Expert: Dave Neuweiler - 5/7/2001

Question
Hi Dave,

I recently changed some lights in our home, while doing so I turned off the power at the breaker. Since that time our home security alarm not only blinks and does not work, but the alarm beeps (until you press reset) at exactly 4:30 every afternoon, the same time I shut the power off. Any ideas as to why this would be happening?


Thank you,

Kevin

Answer
Hi, Kevin, and thanks for your question.

It's hard to separate the effects you describe from the action you took -- turning off the breaker. I've not, however, ever heard of a control beeping on a regular schedule like yours.

Here's what I think...

ALl burglary alarms have a backup battery, good for at least 4 hours. These power the system when regular power is out. I suspect that your control's battery failed when you cut power to work on the lights.

It also sounds like your control lost its programming. Most units store program information in non-volatile memeory, meaning that complete loss of power won't cause the system to loose that programming. So, this part doesn't fit -- unless you have a pretty old (several years) control.

Can you tell me the make, model, and age of the system?

Also, is it a do-it-yourself install, or was it done by an alarm company?

Let me know what you can, and we'll see if we can uncover a solution for you.

Sincerely,

Dave Neuweiler