Replacing a burglar alarm battery

[@demonnet]

After months of constantly annoying beeps every few minutes from the panel, I finally got off my backside and replaced the battery. My wife says it was a miracle that I actually did it! I can't help but agree...

[@ultimatehandyman]

LOL

[@davebinks]

Many thanks. I didn't realise you had to let the alarm sound, then silence it. I thought it could be silenced before removing the cover and couldn't work out how to do it. Job now done, so thanks again.

[@chicharito229]

Great video, and good simple instructions. The battery is replaced and looking forward to a good night's sleep without being woken by the alarm. Thanks!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@miketravis6149]

The battery came today and I followed your instructions to the letter. It took longer to power up the lap top, open You Tube, find your video and comment on it, than it did to fit the battery! Thanks again, I can leave the house secured when I go out now.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm glad you sorted it ;-) Well done!

[@AleksandarKospenda]

Also it´s a good idea to write down on the battery or near it when they battery was changed. You could have saved some electrician time if he is going over a fault in the alarm system. It might be your home and you remember when you put it in but there´s almost always no way for the electrician to find out. Like you said the battery has a 5 year lifetime, It´s frustrating to open emergency lights and units with batteries and not being able to rule out the battery. Thanks for the video.

[@miketravis6149]

I have this exact alarm and the battery has not been changed since installed it 2008. I cut the power and the alarm sounded so looks like I will be changing the battery soon. Thanks for yet another great video plus useful forum. : )

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Mike ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@gy-tb9yw]

Thanks. Did this today. Much better than paying £120 for a ADT engineer to come out.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm glad the video helped ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@skuda9]

Thanks ,just got woken at 2am....happened a few times now.....finally had enough !

[@leighprowse]

Great video, followed it and managed to save myself a £75 call out charge from an alarm company!! Thank you :)

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@TheJaseDisgrace]

Just a couple of things - a battery that's so old can either blow the charging circuit fuse or worse damage the charging circuit beyond repair. It's a good idea to test the voltage at the clips of the cables to ensure you're still getting around 13V DC. Sometimes you will find the clips themselves are covered in verdigris, which is when the terminals have started to corrode. This will affect the charging ability, and in that case the leads should be replaced. :)

[@braindeadist]

I'm still here ..wahoooooo ... thanks for the great video .. and this is not Alan Church but his good lady Jan . he's at a motorbike rally .. xx

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm glad you are still here Jan ;-) Thanks for the comments

[@RikFlick]

Thanks a million, this was clearly explained and a great help. Cheers!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome. Thanks for the comment

[@Beach17857]

Good video. I love how you made sure to describe everything in clear and simple terms. Very useful and very helpful. You got my thumbs up.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@Tieupp]

Great video! But if I remove the battery and don’t replace it will all the sensors, beeps, chimes and alarms disable? I’ve had a problem where if I open my front door the house alarm starts to go off and entering the code doesn’t stop it, I’m not sure what to do.

[@ultimatehandyman]

If you switch off the power to the alarm, then remove the battery there is a chance that the external sounder will sound until the battery in that is exhausted (normally about 20 minutes). After that the alarm should be completely silent

[@Tieupp]

@@ultimatehandyman thank you so much, sorry if I’m being a pest haha but if I unscrew and remove the front door sensor will it stop alerting the alarm when opened? Or will some sort of tamper alarm start to sound?

[@ultimatehandyman]

@@Tieupp If you just want to stop it chiming, you can disable that from the panel (you'll need the alarm instructions). If you want to remove the door sensor altogether you can just unscrew it- but you'll have to remove the magnet from the door and tape that to the sensor. kzbin.info/www/bejne/amW6p6mQi9eYgtE

[@jsolisv]

Can I just check: if alarms keeps going off because of 'battery fault' (even when alarm has not been set), removing the battery will keep it quiet until I can replace the battery? Thanks - as always, really useful video.

[@littlestewiegriffin4456]

Thanks for the video. Very informative. I have a similar problem to one Colin Steadman encountered. Just moved into a flat with an Optima compact ADE. There are no instructions and no code. There is no alarm sounding when the mains power is removed. So I'm assuming the battery needs replaced as well as finding out how to do a factory re-set. Could you give me any direction regarding this? Regards Steve

[@ultimatehandyman]

I think this is your engineers manual- www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/forum1/honeywell-ade-optima-engineers-manual-t71762.html It should tell you in there how to do a factory reset.

