Are you an InHouse Systems customer with a security keypad? More than likely, you have a backup battery for that panel! This backup battery is extremely helpful for unexpected situations. This battery is meant to keep your security system up and going for a few hours if main power is lost to the system. The box that stores your backup battery is often in a utility box that looks similar to a breaker box. For a standard house, they are often found in the master closet, but are also commonly wired in the garage or another closet. If you have a touchscreen, you may also have a backup battery in the back of your keypad.
What does your backup battery look like?
Depending on your security system and keypad, your backup battery more than likely looks like any one of these.
What happens to your backup battery when power is lost?
Whenever main power is lost to the security system, that is when the backup battery kicks in to keep your security system running! This battery will continue to run until it has lost all of its power, which typically lasts for a couple of hours. Once power is restored, the backup battery will start recharging itself until fully charged. Note that you might get a low battery signal while the battery is recharging, but this should stop after about 24 hours. If it does not stop sending a low battery signal after power loss, it is likely that the battery will need to be replaced.
Does the backup battery need to be replaced?
Backup batteries typically need to be replaced every 3-5 years, though we have seen batteries last longer than this. You will know when to replace this battery when you receive a low battery signal from your panel. To replace the battery is simple.
1. First, you will want to get a new battery. We do keep backup batteries in stock at our offices, but you are sometimes able to find them elsewhere. Just give us a call at 800-259-5054 so that we can make sure we get you the right battery! Remember it depends on the brand of your system and if it is the entire system or just the touchscreen.
2. Next, you will want to give us a call in order for us to put your system on "test." By doing this you will be telling your system that you are fixing a problem and therefore doesn't need to sound an alarm. Systems usually go on test for about 15 minutes to give you plenty of time to change and then follow the rest of the steps.
3. You are ready to switch out your battery! You will want to start by disconnecting the leads and then reconnecting the leads to the new battery. For the batteries with multiple leads, make sure that the colors match when connecting. (ie. red on red, or black on black)
4. You will want to close and lock up your security box and then go to your keypad or put the touchscreen back in place. Once you are there, you will want to arm and disarm your system to make sure that your battery trouble is reset.
5. You are all done!
Closing
Batteries can be super simple, but we understand that it's not everyone's cup of tea. We hope that this short walk-through of how to change your backup battery helps you in the future. If you ever have any questions, do not hesitate to call us!
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