What Should I Do If My Alarm System Says SYSTEM LO BAT?
If your Ademco or Honeywell alarm system is beeping with a low battery, you’re not alone. This is a common issue that many homeowners experience. This blog post will provide some tips for solving the problem. We’ll also discuss what to do if the low battery warning continues to occur. Thanks for reading!
How can I clear an Ademco or Honeywell alarm system low battery? A “System Lo Bat” message occurs when the battery inside the control panel has been drained due to a power failure or needs to be replaced. To clear the low battery message, wait 24 to 48 hours for the battery to recharge after a power failure or replace the battery inside the control panel if it’s more than 3-4 years old.
Replacing the battery inside your alarm system’s control panel is relatively simple. You’ll need a new battery and a key if your control panel has a lock. Just follow these steps.
Low battery message after a power failure
All alarm systems get their primary power from a transformer that is plugged into an electrical outlet. A battery inside the control panel serves as a backup if you lose power.
During a power failure, your alarm system can run on the battery for about 6-24 hours, depending on the power requirements of your alarm system.
The backup battery is rechargeable and will be fully charged within 24 to 48 hours after the power is restored.
If you see the system low battery message after a power failure, wait for 24 to 48 hours before trying to replace the battery.
Once the battery is fully charged, the “SYSTEM LO BAT” should clear by itself. If the low battery message doesn’t clear, you can disarm the system two times to reset the system.
To reset the low battery, enter your [4 digit code] + [1] two times
Like most batteries, the backup battery has a life span of only 4-5 years. An old battery won’t be able to fully charge after a power failure.
The battery will need to be replaced if the low battery message doesn’t clear after 24- 48 hours.
Replacing the battery in the alarm system’s control panel
If a power failure didn’t cause the low battery message, it’s time to replace the battery inside the control panel.
The Ademco or Honeywell control panel is a beige metal box, about 14 inches wide and 18 inches high, containing the motherboard and the battery.
Most alarm companies install a lock on the control panel so that you need a key to open it. If the box is locked, look to see if the installer left the key on top of the box.
If you don’t have the key, you’ll have to call your alarm company and ask them to come and unlock the control panel for you or mail you a key.
Where is the alarm system control panel?
Typical locations where the control panel may be located in your house:
- In the boiler or furnace room
- In the basement, next to the electrical panel
- A bedroom or hall closet
- A closet near the front entry door
What type of battery do you need for your Ademco or Honeywell alarm system?
Most systems will have a 12-volt 4 amp-hour or 12-Volt 7 amp-hour battery. When you open the control panel, you will see a big battery. Attached to it is a black and red wire.
If you currently have a 4 amp battery, this may be a good time to upgrade it to the bigger 7 amp battery.
You can install a 7amp battery in all Ademco or Honeywell control panels, but you just need to make sure you have enough room inside the control panel. The 7 amp battery is about 2-3 inches wider than the 4 amp battery.
The model number of the battery should be printed on the existing battery. If you don’t see a model number go to Amazon and search for a 12-volt 7 amp-hour or 12 Volt 4 amp-hour alarm system battery.
There are several brands of batteries available. The battery that we use is the Powersonic PS-1270F1 12 Volt 7 Amp Sealed Lead Acid Battery.
How do I replace the battery in my alarm system?
Even though replacing the battery is a simple procedure, it’s always best to contact your alarm company before you replace the battery. Ask them to place your account on test mode so they don’t dispatch the police if you do something wrong.
Option one: Replace the battery without powering down the system
- Open the control panel.
- You should only see one battery inside the control panel.
- You will see two batteries if your system has an extra power supply.
- If you have two batteries, replace them both.
- Disconnect the black and red wires from the battery terminals.
- Remove the old battery from the control panel.
- Install the new battery in the control panel. Ensure that the black wire is connected to the negative (-) terminal and the red wire is connected to the positive (+) terminal.
It may take up to 24 hours for the system low battery message to clear from the keypad when you replace the battery without powering down the system.
If it doesn’t, you can usually clear it by entering your [4 digit code] + [1] twice on the keypad.
Option two: Replace the battery by powering down the system
- Find the transformer that powers your alarm system. This transformer is plugged into an electrical outlet, usually near the control panel.
- If you can’t find the transformer, look inside the control panel to see if the installer wrote down its location.
- You should only see one battery inside the control panel.
- You will see two batteries if your system has an extra power supply.
- If you have two batteries, replace them both.
- Unplug the power transformer from the electrical outlet.
- Disconnect the black and red wires from the battery terminals.
- Remove the old battery from the control panel.
- Install the new battery in the control panel. Ensure that the black wire is connected to the negative (-) terminal and the red wire is connected to the positive (+) terminal.
- Reconnect the power transformer to the electrical outlet.
Your alarm system should now be back to normal, and the low battery message should clear.
Conclusion
A low battery message on your Ademco or Honeywell alarm system means that the battery in the control panel or one of the wireless transmitters needs to be replaced.
Replacing the batteries is usually a quick and easy process. Locate the device that needs a new battery, remove the old battery, insert a new one, and test the device to ensure it is working properly.
If your system is still not functioning after replacing the batteries, contact your alarm company for assistance.
