will continue to function if you use a backup battery. That’s how the system gets online and communicates with other devices. It is crucial to maintain the communicator online in order to continue receiving monitoring services. However, if you’re simply monitoring via the internet, your modem and router will need online support as well. If this device doesn’t have its battery backup, then your system won’t be monitored in the event of a power outage, even if its internet communicator is still working.
As a result, many customers will buy cellular communicators for their security systems. Cellular communicators can still have conversations with mobile towers even when the electricity goes out. Plus, cellular connectivity is more stable and less likely to have disruptions for no apparent reason. The best technique to continue monitoring a system during a blackout is with a cellular communicator. Please note that if you wish to set up a cellular monitoring service for your system, you will require a monitoring package that includes cellular access.
The Most Typical Indicators of a Faulty Backup Battery
These problems may arise if the backup battery in your alarm system dies or malfunctions:
- In the event of a power outage and subsequent restoration, such as during an electrical storm, the alarm will sound.
- If you want the warning icon or light to go away after a power outage, you’ll need to reset the time and date on your security system.
- When the power goes out, keypads become useless.
- A warning signal has been activated.
- When running on battery power alone, the system is not functional for at least 8 hours.
Depending on the specifics of your alarm system, there could be battery-operated wireless sensors that also require replacement when they run out.
Information on Changing the Battery in Your Alarm System’s Backup
In order to protect the rectangular battery used by a hardwired or hybrid (wired and wireless) system, a metal security box or cabinet is required.
This battery will allow the system to continue functioning for several hours in the event of a power outage.
If this battery suddenly dies, you may experience some of the symptoms of a weak battery, such as an inability to charge or use the device.
Find The Metal Safe or Cabinet That Conceals The Spare Battery
The alarm control panel box is typically installed in a master bedroom closet, hallway closet, or laundry room.
Although we have not seen them there much, you should nonetheless check the attic and the bathroom just in case.
To Unlock The Metal Safe, Cabinet, or Box, Press The Lock
Once you’ve tracked down the correct container, you might need a key or a screwdriver to get inside. At times, all it takes is a quick glance at the top of the box to see that the key is sitting there.
Find The Emergency Power Source
This box should hold a rectangular black battery, a number of wires, and a circuit board.
The main circuit board is where all of your system’s logic and programming information is kept. There will need to be separate sets of wiring for your various keypads, door/window sensors, motion/glass break detectors, siren, phone line, cellular radios, etc. Don’t put your hands on anything unless specifically instructed to.
Instructions for Swapping Out a Dead Battery in Your Security System
A backup battery is an essential part of any security system. In the event of a crisis, like a loss of electricity, you will need this item. Your alarm may only work for up to 8 hours if the backup battery dies.
On the other hand, this may be essential to your security and tranquilly. Batteries for security systems can endure for years without needing replacement.
Your alarm pad’s “low battery” symbol will flash when it’s time to swap out the cells.
Start by turning off the electricity and testing your security system. The batteries should then be changed. Once you’ve finished testing your security system, you can switch the power back on.
Test Your Security System by Turning Off The Power And Putting it in “Test” Mode
You should get in touch with your alarm monitoring firm before attempting to bypass its protections.
Your security system should be in “test” mode while you’re tweaking it. In test mode, the alarm will go off even if there is no real threat, so the company can rest easy.
By following these steps, you may rest assured that the alarm provider won’t be sending someone to investigate.
If you want to avoid harm while working, you should turn off the alarm system. Power must be turned off at the transformer or circuit breaker before the old battery can be removed and the new one installed safely.
Alternate the Battery Power
To get to the battery, you’ll need to open the system’s control panel, which may be done with the necessary equipment. A screwdriver or a key to the control panel’s lockable board may be needed for this. The battery is exposed along with two wires, one black and one red. Take out the batteries from the security system by carefully disconnecting these leads.
Take out the worn out battery and swap it out for a fresh one. Reconnect the wires using the appropriate plugs, and then replace the control panel’s housing.
Power On Your Security System Again And Exit Test Mode
Restore power to your security system by reconnecting the cables or toggling the switches to the “on” position.
After replacing the old battery with a new one, the “low battery” indicator should stop flashing and you can phone your alarm company again to have your system taken out of “test” mode. Although backup batteries can last for up to five years, it’s preferable to just have to replace your primary battery once every three years.
