Remove the AC power to the home alarm console from the wall directly. Use your console's access key (or another item such as a small screw) to unlock and open the system's backing. Lastly, disconnect at least one of the wires that are attached to the system's main battery, which is blocky and noticeable in most units.
Most home monitoring services will automatically dispatch local police if your system loses power. Disconnecting wiring or causing the old system to lose power may set off a false alarm, resulting in an unnecessary emergency response that could land you with a fine.
Your panel has 2 sources of power: The AC power (where it is plugged into an outlet) and the System backup battery. To fully power down your panel you must disconnect both of these. (Note: Powering down your panel should only be done if it is the last resort.
To get it to stop sounding you'll need to turn the mains off and pull one of the connectors off the big battery inside the control panel. If the alarm outside is still going they sometimes have their own batteries. It should stop after a set amount of time, usually around 20 mins.
The alarm in your home security system is designed to be a deterrent to intruders, as well as alert occupants and draw attention to your home, whether that be from neighbours, passers-by or authorities. Systems will sound for about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the system, before stopping and automatically re-arming.
The quickest way to shut off an alarm is to enter your code to the control panel. Most of the security systems we test also have apps through which you can cancel the alarm. In any case, you must know your disarm code. Change your batteries.
For many of our most popular systems, beeping alarms and low battery trouble beeps can be silenced by pressing the [OFF] or [#] buttons from the keypad.
Command Touchscreen:
Arm Stay: tap [Arm Stay], then enter [security code] Arm Away: tap [Arm Away], then enter [security code] Disarm: tap [Disarm], then enter [security code]
Use a pair of pliers to remove the appropriate fuse. That should take care of the alarm in all cases except one (noted below) since the alarm won't run without electricity.
If you unplug you ADT or any other security system, it will most likely start beeping the keypad alerting you of the AC power loss. If you silence the keypad, usually by entering your code and leave the power disconnect, eventually the keypad will start beeping again alerting you to a low battery condition.
If your car alarm is going off and you are unable to deactivate it, you may need to disconnect the battery to reset the system.
Disarm the alarm system
The process for doing this differs for each system, but one of the following is usually recommended: Enter the passcode and disarm. Arm the system, and then disarm it, immediately. Press the status button on the keypad.
A Checklist for Stopping the Chirping
First, replace the old battery. If you've installed a new battery and the alarm continues to beep, drain any residual charge from the unit. Remove the unit from the ceiling and remove its battery, then hold the test button for 15 seconds. Next, replace the battery.
Remove the battery: If your smoke detector has a backup battery, remove it and press the test button for 15 seconds to drain any residual charge. Reinstall the battery: Insert a fresh battery and reconnect the power cable. Mount the detector: Secure the smoke detector back onto its bracket.
To disarm the system enter your user code + OFF key [1]. IMPORTANT: Temporary users should not be shown how to use any system function they do not need to know (e.g. bypassing protection zones). Enter Master code + CODE key [8] + 2-two digit user no.
You can turn off or power down your home alarm system by disconnecting its backup battery and then unplugging the transformer for the device from the wall outlet. You can confirm that the panel has been powered down by checking its touchscreen or keypad and making sure that it is blank.
If your house alarm keeps going off, consider these possibilities: System Issues – Possible wear and tear, outdated components, or the need for servicing may cause false alarms. Environmental Factors – Open windows can let in wind which can cause objects to move and trigger sensors.
If it appears to be a false activation, contact the police on their non-emergency number as they may have the owner's contact details on their database. If it is a persistent problem, contact the local council or see the question in Related Information about noisy neighbours.
The 20-minute rule of thumb
The short answer for how long an alarm should sound is around 20 minutes. Most modern intruder alarm systems are fitted with a cut-off device or programmed to stop ringing after this amount of time.