To remove an old ADT alarm system, you must first disable its power to stop any alarms from sounding. Follow these exact steps to safely and permanently dismantle the system:
Getting them installed is expensive, you have it all right there. And yes, you can turn it off by unplugging it and then removing the battery.
Getting rid of old ADT equipment requires a few steps depending on whether the system is wired or wireless. Follow these guidelines to safely disconnect, remove, and dispose of the hardware.
Contact the old home security company
Most systems will alert the service when wires are cut or disconnected. If you neglect the crucial step of notifying the company that you are disconnecting the system, don't be surprised when it signals an emergency.
You can unplug your ADT system, but simply pulling the plug won't instantly shut it off. Because of built-in security features, the system has a backup battery that will keep running, and it will likely trigger beeping alerts.
How to Safely Power Down Your Security System: Turn off the main power supply – Locate the circuit breaker or power source and disconnect it. Disconnect backup batteries – Most control panels and alarms have internal batteries. Open the panel and remove them.
Do I need an electrician to remove a burglar alarm? Not always. Many alarm installers can remove systems safely, especially if you're replacing the alarm at the same time. However, an electrician may be needed if the system is connected directly to your mains supply.
To cap off electrical wires safely, always turn off the power at the breaker box and verify the wires are dead with a voltage tester. Strip about 1/2" of insulation, twist the exposed conductors together with pliers, and secure them clockwise with an appropriately sized wire nut.
Disabling a hardwired alarm system requires cutting off both its primary AC power and its backup battery to completely shut it down.
Yes, if you have a leased or rented system, you generally must return your ADT equipment after canceling your service. However, policies vary by whether your equipment was leased or purchased outright.
To safely disable an alarm system, you need to cut both the AC power and the backup battery. Locate your main metal control panel box (usually in a closet, utility room, or basement), then unplug the AC transformer from the wall outlet and disconnect the battery's red or black terminal leads.
How you permanently turn off an alarm depends on what type of alarm you are referring to. The most common scenarios are for smartphones, home security systems, and car alarms.
No. ADT cancellation must be done by phone. Call 800-238-2727 during business hours. Online cancellation is not available.
However, if your alarms are wired into your home and you're not skilled or comfortable with electrical work, it's time to hire an electrician. A professional electrician can ensure the system is fully deactivated and that all components are removed safely.
8 Steps to Removing an Old Home Security System
Open the front of the alarm panel, it may be held in place by a couple of screws. Once inside locate the battery, the battery will have two connections, a red and a black, remove both of these connections.
To remove ADT equipment, power down the system by unplugging the main panel's transformer and disconnecting the backup battery in the main control box. Remove sensors by peeling adhesive-mounted devices or unscrewing hardware, then patch holes as needed. Wireless devices can be removed via the ADT+ app.
To terminate unused electrical wires safely, turn off the power at your breaker box and verify the wires are completely dead using a voltage tester. Cap each individual live and neutral wire with an approved wire nut, secure them with electrical tape, and enclose them inside an accessible, code-compliant junction box.
No, you cannot safely use electrical tape instead of wire caps.
Anytime you are working on your electrical system, you should cap off any wires that are not in use. This will ensure your safety and prevent any damage to your system. Lastly, if you are removing an electrical outlet or switch, you should cap off the wires that were previously connected to it.
Contact Your Alarm Company
Most monitoring services will automatically dispatch the police if a wire is cut or if the system loses power. This is why you should always call your provider before making any changes to your system.
Unplug the alarm panel box's power supply and battery. You can usually find these in a utility closet, basement, or garage. Look for a metal box, usually gray. Once your box has powered down, plug back in.
If your burglar alarm does go off during a power outage, this isn't normal! It is not programmed to activate. A well serviced alarm system should operate perfectly on battery back-up for at least 12 hours, depending upon the system's complexity and the state of the battery.