If you have a Vivint home security system panel installed in your house and you want to make sure that it’s no longer in your house, here are the steps that you need to follow to turn the system off and uninstall the panel. Vivint systems utilize several different panels based on the age of your system or the date it was installed. Previous models of Vivint home security may include 2GIG or Honeywell touchscreen panels while current models come with Vivint Smart Hub panels. The removal process differs slightly based on the particular panel you have. Now, here is a step-by-step guide on how to safely and effectively remove any Vivint panel from your house.
Materials You'll Need
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Ladder (if the panel is installed in a position that is hard to access).
- Blank panel wall plate (as a cover of the hole once the panel has been removed)
Power Down the System
The first procedure is simply to ensure that the Vivint home automation system is turned off completely. During the panel, switch the circuit breaker to the ‘OFF’ position to cut off power from the panel. If the panel has no breaker, disconnect the power cord of the panel from the power source and move to the next step below. With the main power shut off to prevent any accidental triggering, the system can now be dismantled.
Detach All System Components
It may be necessary to disconnect other devices and sensors that are connected to the panel before proceeding to take off the panel. This includes doors/window contacts, motion detectors, cameras, smoke alarms, thermos, and any other devices that are part of the system. All parts can be easily removed because most of them only need to be unclipped or unscrewed. For more specific instructions on how to remove certain parts of your system, refer to Vivint’s installation manual for your particular system. Remove any wired devices from the panel itself such that there is no dangling wire anywhere after the wiring is complete.
Unmount the Panel
Once you have discharged the panel and unhooked it, you are in a position to remove the panel from the wall. To remove the panel, you will need to unscrew all the Phillips head screws holding it in place. A Vivint panel mounted on a wall will usually have four screws at each corner. Once the screws are out, use your screwdriver placed at the back of the panel to gently remove the panel off the wall. Don’t be too forceful as to knock the wall on which it rests.
Technique 14: Strip Plate and Repair Wall
You will now see the rectangular wall plate where the panel was mounted. Take out the plate and unscrew it off the wall too. This will reveal a gap in the wall with probable wires in the gap that were connected to the panel. Trim all of these wires as close to the wall studs as possible to ensure that there are no overhanging parts.
Fill the hole with drywall compound and spread it over the rest of the area to match the wall surface. Continue applying coats and sanding between the layers until the hole is completely closed. To complete, some of the wall paint that matches the current color will cover any patchwork that was done. The last one is to put a new blank, single gang wall plate to hide the hole and the wiring where the panel was. Screwing this wall plate is very crucial since it gives a finishing touch and conceals any exposed wiring in the hole.
Cancel Alarm Monitoring Services
After the panel and everything else have been removed from the house the final act is to call Vivint to cancel your alarm monitoring. To prevent any monthly charges to your old panel, you can also call Vivint support or cancel your account online. By also canceling the services, you make sure that Vivint gets to know that the system is off and they should not continue trying to contact the panel that is not installed in your house.
The old panel should also be disposed of as follows: the same as the new panel, it should also be disposed of through a local e-waste recycling program if there is one in your place. Vivint panels have complex parts and components within the circuitry that should not end up in a landfill. Recycling also ensures that any sensitive data that may be in the device is protected since it will not fall into the wrong hands.
To uninstall a Vivint panel, one needs to be very cautious, and patient as well as very careful not to harm the wall or the electrical equipment in the process. If you find yourself in a position where you are unsure of how to safely remove a Vivint panel on your own then you should seek assistance. However, if you have the appropriate tools and materials and follow this panel removal guide, you should be able to eliminate your Vivint system permanently. However, make sure to sign off any services and return equipment to Vivint to cover all the bases in disarming your home security system.
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