[@littlestewiegriffin4456]

That is really helpfull. Many thanks. Steve

[@ultimatehandyman]

littlestewie griffin You are welcome ;-)

[@kevincasemore7207]

Thanks for the video, great help! I've ordered a replacement battery but now am fearful because the original was a rechargeable but the replacement is not (12V 2.2ah). Is that still ok for the control panel or will it run down in quick time? Thanks

[@ultimatehandyman]

I thought all Burglar alarm batteries were rechargeable. I would imagine that if the power went off for a considerable amount of time and the alarm was sounding it would flatten the battery pretty quickly.

[@greggreenhalgh3874]

Simple ... but very helpful. Many thanks for your video

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@mainman2999]

ooh ! my alarm went off this morning and keypad inoperative as power cut so could not switch alarm off ! happy neighbours! luckily power came on and I got it switched off, so I guess my battery backup in the scantronic 9448+ end station is dead. Its done well as i fitted the whole system 19 years ago in 2000 as a young lad, now I dont have the bottle to open it up or fiddle with it ! Not sure if I should enter the 'programming/service mode on the control panel and then open the 'box' or do as you did and just open the box and then enter my code to get the alarm bell off? could take me a while to source a battery once ive seen whats inside, or should I google and see what battery is inside and buy that and have it ready to do a quick swap over? cheers.

[@ultimatehandyman]

If you know the engineers code, then you can enter that- then open the alarm and it should not go into tamper mode. You can then see what battery it takes and get a direct replacement. I'm surprised the battery in the bell box is still working after 19 years- they don't normally last that long! Thanks for the comment

[@mainman2999]

Thanks for the reply !! Yes I was surprised too, it was going away like a little bomb! I seem to remember that it was only a small rechargeable battery in the bellbox like the size of a torch battery like a big thumb size! I read that because the battery in the main box is so old it may have gone faulty and blown the transformer which trickle charges it as well, in that case the new battery wont charge or last long too, do you think I should see if the wires to the battery inside have a feed/charge the battery, or just take a chance and fit and see what happens? I have found instruction book, and it says 'initial start up' user access code 1234, and also enter programming ..code 7890 I guess i need the programming code as understand that would be the engineer code? thansk ever so much for your help, Ive rang a few alarm engineers but no one has bothered to get back to me!!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, I'd try the programming code- although it might have been changed at some point. I replaced the transformer in mine a few months back as it was getting really warm, so much so that it was melting the plastic, I managed to find a direct replacement online. I would have thought that if the transformer is not working, the alarm will not work- for long! Sorry for the late reply, it takes me ages to find comments on comments- sometimes I can't even find them to reply.

[@mainman2999]

Hi again, thanks for the reply, well i entered "0 then 7890 enter" and it did go into engineer mode with all leds flashing, I opened the main box and nothing set off, fitted a 2.1ah yuasa, (it had a 2.8 yuasa in and slightly different shape) put the lid on, entered 99 ENTER and all leds went out. happy days, I can also now hear the very slight hum from the box that used to be there, i think it stopped humming when the battery was duff ! Thanks again for your replies, it helped me get courage to attempt it!!

[@sillitoechris]

hi - great vid moved into a house with an ancient alarm - no manual or model number! If i remove panel and internal battery and then take out the fuse for the mains power - will this stop it from going into tamper mode? I imagine it will start ringin when I remove the cover? - will removing the battery and mains power cut this?

[@ultimatehandyman]

As soon as you open the cover it will go into tamper mode. If you remove the fuse and disconnect the internal battery the internal sounder will not sound but if the outside bell box has a battery that will sound until the battery is flat, which is normally less than 30 minutes.

[@AdeBamforth]

I don't have anything valuable in my flat - is there any way of disabling the alarm altogether so I don't have to worry about power cuts and flat batteries? Would removing a fuse do the trick? The operator instructions are pretty indecipherable to me.

[@ultimatehandyman]

If you remove the fuse and disconnect the battery the alarm will no longer work, but if the external sounder has a battery back up there is a chance that it will sound until the battery in it is flattened.

