AC Power Failure or Alarm Panel Power Failure

An AC Power Failure message means the alarm system is not receiving its normal electrical power.

Most alarm systems have a backup battery that allows the system to continue operating temporarily during a power outage. However, the backup battery has a limited operating time, so the cause of the power failure should be identified.

First Check for a Building Power Outage

Determine whether the home or business currently has normal electrical power.

If there is a utility power outage, the alarm system may display an AC power failure while operating from its backup battery.

In this situation, the alarm system may return to normal automatically after utility power is restored.

If the Building Has Power

If other electrical equipment is operating normally but the alarm system reports an AC power failure, check the following:

1. Make sure the alarm system's power supply or transformer has not been accidentally unplugged.
2. Check whether the electrical outlet supplying the alarm system has power.
3. Check whether a nearby GFCI outlet has tripped.
4. Check the appropriate circuit breaker if it can be done safely.
5. Determine whether electrical work, remodeling, or equipment changes were recently performed near the alarm equipment.

Do not remove electrical covers or work on exposed electrical wiring.

Check the Alarm Transformer

Many alarm systems receive power from a transformer plugged into an electrical outlet.

The transformer may be located near the alarm panel, in a utility area, basement, closet, garage, or another location.

If you locate the transformer:

• Make sure it is completely plugged into the outlet.
• Do not disconnect wires from the transformer.
• Do not replace the transformer with a different power supply.
• Do not unplug the transformer as a method of resetting the alarm system.

Some alarm systems use different power supplies and may not have a traditional plug-in transformer.

Check for a Tripped GFCI Outlet

In some installations, the alarm system's electrical outlet may be connected to a GFCI-protected circuit.

A GFCI outlet located elsewhere on the same circuit can sometimes remove power from the alarm outlet when it trips.

If appropriate, check nearby GFCI outlets and reset a tripped outlet only if it is safe to do so.

If the GFCI immediately trips again, do not repeatedly reset it. An electrical problem may be present.

Backup Battery Operation

During an AC power failure, the alarm system may continue operating from its backup battery.

If AC power remains off long enough, the backup battery can eventually discharge and the system may also display a Low Battery condition.

After AC power is restored, the system may require time to recharge its backup battery.

A low-battery warning therefore may remain for a period of time after power has been restored.

Power Has Been Restored but AC Failure Remains

If normal electrical power is available but the alarm system continues to display an AC power failure, there may be a problem with:

• The electrical outlet
• Alarm transformer or power supply
• Low-voltage wiring
• Power connection
• Alarm panel
• Charging circuit
• Other system hardware

Contact CommTech Systems if basic power checks do not resolve the condition.

Do Not Completely Power Down the Alarm System

Do not disconnect both AC power and the backup battery in an attempt to clear the trouble message unless specifically instructed by a CommTech technician.

Completely powering down the alarm system can interrupt security protection and communication with the monitoring service.

After a Power Outage

After utility power returns:

1. Verify that the alarm panel is powered normally.
2. Allow the system time to recognize that AC power has been restored.
3. Check whether the AC failure clears.
4. If a low-battery condition remains, allow the backup battery time to recharge.
5. Check for any other trouble messages.

If the system remains offline or continues reporting trouble after power has been restored, contact CommTech Systems.

When to Contact CommTech Systems

Contact CommTech Systems if:

• The building has power but the alarm system does not.
• The alarm continues to display AC failure.
• The alarm transformer or power supply appears damaged.
• The electrical outlet has power but the alarm panel does not.
• A low-battery condition remains after the system has had adequate time to recharge.
• The alarm system went offline and did not reconnect after power was restored.
• You see damaged wiring, overheating, or other abnormal conditions.
• You are unsure which power supply belongs to the alarm system.

Do not handle damaged electrical equipment. If there are signs of overheating, burning, smoke, or another electrical hazard, move away from the equipment and address the electrical emergency appropriately.