Expert: Steven Burman - 9/26/2009

Question
I have a PC1555MX which is randomly beeping because there is no longer power to it and battery is low. I never use, I do not care for it and it annoys me that it randonly starts beeping in the middle of the night. I saw in the manual that there is a way to disactivate beep on trouble in what is referred to as "section [014], option [5]". May you give me the exact sequence that I need to type on the keyboard to disactive the beeping on trouble before I rip it out of the wall out of frustration? This is the third night I can't sleep.

Thanks,
Manon

Answer
Manon,

I have never worked with that model of DSC panel, so I am unsure of exactly how to access that option. Typically, it would be something like *8, installer code, 14, 1, 5, which should turn off the light next to 5 on the keypad, and deactivate the chime.

However, there is something else you can do. If the primary current to the panel has been interrupted, then the system is beeping to indicate "AC Failure". The backup battery in the main control panel will only last a given amount of time, but if you have only door switches, and no powered devices such as motion detectors, it could be a long period before the battery is exhausted. Find the main control box, it will be in a closet most likely. Open it up and disconnect the large battery inside. If the unit still makes noise, then it is still connected to household power, and you will need to find and unplug the power supply, which will be a small device plugged into the wall, with cables going to the panel.

Hope this helps,

Steve Burman