[@AdeBamforth]

***** Thanks for the reply - I don't really like the prospect of setting off the external alarm, then trying to fumble the fuse back in to switch it off... I guess it's reassuring that it's hard to bypass, though is there really likely no setting which can just disable everything, maybe using the key code? Looks like I might be stuck replacing the battery and keeping it on.

[@wilbo8328]

Is the code you put in the usual code used to deactivate the alarm on entry? Or is it a special engineers code that I have read about online?

[@ultimatehandyman]

If you are opening the cover first, you just need the normal user code (which you input to set/unset the alarm). If you know the engineers code, you can input that before opening the panel, and that will allow you to change the battery without the alarm sounding.

[@wilbo8328]

@@ultimatehandyman Thanks for the video and comment. Changed the battery this morning. By the date on battery, it hadn't been changed by previous owners in 11 years! No wonder the alarm went off when we had a power cut.

[@shakedown0]

How would you go about removing the battery cables from the battery clips if they won't come off when pulled?

[@ultimatehandyman]

Try using a pair of pliers, but make sure you grip the spade connector, not the wire. Wiggling the spade connector from side to side will also help Thanks for the comment 👍

[@shakedown0]

@@ultimatehandyman thank you, I managed to pull them off by gripping closer to the contacts by hand

[@aminmawani9903]

Thanks for your help. I have a remote key pad and the principle is the same. in addition to the battery, I wrote the date of new battery on a label and stuck it on the panel box to remind me for future.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome. That's a great idea writing the date on the battery- I'll do that next time. Thanks for the comment

[@krib4uk]

Should I cut power to the box by turning off the power from fuse box before removing the dead battery? Also which terminal should I remove first positive or negative or doesn’t it matter?

[@ultimatehandyman]

No, it is best to leave the power switched on, or else the external sounder will sound. It does not matter which wire you remove first. Thanks for the comment

[@LexusLC500h]

Saved 75 USD, thanks man!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@marciaparsons4897]

Great video - followed this to change my battery in June, today the alarm went off repeatedly but in short bursts for about an hour then stopped -any idea why this happened?

[@ultimatehandyman]

Not sure, sorry. It sounds like something has gone faulty on the alarm, did the tamper light illuminate or anything?

[@ultimatehandyman]

The burglar has to get in the house to switch the electric off, but then it should go to battery back up. If your alarm goes off when the power is switched off then the internal battery is probably flat, which is causing the self contained battery in the bell box to sound.

[@dantheman1547]

Could you pls show how to change the battery in an external sounder

[@Maxsdiscos]

The electricity in many properties can be isolated inside the meter cupboard.

[@ultimatehandyman]

dantheman1547 I'll add this to my "to do list" ;-)

[@Maxsdiscos]

I think I might of replied to the wrong comment. Ultimate Handyman wrote that you would need to get into the property to access the power supply.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Maxsdiscos Thanks for clearing that up ;-) Thanks for the comments

[@Chad-ski]

Brilliant, just what I was looking for. And I have the Veritas 8 😁

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm glad the video helped Thanks for the comment 👍

[@ultimatehandyman]

@ Matthew Lyon Some batteries are charged and some might need charging. Your fault does not sound like the battery though, it is probably something else!

[@mattlyon9224]

I think you're right. 3 days later, still having the problem. It looks like I'll have to call a sparky.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Matthew Lyon You could eliminate a few things first, if you wanted to. But I do know from experience that faults like this are often caused by a fault in the external sounder, perhaps when water has entered the bell box. You could place a link wire in the tamper terminals of the alarm panel, if the problem goes away with this link in place you know that the fault is on the tamper circuit somewhere.

[@littlebit670]

Why do alarms in the UK treat troubles (low system battery, tampered device) as full alarms even when disarmed? The only thing that happens with my system is the control panel starts beeping.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Not sure Thanks for the comment 👍

[@alarmmuseum]

Because in the UK we have external alarm boxes (bell boxes) that are fitted on the outside of buildings and make loud noises. These contain an SAB (Self Activating Bell) which has an onboard battery so if anyone cuts the wire from the bell box to the main alarm panel, it will start sounding. When the panel battery is dead and there is a power cut, there is no power to the panel, so there is no supply to the bell box, so the SAB inside thinks the wire has been cut and it goes off. This only happens if the alarm isn’t maintained!

