How to reset a smoke alarm that won't stop - Consumer Reports

Most people don't have to change the alarm system in their home.Sometimes a malfunction will cause a security system to go into alarm for no apparent reason.The correct thing to do is to use your code to turn off the system.

The main panel can be interfered with by some problems.The arm/disarm codes and other commands can cause the keypads to become unresponsive.It may be necessary to shut down the system until service can be arranged if the alarm keeps going off.

If you use a home alarm company for service, you should call them first.They know your system and can help you.

You don't need to disabled the alarm if you only have a beeping keypad.What can I do if my alarm keeps buzzing?

The instructions below are for disabling the alarm system in a typical home without a code.They are only intended for use by the homeowner or authorized person to power down the alarm system.Home smoke detectors are connected to many residential burglar alarm systems.Shutting down the alarm system will affect alarm functions and fire alarm protection.If you must turn off the alarm system, have your alarm professional correct the issues and restore the fire protection as soon as possible.

Don't confuse the main alarm panel with the alarm system keypads used to disarm the system.Most systems have a metal box located in a closet, laundry room, or utility area.

The metal enclosure has the control circuitry and back-up battery, and connects to devices with either wired or wireless technology.

The Ademco Lynx system has a main control console with a sounder, circuit board, and back-up battery.The main console has doors, windows, and motion sensors.

Before disabling the alarm for either type of system, make sure the transformer is unplugged.The module will be plugged into a wall outlet near the main control unit.If a screw is used to hold the transformer in place, remove it.

If you can not find the transformer, don't panic.The wiring can be disconnected when you open the main panel.

When disabling the alarm for all-in-one units, you need to separate the front face of the unit from its base.These can be snapped together using hooks or tabs, and come apart with a small screwdriver.

For "standard" alarm systems with metal enclosures, open the lid.It can be secured with a lock or held shut with screws.

Try to find the key if it has a lock.The alarm panel keys are smaller than house keys and are often left on top of the panel enclosure.There is an alarm key on the left and a regular house key in the right.

The best way to silence the system is to locate and shut down all the sounders.

The back-up battery can be found once the panel is open.This brick-like unit will be in the bottom of the enclosure for standard alarm systems.Remove one of the leads from the battery by wiggling it from side to side.

The main circuit board can usually be unplugged for all-in-one panels.

The transformer can be disconnected if you weren't able to find it earlier.At one end of the row of screw terminals, look for two screws.The transformer connection is referred to in any of these terms.

Pull the wire away from one of the screws with a screwdriver.It doesn't matter which wire you remove, it will break the circuit and kill the AC power to the panel.

The color of the wires doesn't matter.Your AC wires may be red and black, green and yellow, white and white, and so on.If you accidentally reverse the wires, they will still work, but it won't matter which wire goes to which terminal.

There is no danger from an electrical shock.If you allow this wire to come in contact with other wires, the circuit board, alarm enclosure, or anything else metal, you could cause a fire in the transformer.

The alarm system should be powered down and silent at this point.Find the source of the sound if the alarm keeps going off.If it has an electrical or battery power source, follow the above steps to remove it.

Thank you!If you avoided a service call fee, you likely saved yourself a chunk of change.

If this was a home alarm going off and you have no plans to use it, your work is done.Close the panel and forget about the battery and transformer.

Schedule a service call with your alarm company if you have security monitoring.

There are some simple steps you can take if the system is not monitored.Replacing a failing back-up battery, re-mounting loose alarm switches and magnets, and programming a user code are some of the things that can be done.

Get free price quotes from alarm dealers in your area to find out how much a new system will cost.You'll get your quotes via email if you answer a few questions.

How to replace an alarm system battery is one of the related articles.

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