How to Change Your Home Security System Batteries In Your Lowcountry Home

Have you ever wondered if your security system could ever take itself down at the wrong time due to weak batteries that need to be changed?

We tend to feel very secure about our safety once we have a security system put in place. But sometimes we are so comfortable that we become absent-minded.

We forget to switch out weak home security batteries for a new, full-powered one.

That is, unless your system tells you with repetitive beeping that it needs new batteries.

Wireless home security systems need batteries, so how can you change them? This guide explains how to change your home security system batteries.

Determine Which Batteries Need Replacement

Some systems send a low battery signal to a panel with a visual display.

Others have a system element with a low power chirp or beep until you replace the batteries.

Some newer technologies can also send out an email or text notice.

In either case, you might feel a bit intimidated by the process of updating the power source.

Once you move through the process in a methodical manner, the task becomes simple.

Some of the devices that might need new batteries include:

• Smart Thermostats
• Smart Door Locks
• Smart Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors
• Door and Window Sensors
• Motion Detector
• Wireless Cameras
• Control Panel
• Keypad
• Glass Break Detector

Evaluate and locate the security system battery that needs a replacement. Your security system manual can give you some insights into the process. But first, you have to find the source of the notification.

Determine Battery Types

The system devices that are common among the masses use a battery found at a grocery or drug store like a 9v or AA. Wireless cameras and motion sensors use a longer-lasting lithium rechargeable battery. To verify the actual battery size and voltage, look for the battery compartment and its cover.

The systems or keypads also have unique batteries based on functional requirements. Earlier control panel standards used a 12v battery.

Contact Your Alarm Monitoring Company

The moment you change batteries, an error signal is sent to the monitoring company. After replacing the battery and testing the sensor, the monitoring company might receive a tampering alert or a false alarm. To avoid them engaging first responders, let them know in advance that you’re changing the batteries.

This notice will restrict their next steps when they receive an alert.

This is a critical step, as a false alarm that dispatches the police or other first responders could result in a fine in some areas. Your monitoring company is on your side and will welcome the heads up prior to a potential false alarm. They don’t like having to say “oops” to first responders.

Disconnect the Battery

Pulling a 9V or AA battery from a device is as easy as pulling one from a toy. However, if the control panel requires you to pull the battery, you may want to follow a couple of tips.

First, each battery has a negative and positive terminal. The negative terminal connects to a black wire and the positive to a red wire. Both wires attach to the terminal.

Should you accidentally connect the wires to the wrong terminals, it can stop the system from working. Or worse, some systems will incur damage and will need to be replaced. Also, never use a battery not recommended by the system manufacturer.

Carefully pull the black wire connector from the battery terminal. Next, pull the red wire connector from the terminal. Once done, the battery is ready for removal.

Use caution to not touch any metal objects to the connectors or the battery terminals.

The control panel battery may need to be changed after an extended power outage. The battery is used as a backup that powers the system when the electricity goes out. This allows your system to continue functioning during power outages.

When disposing of a used battery, make sure you follow the Lowcountry local laws for getting rid of batteries.

Install the Battery

This is the time to double-check your manual. Some devices require a specific order of steps to install the battery, while others only need the new battery clipped in place. Consulting your manual will avoid troubleshooting issues.

Run A Test

Once you have the new battery in place, it’s time to test the equipment. Contact your monitoring company again before you test the wireless home security system. Ask them to verify your tests as you conduct them.

Some monitoring companies have a best practices process listed on their website. You can review it before the call.

During the test, your monitoring company will confirm the connection to each device. This is important to make sure you aren’t replacing a poor battery with a bad battery.

6 Steps Bring Safety

The above six steps will keep your home security system batteries in top operating shape. Failing batteries aren’t able to guarantee your security and keeping a log of battery changes can bring you peace of mind.

To learn more about security systems and operational tips, or to learn more about our services & get a free quote, contact us today.