[@flashybike1]

Hi, my little green light is flashing and if I flip the breaker the alarm instantly sounds which makes me think the battery is dead. If i try and set the alarm it just beeps 10 times... My question is.. Do you turn the power off (put up with the alarm) and then take the cover off, swap the battery, put the cover back on, turn the power back on the press reset? Or Do you do it all with the mains still live and just be careful with the battery terminals?

[@ultimatehandyman]

+James flashman If the power is on to the alarm you should be able to reset it? If you can't reset it with the power switched on there is another problem with the alarm.

[@AleksandarKospenda]

How are those Wera screwdrivers? Maybe you can make a review on it or the screwbits they have.

[@MrStrangelight]

Is it possible to charge the opd battery? Like the one in the car?

[@ultimatehandyman]

No, once they stop holding charge you need a new one. The battery is constantly being charged in the alarm panel. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@rosssmith9021]

Hi, I recently had a power cut while I was out. When I came back the alarm was not sounding but the strobe light was still flashing. From watching the video I've gathered my battery needs replacing. Will this resolve the issue with the strobe light? Thanks

[@mychannel0743]

Is the texecom a house system and Honeywell Accenta the garage system

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, that is correct. Thanks for the comment

[@johnkilkenny3986]

JFK, We have a verita's 8c alarm, Battery changed 2 yrs and now seem's to be in tamper mode every few minute's. Installer may have put in a service code but is no longer in business. Any thought's on away round this. Thank's JOHN

[@ultimatehandyman]

Have you tried linking out the tamper circuit to ensure there is not a fault with the circuit? If you can get the engineers manual, it should show you how to do a factory reset.

[@Grahamvfr]

Done second time now, forgot to thank you first time!

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@robertbuilder8001]

If the battery is dead could you not just switch off the circuit breaker for it at the consumer unit ?

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, you could do- but if the external sounder has a self contained battery, that will sound until the power is restored. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@robertbuilder8001]

@@ultimatehandyman What if the external sounder battery was also dead ? Presumably with both batteries dead and the power switched off at it's designated MCB, you could dismantle the burglar alarm or/and external sounder without any alarms going off ?

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, if the external sounder battery is flat you can switch the power off and do anything to it, without any sounders going off.

[@richardsmeeton7074]

Followed this for my gard tec 300, is a good guide (I turned my power off first).

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Richard Smeeton Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@engineno9at]

Is it advisable to switch off the mains electric whilst changing out the battery?

[@ultimatehandyman]

There is no need to really, as long as you don't touch any of the 230v contacts in the panel (they should be shielded). If you do disconnect it from the mains the outside bell box could sound if it has a back up battery in it.

[@engineno9at]

Cheers. Getting new battery tomorrow. Hopefully fix my problem. Good vid.

[@ultimatehandyman]

engineno9at You are welcome. If you know the engineers code you can put the alarm into engineering mode before removing the cover- that will stop the alarm from going into the tamper state. If not just follow this video ;-) Best of luck with it !

[@engineno9at]

***** thanks.

[@jasmineblack9778]

Hi my alarm sets ok & can go off in the house but doesn't ring in the main bell outside of the house.Could this be due to the battery? i suspect not but just want to know if a possibility.Thanks ha looks like i have same alarm as you as well ! Veritas 8

[@ultimatehandyman]

No, I don't think the battery would cause that. Perhaps you could check all the fuses in the alarm are intact?

[@jasmineblack9778]

@@ultimatehandyman thanks for answering, i will do that

[@ildj_jm19li43]

@@jasmineblack9778 could be a loose wire from the bell trigger check connections

[@linsymorris9900]

Hi I've just come home from the school run, temporary power cut whilst out (5mins) and now my remote control is sounding off a high pitch noise and saying tamper and nothing is working. Could you please advise me as to what I should do as don't want to call the landlord at work if it's something simple? Thanks

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Linsy Morris Have you tried entering the code to silence the alarm?There might also be a reset button on the control panel?

[@linsymorris9900]

Thanks for replying.The control panel where you set the alarm is just saying tamper and nothing I press is working. Do I need to call an engineer as it's still going off?

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Linsy Morris You might need to. Best to call the landlord and see what he says! If there is a fused connection unit nearby, there should be a fuse that you can remove until you get someone to take a look at it. You can see a FCU (fused connection unit ) in this video- kzbin.info/www/bejne/amjJnH6ad8-krKs

[@nostromoau]

Solid mate, thanks very much.

