Alarm System or Sensor Shows Low Battery

A low-battery message can refer to either the alarm system's main backup battery or a battery in an individual wireless device.

Before replacing a battery, first determine which device is reporting the low-battery condition.

Identify the device with the low battery

Look at the alarm panel, keypad, or Alarm.com app for the complete low-battery message.

The message may identify a specific device or zone, such as:

• Front Door
• Back Door
• Living Room Motion
• Garage Door
• Glass Break
• Smoke Detector
• Carbon Monoxide Detector
• Keypad
• Alarm Panel

Write down the exact device or zone name shown.

Sensor Low Battery

Wireless security devices use different types and quantities of batteries. Do not purchase a replacement battery based only on the fact that it is an alarm sensor.

The correct battery depends on the specific sensor model.

Common battery-powered devices include:

• Door and window sensors
• Motion detectors
• Glass-break detectors
• Smoke detectors
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Wireless keypads
• Key fobs
• Water sensors
• Other wireless security devices

If you know the manufacturer and model number of the device, use the replacement procedure for that specific device.

If you do not know the model, CommTech Systems can help identify the correct battery and replacement procedure.

After replacing a sensor battery

After installing the correct replacement battery:

1. Make sure the battery is installed with the correct polarity.
2. Reinstall the sensor cover completely.
3. Make sure the cover is properly seated so the sensor's tamper switch is restored.
4. If appropriate, activate the device. For example, open and close a door or window sensor.
5. Allow the alarm system time to receive an updated status from the device.

The low-battery condition may not disappear immediately. Some wireless devices must communicate with the alarm panel again before the condition clears.

The low-battery message changed to Tamper

If the low-battery warning clears but the panel now reports Tamper, check that the sensor cover was reinstalled completely.

Many alarm sensors contain a tamper switch that detects when the device's cover has been removed.

Do not force the cover into place. If it will not close correctly, contact CommTech Systems for assistance.

Panel or System Low Battery

If the message refers to the panel, system, or backup battery, it is different from a wireless sensor battery.

The alarm system normally uses a backup battery so it can continue operating for a period of time during an electrical outage.

A panel low-battery condition may occur:

• After an extended power outage
• After the backup battery has discharged
• When the backup battery has reached the end of its useful life
• When there is a charging or power problem

If electrical power was recently restored after an outage, allow the alarm system time to recharge its backup battery.

If the low-battery condition remains after normal power has been restored for an adequate period, the backup battery or charging system may require service.

Do not disconnect the alarm system

Do not unplug or power down the alarm system simply to clear a low-battery warning.

Doing so can interrupt normal security and communication functions and does not correct the underlying battery problem.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Use additional care when a low-battery condition involves a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, heat detector, or another life-safety device.

Use only the correct battery specified for that device.

Do not bypass or disable a life-safety device simply to eliminate a low-battery indication.

If you are unsure about the correct battery or replacement procedure, contact CommTech Systems.

When to contact CommTech Systems

Contact CommTech Systems if:

• You cannot determine which device has the low battery.
• You do not know which replacement battery the device requires.
• The low-battery warning remains after the correct battery has been replaced.
• The device reports a tamper or malfunction after battery replacement.
• The warning refers to the alarm panel or system backup battery and does not clear.
• The affected device is damaged.
• Multiple devices suddenly report low batteries or trouble.
• You need help identifying the sensor.

When requesting assistance, provide the device or zone name shown by the alarm system and the manufacturer/model number if available.