It is fairly simple to change the battery in your ADT alarm system panel should the need arise, and you do not have to seek the services of a professional. It reduces cases where the panel is left powerless or alarming due to a dead battery. If you are not sure what model your alarm panel is, then you should check out the ADT security blog to find the steps to change the battery for your model.

Before You Begin

Before changing the ADT alarm panel battery, there are a few things you’ll need to get together: 

  • New style 6V non-alkaline battery. The above battery is the most preferred one in the ADT panel. Be certain you are using an alkaline battery, not lithium or carbon zinc.
  • Phillips head screwdriver with small dimensions. You will need this to be able to get to the panel case.
  • Voltmeter (optional). A voltmeter enables you to measure the charge of the old battery to compare it with a new battery.
  • ADT alarm panel manual copy. Use this if you need specific details on a certain model.

Upon the preparation of all of those materials, you can then proceed to the next step of the process which is the removal of the old battery.

Removing the Old Battery

First, find your ADT alarm on the wall. It will probably be a screw that holds the panel case and a tab to unlock in this case. If the cap or the compartment you want to open requires a screw, shed it with your Phillips head screwdriver or if it has a locking tab, unlock it. It will allow you to have a view of the interior of the panel.

The next step involves carefully removing the front cover of the alarm panel. Do not attempt to reverse or remove any of the interior wires on the vehicle. This may cause the panel alarm if it was armed at the time of the intrusion. One thing you should be able to see right from the start is the battery located inside the scooter.

If your panel has a voltmeter, then check the charge level in the old battery first before adding a new one. This is if the reading is below 5. 4 volts, in which case it must be replaced. So, if you don’t own a voltmeter, it is advisable to replace an old battery, which you are going to replace as a preventive measure.

If you confirm that the battery is dead, then remove the red (+) and black (-) terminals or cables from the battery. On the connectors, the arrow should point downward and the connectors should pull straight out. One should however be very careful not to damage the plastic housing of the terminals.

In this case, the battery is secured by a plastic or a metal bracket and one should loosen the screw that holds the bracket. It should then pop out quite easily with the help of the battery. Leave it on the side so that the two metal terminals would not make any contact with anything in the panel. Not isolating it may lead to the alarm sounding once again.

Installing the New Battery

Once the old battery is out, bring out your new battery which is the 6-volt alkaline battery, and prepare for its installation. First of all, ensure that the red (+) and black (-) wires are pulled out of the alarm panel power supply board appropriately. Even connecting the new battery first can be potentially risky since it can activate the panel.

Third, insert the new battery into the battery bracket or holder in the same orientation as the previous battery. If necessary, replace the bracket screw to ensure that it fits properly and holds the battery securely.

First of all, connect the red battery wire to the position (+) red terminal on the battery. This wire usually has a receptacle that slips directly over the terminal screw. Then, link the black terminal which is a negative terminal to the negative (-) terminal.

If your ADT panel contains a power light or battery indicator, make sure that the light is on to ensure that the power supply has been fixed correctly.

Close the Alarm Panel

After having ensured that the new battery has been fitted correctly and wired, it is recommended that you cover the alarm panel. Ensure that it properly fits onto the cover and if possible screw or lock it back into position as the manufacturer directs.

Any ADT panels will give an instant ‘battery trouble’ signal the moment one replaces the battery. Pressing on the keypad, enter the master code, which will help in the erasing of this notification and the panel as well. The system will automatically perform diagnostics and identify the new part as a power supply.

The best way to save the cost and wait for a technician to come to your home and replace the battery is by doing it yourself from the ADT alarm panel. It also allows you to perform preventive battery replacement before the lack of power renders the home security system inoperable. Check the panel functions and alarms to confirm if the device is working as expected. It is therefore important to go through the following steps to ensure that you replace the backup battery and continue to have an ADT alarm safeguarding your home.

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