[@ultimatehandyman]

No problem 👍

[@oOTBONE77Oo]

Hi my power light keeps flashing... is this because i require a new backup battery? thanks

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm not sure, as it depends on the make and model of the alarm. If you switch the electric off to the alarm and then switch it back on 5 minutes later, if the alarm sounds, then the backup battery will need replacing. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@mikedaly8927]

when the alarm goes into tamper mode when changing the battery, what code is entered, the engineers code or the personal code that is used by the household???? mike d.

[@ultimatehandyman]

The personal code. If you know the engineering code you can put some alarms into the engineering mode, then swap the battery and the alarm will not sound.

[@mikedaly8927]

***** does this also to apply to my Veritas R8Plus?

[@ultimatehandyman]

mike daly I don't know, you would have to check the manual or try it. I'm not an alarm engineer and so I'm not familiar with all alarms, sorry

[@mattlyon9224]

this may be a silly question, are new batteries supplied charged or do they need to be connected for a while to take a charged? My RKP keeps sounding & outside strobe lights but not exterior alarm. when I input my code the tamper light comes on. Very intermittent problem, it's fine for hours then it trips every few minutes. then "settles" again for a while. My battery was over 10 years old, so I've just changed it half an hour ago. Problem is still happening.

[@frazercowan4030]

Matt Lyon there is a law about any kind of battery that gets transported over sea or in the air. Depending on where your battery came from, it may fall under this law. They are only allowed to contain 35% battery. It should charge up after about 48 hours though. As I am typing this I just realised this comment is 4 years old lol. Hope this comes in handy for future knowledge

[@beatleschap]

Any idea how you get the tamper light off? Mines got a solid red light on it, apparently it was last serviced 2009. Cheers

[@ultimatehandyman]

beatleschap The tamper could be on any of the sensors/wires in the system, your best option may be to link out the tamper circuit using a piece of wire (link) in the panel, then see if the tamper resets. If you want the tamper circuit to work you can link out each of the tampers at the actual sensors until you find the offending one (providing it's not a faulty cable).

[@beatleschap]

Thanks. I'm not very clued up on alarms apart from the dreaded crap that wakes me up at 6 am every day . I think it could be a service thing, I'm reading on forums that if I switch electricity off, remove battery from the unit ,wait a minute or two reconnect then put lecky back on, this should sort it?

[@ultimatehandyman]

beatleschap It's worth a try ;-)

[@beatleschap]

Thanks boss

[@paulvisser1037]

What fault could be (Premier 16 zone) : Red lights on zone 3,11 & 5,13 & 7,15 & 8,16. Coiuld this be a flat or disfunctional back up battery ?

[@paulyb1789]

hi there I have a Vertitas 8 alarm system same as the video, my alarm went off whilst i was on holidayand I put it down to the battery has hadnt worked since then, I got a replacement battery, hooked it up but no power seems to be going to the unit? why could this be? I have left the battery in fr a day to see whether it needs charging up but I get nothing? Thanks

[@ultimatehandyman]

There is normally a fuse or two somewhere. The first thing to check is the fuse in the Fused connection unit (if there is one). If that fuse is working then there is probably a fuse internally in the unit, this is normally close to the transformer and is behind a black pullout fuse holder.

[@paulyb1789]

Hi Thanks for quick response. All fuses seem to be intact. There are 3, one on the green board, another directly under a small battery like object and another right at the bottom under some wiring which is connected to the fuse outside of the alarm system, could this be a spare? I cant tell whether the external fuse has gone as it isnt a clear one

[@ultimatehandyman]

Paul Booth Sometimes you do get spare fuses in the alarm. You really need to check that power is getting to the alarm, if it isn't the battery will not charge and the alarm will not work at all. You can remove the fuse from the fused connection unit for the alarm and try it in an appliance you know is working, such as a table lamp.

[@sheikf6781]

Hi I stupidly cut one of the PIR wires, I have connected the PIR but it is still in tamper mode, do you know how I can completely reset it? Thanks

[@ultimatehandyman]

If you re-join the wire and replace all covers you should be able to reset it on the panel. If you can't reset it I would check the glass fuses in the panel to ensure none of those have blown.

