You need to replace the battery in your home alarm system if your low battery indicator is warning that your battery is low. The purpose of the backup battery is to keep the alarm system running in the case of a power outage.
Your system continually charges the backup battery, but eventually the battery will begin to lose its ability to maintain the system on its own. Replacing your alarm system battery is a simple task that can be completed by the home-owner and doesn’t require a service call, as long as you follow some simple guidance.
Locate your alarm system’s battery
First you will need to check the size and shape of the current battery, so you can ensure you are purchasing the correct replacement battery. Most wired alarm systems install the back up battery in a metal cabinet in the basement or wiring closet.
When you locate the alarm system’s wiring cabinet, open the door and locate the rectangular shaped battery. Make note of the numbers on the battery, in most cases alarm batteries will be 12V and either 4AH, 5AH, 7AH or 8AH.
The battery’s model number will indicate its size. For example, DSC alarm batteries are often “BD412 (12V 4AH)” or “BD712 (12V 7AH)”
When purchasing a replacement battery, it’s recommended you get one as close to the original rating as possible. However, slight changes are acceptable. For example we often recommend model number TLV1250F1 for customers who are replacing a 4AH batter, and TLV1272F1 for customers who are replacing a 7AH battery. The reason for this is that both of these replacement batteries have longer run times, are a better quality and have longer warranties.
Changing your alarm system’s battery
When changing your alarm system’s backup battery, first, disconnect the power supply to the alarm system. There is usually a power supply plug near the wiring box. However, some systems are hardwired to the home’s electrical wiring. In this case you will need to go to your home’s breaker box and shut off the power to the alarm system.
Disconnect old battery
When disconnecting the old alarm system battery note which wire is attached to the + (positive) battery terminal and which wire is attached to the – (negative) battery terminal. Remove both wires from their terminals and remove the old battery. Next, place the new battery in its place and reconnect the wires. Be very careful to replace the + (positive) and – (negative) wires to the correct terminals on the new battery.
Turn alarm back on
When you are finished connecting the new battery turn the power to the alarm system back on, by either plugging the system back in or turning the electrical breaker back on. You may need to clear the error message on the alarm keypad. It will take up to 24 hours for the new battery to be fully charged, so don’t be concerned if the error message doesn’t cancel out immediately.
Wireless systems
Replacing the backup battery in a smaller wireless system like the AlarmForce systems can be done in the same manner. The replacement battery for these systems is the TLV1208WL.
At UPS Battery Center, our goal isn’t to only sell batteries, we want to inform and teach you about the amazing world of batteries, electricity and energy. Please check back for more interesting, helpful and informative articles about batteries and electricity.
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