Alarm panel says low battery: what to check

Alarm panel says low battery: what to check

First, which battery? If the message names a sensor, such as “Back Door low battery,” the battery is in that sensor, not the panel. See Sensor Low Battery and Battery Replacement. If it says Panel Low Battery or Backup Battery, read on.

Why it happens: the panel runs on power from its wall plug. The battery inside is only a backup for power outages. A panel low-battery warning almost always means the panel isn’t getting power from the wall, or the backup battery is worn out.

Check these first:

  1. Is the panel’s power plug pushed all the way into the outlet? It’s usually a small black transformer plugged in near the panel or in a closet.
  2. Is that outlet controlled by a wall switch? If so, make sure the switch is on, and leave it on.
  3. Has the power been out recently? After an outage the battery recharges by itself, which can take up to 24 hours. The warning can stay on until it’s charged.

Still showing low battery after 24 hours on power? The backup battery needs replacing. That means opening the panel, so please don’t take it apart. Contact CommTech Systems at 866-729-2853, or ask in the chat for a service request.