Obtaining a Substitute Continuity of Power: Battery Backup
In most cases, alarm panels only need a single 12V Sealed Lead Acid battery with a capacity of 4, 5, 7, or 8 Amp Hours.
The capacity of the battery will be determined by the type of panel and the power requirements of the sensors and other devices on your system.
Always use a battery of the same size or one that is compatible with your device when switching them out. Depending on the number of Amp Hours needed and the length of the warranty, our 12-volt batteries range in price from $30 to $50.
Unfortunately, you won’t find these batteries at your local warehouse club. One such shop that we are familiar with in the DFW area is Batteries Plus Bulbs (example battery for an ADEMCO P801 system)
If you are unsure of your ability to safely replace your battery, we offer a Professional Battery Replacement Service in which we will use either your existing battery or one of ours.
Think Twice Before Trying a DIY Battery Swap
As a precaution against false alarms and the subsequent calling of emergency services, you should put your system into test mode.
You can choose from the following options for providing your account CS # and spoken codeword:
- Support for Alarm Systems Available Around the Clock
- Send a text message stating, “Can you put my system through its paces for two hours?”
- Just type “Please put my system to the test for 2 hours” into your chat window.
If your security system is self-monitoring, be sure you know how to disable it.
Verify that disconnecting the batteries won’t yank any wires out of their sockets.
Unless you have knowledge with electrical systems, you should turn off the power to the alarm system to avoid the risk of a short. Any of the following should work to cut power:
- Usually the alarm system’s transformer is a white or grey plastic 16.5V 10-40VAC wall wart measuring 3 inches by 4 inches (but it could be black or painted a different colour). Off. Be sure to examine all closets and rooms, since the device will likely be hooked into an outlet in the master bedroom, laundry room, or utility closet, but it might also be in the garage (ceiling or on wall plugged-in) or attic. The use of screwdrivers is recommended, so remember to bring some. They often have a flat or Phillips head screw to secure them to the wall outlet.
- Disabling the security system by tripping the circuit breaker In the absence of a verified list of circuit breakers corresponding to each component of the alarm system, you may require assistance from a third party to determine which breaker controls the security system.
- As a result of a careless action, one of the wires was being accidently shorted out. That’s accurate, because touching power cables inside the panel to ground will very certainly require a new transformer. Take caution when working on your battery, as you might easily cause electrical damage.
Take careful notice of the battery terminals and the wire colours. Taking a few photographs is a smart idea in any situation.
Take out the old batteries and their wire connections, then swap them out for fresh ones and reconnect the wires.
As a rule of thumb, the positive terminal of the battery should be connected to the red (+) cable and the negative terminal to the black (-) thread. Take extreme caution, as making a bad connection could cause expensive damage to your gear and even sparks to fly!
When you are finished reconnecting connections, you can either plug in the transformer again or flip the circuit breaker back on.
You should now be able to use your machine normally. Verify that no problems exist with the keypad.
When a time/date error displays, it is usually because AC and battery power have been cut off. In this case, the time/date will need to be set to remove the error.
The loss of both AC and battery power may cause other error messages or trouble circumstances to appear on the alarm keypad, which will need to be cleared.
Instructions for Checking and Replacing an Alarm System’s Backup Battery
In the event of an electrical blackout, a home alarm system’s backup battery will activate. It’s a sealed lead-acid variety that runs on 12 volts and can be found in the main panel box of the system. Battery life can be extended by checking it at regular intervals and replacing it if needed.
Step 1
If your system is monitored by a central station, you can prevent the police from being dispatched by calling and setting the system on “Test.”
Step 2
Get to the place where the alarm box is (NOT the keypad used to enter your code). There will be a battery inside.
Step 3
Remove the cover. The key may be on the top of the box or in a “catch-all” drawer in the kitchen; screws secure most lids. Contact an alarm technician if you’ve lost the key.
Step 4
Look in the bottom of the panel box for the battery. Keep in mind the printed voltage. In most cases, 12 volts will suffice. Take note of the date, if there is one. It needs to be replaced if it’s older than five years.
Step 5
Connect the voltmeter’s red probe to the red terminal and the voltmeter’s black probe to the black terminal, then switch the voltmeter to the “DC Volts” setting. A little bit more than 13 volts will show up on the metre (for a 12-volt battery).
Step 6
Find the main electrical transformer. This plug-in gadget measures 2 to 3 inches cubed and is typically placed close to the alarm panel box or the garage door opener outlet in the ceiling.
