If your Qolsys panel reports an AC Power Failure, is operating on backup battery, or appears to have no power, first determine whether the problem affects the building's electrical power or only the alarm system.
These instructions apply generally to:
The Qolsys panel normally receives continuous power from its installed power supply.
If normal AC power is lost, the panel can operate from its internal backup battery for a period of time.
An AC power-failure message therefore does not necessarily mean the alarm panel has completely stopped working.
Determine whether the property currently has normal electrical power.
Check whether:
If the entire property has lost power, the Qolsys panel may simply be operating from its backup battery.
If normal electrical power is available but the Qolsys panel reports an AC failure, check the panel's power source.
Depending on the installation, the panel may receive power from a plug-in power supply or another installed power source.
If the power supply is accessible, check whether it has accidentally been unplugged.
Do not disconnect wiring or open electrical equipment.
If the panel uses a plug-in power supply and it is safe to access the outlet, determine whether the outlet has power.
A known-working device can be used to determine whether the outlet itself has power when appropriate.
Do not remove or alter alarm wiring.
Some electrical outlets can be affected by a GFCI located elsewhere on the same circuit.
If the panel's outlet has no power but other areas of the building do, check for an obviously tripped GFCI.
Possible locations include:
Only reset a GFCI if it is safe and appropriate to do so.
If it trips again, do not continue resetting it.
If appropriate and safe, check the electrical panel for an obviously tripped breaker.
Do not remove electrical-panel covers or work around exposed wiring.
If a breaker repeatedly trips, contact a qualified electrician.
If the Qolsys panel is still operating even though it reports AC failure, it is likely operating from its backup battery.
The backup battery has a limited amount of stored energy.
Battery operating time varies depending on the equipment and conditions.
The Qolsys system may continue communicating through cellular service while operating from its backup battery.
WiFi communication may be unavailable if the property's modem, router, network switch, or wireless access point has lost power.
Alarm.com cameras and other network devices generally require their own power and network connections.
During a building power outage, the Qolsys panel may continue operating while cameras and other network equipment go offline.
Once normal electrical power returns:
A low-battery warning may remain temporarily if the backup battery was significantly discharged.
If the property has power but the panel continues reporting AC failure:
If the screen is black and the panel appears completely unpowered:
Contact CommTech Systems if power has been restored but the panel remains off.
If the panel operated for a while during an outage and then shut down, its backup battery may have become discharged.
After AC power is restored, allow the panel and battery time to recover.
If the panel does not restart or repeatedly loses power, contact CommTech Systems.
If the panel repeatedly reports AC failure and restoration even though the building's power appears stable, there may be an intermittent problem with the outlet, power supply, power connection, wiring, electrical circuit, or panel.
Contact CommTech Systems.
Do not unplug the Qolsys power supply to stop beeping or clear a trouble message.
This can create an additional power trouble and cause the panel to operate from its backup battery.
Do not open the Qolsys panel and disconnect its internal battery as a normal troubleshooting step.
A factory reset will not repair an electrical power problem and can affect the security system configuration.
Do not:
If the power supply is damaged, unusually hot, sparking, or producing a burning smell, do not handle it. Move away from the equipment and obtain appropriate professional assistance.
Contact CommTech Systems if:
When requesting assistance, provide:
For your security, do not provide alarm codes, passwords, or other private account credentials through the support chatbot.