How an Alarm System Backup Battery Works

In this video, Michael from Alarm Grid talks about backup batteries for alarm systems. A backup battery keeps a system running when AC power is lost. The reasons for AC power loss include electrical outages, the system's plug-in transformer being disconnected, or the power wire being cut. Once this happens, the backup battery will activate to keep the system powered on. The system will display an AC loss message at this time to let you know that AC power has been lost.

A backup battery is designed to only serve as a temporary means for powering the system. You should not expect a backup battery to become the primary method for keeping your system running. The length of time that a battery can keep a system running depends on the system being used and the backup battery itself. Some batteries are advertised to only keep a system running for at least four (4) hours, while other batteries should keep a system powered on for at least 24 hours.

The design of a backup battery depends on whether the system is wireless or hardwired. A wireless system will usually have a small internal battery pack that plugs into the system board. You will typically need to get a certain model of battery pack that is specifically designed to work with the wireless system you are using and fits inside the panel. But hardwired systems typically use larger batteries that actually resemble small car batteries. They have leads for you to connect a battery harness that then connects with the panel. You will need to remember to follow polarity for a hardwired system backup battery. The red wire should connect at the positive (+) terminal, and the black wire should connect at the negative (-) terminal. Most metal enclosures for wired panels are large enough to accommodate an added backup battery.

https://www.alarmgrid.com/faq/how-does-the-backup-battery-for-an-alarm-system-work

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