How to Check If My Alarm System Battery Is Bad

If you have an alarm system that runs on a battery, chances are you're going to need to replace it every once in a while. If your system is wireless and runs completely independent of the electricity in your home, alarm companies will typically provide you with a backup battery to keep your system up and running if your main battery fails. Still, it's a good idea to know when that might happen. The best approach is to monitor your alarm system's battery life on a regular basis, and most alarm systems make that easy to do.

Instructions

1. Read the owner's manual for your alarm system to find out what type of battery setup you have and how and when the main battery is supposed to be replaced.

2. Look at the front indicator panel for your alarm system. Most alarm systems have a "low battery" indicator light on the front panel, indicating your battery is low. In some alarm systems, the "low battery" light will be on for several weeks before the battery completely dies. If the light shows "low battery," it's time to replace it.

3. Call your alarm company if you plan to test the battery before you replace it. Let the company know you're going to disarm the system so you can test the battery.

4. Remove the battery, making sure to follow the owner's manual instructions for disabling the power supply. If you are not confident you can do this, ask the alarm company to send a technician. The company may be able to test the battery life for you.

5. Take the battery to an automotive repair shop that has a battery tester if your alarm company can't or won't test the battery for you. Have the auto shop run a test to determine the life left in your battery. Replace the battery if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Mark your calendar to remind yourself to test all the batteries in your home at least twice a year. Most public safety officials recommend you check your smoke detector batteries when you reset your clocks in November and March, so use this time to check your alarm system battery as well.

References

• Safe Security: Troubleshooting Basics
• Cape Coral Florida: Daylight Savings Time is Time to Change Smoke Detector Batteries and Clocks