[@sheikf6781]

Ultimate Handyman i have tried this although looking at it I think I may need a new PIR as my temper spring is missing! Thanks for the reply

[@amandaosgood]

electricity was switched off yester for few hours & now alarm isn't working. PIR sensors are OK in the house & the alarm panel in the house is back lit but nothing happens when you press the buttons & power light isn't on, any ideas!

[@grahambyrne7820]

Any half decent alarm installed in the last 10 years should make an audible beep at the keypad to notify the user that the mains power has failed. Batteries are rechargeable with a battery life of between 5 - 10 years, will be lesser life span in an area with many power cuts. Batteries are fully charged when purchased. Water getting into the external sounder does not cause the alarm to go faulty, they are designed to be mounted outdoors in all weather conditions including rain and freezing conditions. If in any way unsure, get in a professional as you don't want to make the problem worse..... pay cheap pay twice. Regards

[@Zubairo]

i have moved into a new house and the alarm was switched off the fuse was taken out. put the fuse back in and the alarm started going off. i put the code in they gave me but it didnt work. Is there anyway to factory rest the alarm?

[@ultimatehandyman]

There should be a way of resetting it but you would need the engineers manual, there are some here- www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/forum1/alarm-manuals-f132.html

[@tenniselbow7167]

Is the mains switched on or off before you start taking the Panel off?

[@WiiNV]

On

[@davezonn6437]

Ultimate Handyman, if my back up battery is ok, but the system is still going into tamper when power is supplied, does this mean that the scb battery in the external bellbox could be flat? Thanks

[@bubbajohn8131]

Great vid and very helpful.

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Bubba John Thanks, you are welcome.

[@andrewsherville6580]

where do i buy a new battery and how do i know the spec of the battery before i open the main control box?

[@ultimatehandyman]

You can buy the batteries from most electrical shops that sell cable etc. You don't know the spec of the battery until you remove the old one, as there are a few different sizes. If you have the manual for the alarm it may be possible to put it into engineering mode before opening the alarm cover, that way the alarm will not sound. You can then either take a picture of the battery or remove it and take it to the shop. Once the battery is removed you can reset the alarm and still use it until you get the replacement battery.

[@andrewsherville6580]

***** Thanks for your swift response and the useful video. No manual for the alarm and it doesn't appear to be branded. Quick question - when I open the main panel, will the alarm then sound until I replace the battery or will punching in the code allow me time without alarm sounding to identify battery type and go and source one. There appear to be a number of online offers but don't much want to wait for them to arrive in the post .... since batter low message on key pad has appeared, the alarm systm is not allowing us to arm the alarm system - that normal? Thanks

[@ultimatehandyman]

***** You are welcome. I'm not familiar with every alarm panel, but most go into a tamper state once the panel is opened, this will make the alarm sound but normally as soon as you enter your code the alarm will stop sounding but the alarm will still remain in the tamper state until you close the panel and reset the alarm. On most panels you can open them up, enter the code to stop the alarm sounding and then remove the battery. You can then either leave the alarm until you go and get a replacement, or close the panel and reset the alarm until you return with the replacement. You should be able to use the alarm as normal without the battery.

[@andrewsherville6580]

***** Thanks for that. Got myself a new battery, fitted it and replaced panel lid on main box. Key pad now says Reset Required, Call Engineer to Reset. There is no 'reset' key on key pad and nothing obvious on PCB in main box. Do I really have to call an engineer or is there another way around it? Thanks again

[@ultimatehandyman]

***** You could really do with the manual for it, are you sure there are no markings at all on it anywhere? If you do a Google image search for alarm control panel do any similar ones show up?

[@See_Ell]

I have some sort of Accenta ADE. We had a power cut yesterday, and the alarms started screaming as soon as the power came back on. I don't have a code, so I had to switch it off at the main switch board. That worked fine for a few hours, but at around 1am it started making loud clicks, or knocks. There are no lights on except for the actual keys, which flash with the clicks. I also can't see a way to get into the main alarms, and not just the remote - it's just a white, smooth box with no screws that I can see. Any ideas of what to do here?

[@ultimatehandyman]

Charlotta Lind If it's switched off at the switch and the battery is dead, the alarm should eventually cease to do anything when all the power from the battery is drained fully. The smooth white box that you describe, is it anything like this kind of thing- kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnO6aK2MhpeZkJo That panel is roughly the size of an A4 piece of paper. If the white box you are describing is smaller than that it could be something else such as an internal sounder?

