It is therefore very important to know how to change the battery on your ADT alarm panel.
A security system like that of ADT in your home assists in giving you that needed comfort by monitoring your home for break-ins, fires, and any other related disasters. One of them is the alarm panel which functions as the main control unit and the communicator with the monitoring center of ADT. The alarm panel involves the use of batteries to power the main system in the event of power failure, therefore, the battery is expected to get drained at some point and you will have to replace it. This guarantees that the existence of emergent situations can be identified and assistance from the authorities requested. This article explains that most users can change an ADT alarm system panel battery themselves when it expires.
Before Getting Started
This can be done by referencing the manual of the ADT alarm panel to find out the battery type needed and the compartment where it is placed. In most cases, models incorporate a 12V-7Ah sealed lead acid battery, which looks somewhat like a car battery. In most designs, the battery compartment is located at the back or to one side of the electronic cigarette. Ensure you have another battery readily available before extracting the old one, so that you don’t instigate a power shutdown. Discuss how you can disarm your system manually to ensure that taking out the battery does not trigger sounds.
Safety First When handling batteries, be careful to avoid the corrosive acid present in them. Always wear safety glasses while handling them; do not touch the naked terminals; and wash your hands with water as soon as you are done with the connection. It is recommended not to use any other replacement batteries apart from those meant for alarm system use to prevent further damage or fire hazards.
Locate the Battery Compartment
The first and most obvious step involves getting to the battery of your ADT alarm panel. On most models, there is at least an access port, usually a door on the back or the side of the device. This may have a screw or latch and may take a circular, oval, square, oblong, or irregular shape. Contained within the compartment are wiring connectors and the battery, which is situated in a tray that is on wheels and can be pulled out. If you are unable to locate the specific compartment then you should refer to the manual. Some panels have the battery compartment built inside a car and require the user to remove another panel.
Disable the System
Now, the next step is to turn your ADT alarm system into disarm so that it will not sound the alarm when you remove the battery. Go to where the keypad is and key in your passcode. Then select the Off/Disarm option from the menu and wait for the alarm system to turn off. You may also have to open the control panel and slide a jumper or switch down to the service mode. Look for this option under your system programming menu first. The battery will be unplugged for as long as the panel is plugged into power and the system will remain in disarm.
Remove the Old Battery
The battery is designed with a compartment cover that must be opened once your system is disarmed. Find out the location of the battery wiring connector. This may be a simple two-prong plug or individual terminals If you have a two-prong plug, you need to be careful not to touch both the pins at the same time as it may lead to a short circuit. Disconnect the wires with equal care and make sure that the battery acid does not come in contact with the bare skin. Then look for a strap, bracket, or latch that holds the battery in position or locked. Let go of this while holding the battery to pull it out along the rails, which are provided for the batteries’ support when sliding. This is easier when done by a helper.
Before moving any further, ensure that the battery tray as well as the battery connection contacts are all checked for signs of corrosion. Remove any green or white crust from the batteries with the help of a wire brush and a baking soda and water paste. Wash and clean the skin with clean water and ensure that the skin dries out. Battery tray corrosion can hinder the electrical contact between the battery and trays.
Install the Replacement
First of all, install the backup battery in your new ADT alarm panel and place it on the rails in the pull-out tray. Therefore, there should be correct polarity which can be achieved by connecting the correct polarity where the positive terminal label is positioned correctly to the wiring harness. Connect the battery clip or terminals back firmly if they are removed. Avoid pinching wires. The battery may have another restraint strap that clips to secure the battery once well positioned within the compartments. Make sure to fit the battery into the proper position by pulling it in gradually.
Restore System Power
When the new battery is put in place, reconnect the battery power supply. If you have unplugged it previously then reconnect the electrical cord of the hardwired panel to the outlet. The new battery, on the other hand, will start charging right from the moment it has been inserted. Connect those jumper cables or switches if they were detached to place the system in service mode if needed. Turn off the power supply of the device and replace the battery compartment cover along with the latch or screws.
Test and Dispose
With the help of the keypad of the ADT alarm panel bring on the power supply and enter the passcode to activate the alarm system. Then, turn on and off an acoustic or any other kind of sensor and dial the number of the 24-hour test hotline after which a signal should be received. Replacing batteries in their proper places guarantees that the alarms are not suppressed even during power blackouts. Now take the expired battery and dispose of it out of the premises in a safe way for recycling. Most retailers have provisions or are willing to take old lead acid batteries.
Signs That Suggest That It Is Time to Replace the Alarm Battery
The description above describes how to perform the basic battery replacement, which isn’t difficult, but it is not very obvious when it becomes necessary. ADT alarm panels also keep a record of the battery age and voltage and when the alarm approaches the end of the battery life the keypad displays a low battery warning. But, depending on how frequently they are used, most of them last about 3 to 5 years. When installed, mark your calendar as this may last longer and be more durable compared to other bulbs. It is also possible to note that some panels also perform self-checks, and for this, they use the battery for a short period to examine the functioning of the system. When the test schedule reminder pops up, be alert.
Here are some of the warning signs that this is the right time for you to replace your battery.
Do not wait till your battery finishes discharging all the way. Reduced standby power threatens your home in case of a power blackout. It is advisable to check the manufacture date because most models are only guaranteed for 3-4 years at most. It is important to be ahead of this situation, by ordering a new battery as soon as it reaches about four and a half years of usage. Low battery level alerts also mean that the batteries are due for replacement especially if the warnings are recurrent periodically. When corrosion starts to appear on the terminals, this is a sign that your battery is failing. In general, if the battery case of any of these models is expanded or bulging, it has to be swapped out right away. Prevention is better than cure; this means that taking action the moment that one starts to notice that the alarm is failing is better than waiting for it to fail at the worst time.
Stay Protected
Unfortunately, this does happen and the backup battery for your ADT alarm system must be replaced every few years. A fully charged battery enables the panel to report on your home 24/7 even when there is a power outage. Battery maintenance provided makes sure that your family is protected when it is completed. However, if one is still in doubt regarding the handling of this on your own, battery replacement by an ADT service technician is possible at a fee. However, by following all the necessary precautions, most people can do this themselves and maintain the functionality of their security systems.
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