Alarm System Battery Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How to check an Alarm System Batteries?
Answer: To check your alarm system battery follow these steps:

• Read the alarm system's owner's manual to identify your battery type and how and when the main battery should be replaced.
• Look at the front panel of your alarm system. Many alarm systems have a "low battery" indicator light on the front panel, indicating when your battery is low. In some alarm systems, the "low battery" light will be on for several weeks before the battery completely dies. If the light shows "low battery," it is time to replace it.
• Notify your alarm system company when you plan to test the battery before you replace it. Inform the company that you are going to disarm the system so you can safely test the battery.
• Remove the battery in per the owner's manual instructions for disabling the power supply. If you are not confident you can do this, ask the alarm company to send a technician. The alarm service company may be able to test the battery life for you.
• Take the battery to an repair shop that has a battery tester if your alarm company can't or won't test the battery for you. Have the repair shop test to determine the life left in your battery. Replace the battery as necessary.

• Turn off your alarm system by entering the deactivation code into your control panel. Do not change the battery when the alarm is active.
• Contact your alarm company to notify them that you plan to test your alarm system.
• Enter the any codes to completely disable the system temporarily. This is different from the original alarm code and should have been provided to you when the system was first installed. You may not need one if the alarm company has your system on test mode. If you don't know the this code, contact your alarm company to see if you need it. Otherwise, your alarm could activate when you disconnect the old battery, even with the system turned off.
• Turn off the power to the main unit by either turning off the breaker or unplugging it to help prevent injury from electrical discharge.
• Disconnect the battery and plug the new battery into the wire harness and close the panel and screw the cover back on. Restore power to the unit.
• Enter the alarm deactivation code into the control panel if the alarm activates. Contact your alarm company immediately if the alarm goes off or does anything unusual. They'll take the system off test mode at a prearranged time or call the alarm system company once you're done to get the system restored sooner.