[@See_Ell]

***** It is a smaller, plain white box with no visible screws or anything, about the size of an A5. It is possible that it is only sounder (it's certainly where the noise comes from), but if so then the main alarm box isn't located in my flat.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Charlotta Lind They could have placed the main panel anywhere (if the A5 sized box is not it). I have seen them installed in out of the way places such as lofts or in built in cupboards etc. Can you see the cables going into the A5 sized box? if so how many cables are there? If there are only a couple it is likely that it's just an internal sounder. If you follow the cable from the remote keypad/internal sounder they should lead to the alarm itself.

[@See_Ell]

***** I can't see any external cables at all (I assume they're in the walls), and since I can't see a way to remove the outer panel of the sounder I'm hesitant to attempt it.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Charlotta Lind Removing the cover from the sounder might put the alarm into tamper mode, so not a good idea to remove it unless you know the code or can find the main panel. What was the switch for that you initially switched off? Perhaps the A5 sized box is the control panel and it's some kind of compact unit. It's almost impossible to say without seeing it.

[@susanhatton1215]

I have a veritas house alarm, and the alarm is sounding even when unset and zone 8 is lit up, but there are no zones open,any ideas??

[@ultimatehandyman]

Not sure what is causing that, but perhaps it is something to do with the anti-tamper. You could link out zone 8 using a small piece of wire between the zone 8 terminals to see if the problem still persists.

[@amandagood6621]

Hi, I have replaced my battery today but its telling me "On at zero zero zero installation mode" I cannot see a reset button and I can no longer find mt instruction book. Any Advice? Thanks

[@ultimatehandyman]

Not sure, sorry. You really need the manual for it, as there are many different types.

[@richardhannington1489]

I've replaced the battery but when I switch the mains back on the alarm sounds. I've entered the code but this doesn't silence the alarm. Any ideas why this could be happening?

[@ultimatehandyman]

Some alarms have a reset button that needs to be pressed, does your alarm have one of those?

[@mikecraft4506]

I have an Optima xm6, we had a power cut and the keypad has frozen any thoughts would be appreciated

[@tgpfireandsecurity8786]

***** If the battery in a bell box is dead will the bell box need replacing all together???

[@ultimatehandyman]

Hard to say without looking at it. With most of them you can replace the batteries.

[@tgpfireandsecurity8786]

I've got the same bell box as you :-)

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm pretty sure you can replace the battery in that model

[@tgpfireandsecurity8786]

ok thanks but the only thing I need to know is, How do I Do it coz i dont no where the wires are going

[@ultimatehandyman]

How long has the sounder been installed? These batteries normally last for 5-10 years! If you remove the plastic clear cover in the bell housing and follow the wires from the battery they should be terminated onto the PCB? There is a chance that they are soldered on but I don't know as I can't see mine now it's installed.

[@richardtank290]

I've been watching a few of your videos- they're fantastic! Could you please do a video showing the best way to pull cables through walls? I'm looking to install my own alarm, and want to know the best way to pull all the cables through for the sensors (I don't really want a wireless system)

[@chishtisaab1619]

Guard tech control panel has gone blank, any ideas on what's the problem?

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm not familiar with that particular alarm, sorry. You could check that the alarm is getting power though? Also you could check for an internal fuse that may have blown? Do you have the engineers manual for it?

[@kevslife]

+ultimatehandyman where do you buy replacement batteries?

[@ultimatehandyman]

I buy mine from Steve Gorton electrical in Blackburn, but you can buy them online from CPC fave.co/2Bil5zY Thanks for the comment

[@braindeadist]

You may just have saved me smashing my alarm with a hammer .. I don't actually need this alarm so I'm hoping that this will deactivate it for good .. I just moved into my house with the alarm system already in place and I had a power cut last weekend .. the alarm has been going off internally not externally for almost a week, I need sleep ha ha .. I will let you know the outcome soon ...If I don't get back to you with my result then you can anticipate that I am in an electrecuted state .. (I will be turning off all mains supply before attempting this )

[@bholaroopeesing2890]

How to program the zones in a texecom 412

[@ultimatehandyman]

I have no idea, but it should be covered in the user manual. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@mikecraft4506]

Many thanks for your input.