Step 7
Turn off the transformer and keep an eye on the display. If the voltage gradually decreases over the course of several minutes before levelling off at 12.5 volts or higher (for a 12-volt cell), the battery is fine. It’s not ideal if the voltage drops below 12.5 volts (for a 12-volt unit).
Step 8
Plug in the transformer and shut the panel if the battery is fine. If it’s really bad, you can plug in the transformer to keep the alarm running until you can buy a new one. Just pull the connector straight back towards the wire to unplug the leads from the battery terminals. Replace the battery by taking the device to a local vendor.
Step 9
Replace the old battery with a new one. The red wire should be plugged into the red terminal, and the black wire should be plugged into the black terminal. Use a felt-tip or ink on tape to write the date on the brand-new device.
Keep in mind that backup batteries lose their ability to store a charge over time.
This often occurs between the third and fifth year of use, though it might be longer or shorter depending on the model.
When a battery can no longer hold a charge, a low-battery alert will be shown.
If the system does not identify a battery or if the battery has been allowed to go too far without being recharged when the system is powered by AC, you will receive the same warning.
In the event that your system has a low battery issue condition, you can attempt letting the battery charge for 24 hours while it is connected to AC power.
Keep the AC power on and uninterrupted. Once you’ve determined what’s causing the problem, you can try to fix it by using the controls on your panel.
It’s time for a replacement if you either can’t get rid of the low-battery warning or your system shows low battery then restores even if there was no AC loss condition. Make sure you get a battery that works with your gadget.
Conclusion
While the control panel is using mains electricity, the alarm system’s backup battery is slowly charging. In the event of an AC power outage, the system can continue to function using the battery alone. Most systems have a battery life of four to twenty-four hours. A minimum of 8 hours of inactivity is experienced when using battery power alone. Using a cellular communicator is the most effective method for maintaining system monitoring in the event of a power outage.
Setting up a cellular monitoring service for your system will necessitate a monitoring package that allows for cellular access. Put the alarm’s control panel’s box in a hall or master bedroom closet, or even the laundry room. It is important to have this on hand in case of an emergency, such as a power outage. Security system batteries typically last for years before needing to be replaced. A single 12V Sealed Lead Acid battery (4, 5, 7, or 8 Amp Hours) is usually sufficient for alarm panels.
A primary battery should be replaced every three years; a backup battery can last up to five years. It is important to know how to turn off a self-monitoring security system. To prevent a possible short, the alarm system’s power supply must be turned off. Screwdrivers are useful, so don’t forget to bring some. If you make a bad connection, it could cost a lot to fix.
In the event of a power outage, a home alarm system will switch over to its backup battery. Maintaining a routine of checking the battery and replacing it if necessary can greatly increase its service life. The key could be in the “catch-all” drawer in the kitchen or on top of the box. In the event that a battery can no longer store energy, a warning of low power will be displayed. If the battery dies, you can keep the alarm going by plugging in the transformer. Seek out a battery that is compatible with your device.
Content Summary
- The alarm system’s backup battery charges slowly while the panel operates on AC power.
- That’s why it’s important for security systems to have backup batteries.
- To predict how long the panel and battery will provide electricity for, check the manufacturer’s specs.
- It’s crucial to remember that an alarm system’s communicator will continue to function if you use a backup battery.
- The best technique to continue monitoring a system during a blackout is with a cellular communicator.
- The alarm control panel box is typically installed in a master bedroom closet, hallway closet, or laundry room.
- A backup battery is an essential part of any security system.
- Your alarm may only work for up to 8 hours if the backup battery dies.
- Start by turning off the electricity and testing your security system.
- Take out the batteries from the security system by carefully disconnecting these leads.
- If your security system is self-monitoring, be sure you know how to disable it.
- Unless you have knowledge with electrical systems, you should turn off the power to the alarm system to avoid the risk of a short.
- Disabling the security system by tripping the circuit breaker In the absence of a verified list of circuit breakers corresponding to each component of the alarm system, you may require assistance from a third party to determine which breaker controls the security system.
- Take careful notice of the battery terminals and the wire colours.
- Verify that no problems exist with the keypad.
- Look in the bottom of the panel box for the battery.
- Plug in the transformer and shut the panel if the battery is fine.
- Replace the battery by taking the device to a local vendor.
- Step 9Replace the old battery with a new one.
- Keep the AC power on and uninterrupted.
