If you need to replace the battery in your ADT fire alarm system, it may be less expensive to do it yourself instead of paying to have it done professionally. Changing the battery in most ADT alarm system is easy and can be done in a few minutes in most cases. Below is a detailed process on how to replace the battery of an ADT fire alarm.
Things You'll Need
- Pre 9 V alkaline zinc manganese dioxide battery
- Small Phillips head screwdriver
- Ladder or step stool (if the alarm is installed on the wall or ceiling)
1. Find the Fire Alarm Control Panel
The fire alarm control panel is the master unit of the whole system. It is often sited in the main area of the house for instance the corridor, laundry room, lower part of the house and so on It may either be fixed on the wall or ceiling or placed on a shelf. The control panel has the keypad on it that you use to arm and disarm the system, so it should look familiar.
2. Change the System to Battery Operated
Before replacing the battery, you have to shift the system to battery power so that when you take out the previous battery, it doesn’t trigger the low battery trouble signal. You should find a switch labeled “AC Power” – move this to the off position. The system is now in battery power-only mode.
3. Click on the button marked “Control Panel Door”
You should find a small screw or screw somewhere around the edges of the control panel. I suggest that you use your Phillips head screwdriver to take them out. Now gently turn the outer knob on the control panel, anti-clockwise. This will open up the back of the device and reveal the circuit board.
4. Locate the Battery
The 9V battery will either be clipped or plugged into the circuit board or may be located in another battery compartment. If in a compartment, take off the cover. It is noteworthy to identify which end is positive/negative before replacing the old battery.
5. Remove Old Battery
If the battery is clipped in, apply pressure on the clip and at the same time move the battery down. If plugged in, rotate it sideways while pulling it off the board with your other hand. If it is corroded, you may have to pry it loose, however, if you have to use a screwdriver, it has to be done gently.
6. Install New Battery
Now that you have a new 9V battery, position it in line with the polarity marks on the circuit board that represents the positive and negative ends. More often than not, you have to either screw it in or plug it in, making sure that it is properly connected. If previously corroded, clean the contact points first.
7. Close Control Panel
Ensure that all connections have been correctly made before closing the outer control panel. Screw any that were taken out before.
8. Return the System to AC Power.
Last of all, turn the “AC Power” switch on. In case of abnormal readings, a quick diagnostic test will be performed and the system will continue to monitor. The new battery is now used as a standby in case of any power failure as it is an important commodity.
9. Test Your System
Go around the house and activate the fire alarm sensors by pressing the test button for about 3-5 seconds until the alarm blares. Make sure the alarm sounds from all the devices. Also, contact the ADT monitoring center so they can assure you that the signals are being received as required.
Replacing it yourself is cheaper and does not require the scheduling of a service call for the changing of the ADT fire alarm battery. Simply make sure that after this you run some tests to ensure that all the components of the system are communicating correctly. Look at the LEDs on the control panel for any sign of trouble and contact ADT if problems continue. You will need to replace this backup battery from time to time; it is advisable to do this between 3-5 years for proper monitoring protection. Stay safe!
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