[@frazercowan4030]

That internal sounder is horrific! Lol guess it does it’s job

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yeah, it does the job ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@frazercowan4030]

Ultimate Handyman no problem. This video helped my nana when her alarm kept going off during power cuts

[@briannolan4954]

Thats cool thanks very much.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment 👍

[@amankalyar7136]

Who loves alarms like if you do

[@racheljenkinson9464]

My main box doesn't look like that , but I have the same ones where you turn the alarm of in the house 😕😕

[@ultimatehandyman]

Rachel Jenkinson I think the remotes will work with several different models of alarm panel.

[@simonpaulwright]

Spot on that handyman

[@lukebrown8557]

From my burgle alarm I have fire detect and its low on battery so 2am the fire alarm went off

[@ultimatehandyman]

The alarm always goes off at the most inappropriate time!

[@Chubb._.12._.c._.official.us.1]

Thank

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@petrutarabuta5617]

Thanks!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment 👍

[@BMcKenna]

My panel is a vertias r8 it has the same remote keypad like yours have 2 actually one at the back door to my alarm was installed 20 years ago in 1993 I love my alarm the company north west fire and security ltd

[@happyidiottalk]

Hi does anyone know what to do if you dont know the code to this alarm? The alarm had already been fitted when we moved in, but the previous owner didn't leave the code. The battery is totally flat and we've had to turn the mains power off of the control unit. If I turn the mains back on it beep for about 10-15 seconds then sets the alarm off. I have the manual, but its not very clear on what I need to do. Help!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Does it tell you in the manual how to do a factory reset? If not try and search for your alarms engineers manual, that should tell you how to do a factory reset. Once you have done that you should be able to change the number.

[@tremayneray4984]

very good

[@well-blazeredman6187]

Fab.

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@patchedupdemon7104]

Why didn't you put it into engineering mode first

[@ultimatehandyman]

I didn't know the code, or have the manual.

[@GaryBeltz]

That alarm sound for when the cover was removed is annoying AF

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yeah, it is 👍

[@linsampson5308]

what language are you speaking

[@ultimatehandyman]

English ;-)

[@yoya4766]

Was quoted £40 for battery, plus £80+vat labour to change the battery. Talk about rip off.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Blimey, that does seem expensive! Thanks for the comment

[@yoya4766]

@@ultimatehandyman Thank you for this helpful and honest guide.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome 👍

[@yoya4766]

@@ultimatehandyman I changed the battery, but now have a 'control panel tamper' message on the keypad. Any idea how to get rid of the message and reset the keypad? Really appreciate any help. I have a gardtec system.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Normally you just press the reset button. If you have the user manual, it should tell you in there. Or if you Google for the alarm user manual you should be able to get it in PDF format.

[@andyp9131]

Think mines due to be changed has it's been in 11 years lol I've had a power cut and it's been fine lol 😆

[@ultimatehandyman]

Blimey, I have never had a battery last so long 😱

[@keshavdemoniac6668]

no need to switch off the electricity just put "1234 prog" before you open the main panel.

[@DCC--vq1ng]

Default engineer password for Texecom panels are 1234 if your installer did not change that

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks 👍

[@DCC--vq1ng]

@@ultimatehandyman If panel is in engineer mode then opening the case, doing anything to sensors will not cause tamper alarm

[@joesbustrainplaneliftadven9118]

Optima XMs are horrible

[@TheAirsoftdude23]

3264

[@ultimatehandyman]

Can't remember as I have changed the number since then LOL

[@lukes7479]

Your code is 3298

[@ultimatehandyman]

It was ;-)

[@uwaisnuarsyahadat9698]

hai boy,like subret vidio ai ok...

[@granto6738]

How do I buy the 🔋battery, ?

[@ultimatehandyman]

You can get them on eBay etc. fave.co/3fDDTwQ Thanks for the comment 👍

[@granto6738]

@@ultimatehandyman hi bud got 1 mine in it is 1.3 amp new 1 is 1.2 amp 12volt this b ok 👌

[@granto6738]

@@ultimatehandyman mine is nor the same as that its a lot smaller and got the live and neutral at the left side of it

[@granto6738]

@@ultimatehandyman ya video was very good bud had the original battery in 4 14 years ,,so if I put the hole of the power off at the mains the alarm shouldn't cum on ?

[@ultimatehandyman]

@@granto6738 Yeah, that's fine.