ADT security system

 

Although ADT security systems run primarily on a home’s AC electricity, they also have a backup DC battery that is designed to provide power in the event of a blackout. Even if the battery is never used, the charge slowly drains over time, and eventually, it will lose all functionality. Fortunately, these batteries can usually be replaced without having to call a technician.

Before Replacing the Battery

Always handle the batteries with care. Improper use or handling of the battery may cause an acid leak, electrical discharge or explosion resulting in serious injury. Any tools used in conjunction with the removal or installation of the battery should be insulated, and both the old and new batteries should be checked for cracks or other anomalies.

Before removing the old battery, it is necessary to call ADT so that an operator can remotely set the system to test mode. This will allow the job to be completed without accidentally activating the alarm.

Open the Control Panel

The battery for ADT alarm systems resides in the control panel. To open the door, it is necessary to remove the screws on the cover or to unlock the door with the key. The battery will usually be sitting on the bottom of the control box. If the replacement battery does not match the battery inside the box, then a different battery may be required. To remove all doubt about which battery should be used, it is recommended that a licensed technician be called.

Remove the Old Battery

To remove the old battery, pull the black wire and connector from the negative terminal. If the connector does not easily pull away by grasping the insulation on the wire, then insulated pliers may be required. In some cases, the connector will have to be wiggled back and forth to loosen it from the terminal. After the black connector is removed, the red connector can be similarly removed from the battery’s positive terminal.

Once both of the connectors have been removed, the battery can be taken out of the control box. Be careful that nothing, especially metal, touches the terminals of the battery or the connectors attached to the ends of the black and red wires.

Install the New Battery

If the new battery has plastic covers over the terminals, they must first be removed. Connect the red wire to the positive terminal first, and connect the black wire to the negative terminal last. Make sure the connectors are pushed firmly into the terminal and are not loose.

Post-Installation Instructions

After the battery is installed, check the keypad display to see that there is no message indicating that the battery is bad. If a message such as BAT or SYSTEM LO BATTERY is displayed, call a technician for further instructions.

If the display indicates that the system is working properly, it can then be tested through the self-diagnostic application. Upon successful completion of the test, the control panel door can be secured, and ADT should be called immediately to take the system out of test mode.