To completely shut down an alarm system, you must disconnect two power sources: the external AC power (wall plug or circuit breaker) and the internal backup battery. If you only disconnect one, the system will continue to run or beep.
Your home security system likely has a main source of power, which is a box that is secured to the wall with an outlet. This box is the key to turning off the alarm while there is no electricity. Simply disconnect the box from the outlet by unplugging it.
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.
Unplug the power or turn it off at the fused spur. The panel battery will eventually die leaving the panel disabled. Alternatively turn off the power and remove the batteries in the panel by unscrewing the cover under the front flap, this way the panel is diabled straight away.
All modern alarm systems have a battery backup. In the event of a power outage, perhaps because of adverse weather or a problem at the power station, the reserve battery is there to keep the system fully operational whilst the mains power is off.
Remove the battery from the security system
Although the main source of power has been disconnected from the home security system, the backup battery is still providing power to the alarm. A screwdriver may be required to access the battery box and you will need pliers to remove the battery.
Using a Default Reset or Manual Override
Who Should Switch Off a Burglar Alarm? If you need an alarm turned off, the best options are: A Qualified Electrician – Can safely disconnect the power. A Security Engineer – Knows how to reset and reprogram alarms.
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.
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.
Disabling a hardwired alarm system requires cutting off both its primary AC power and its backup battery to completely shut it down.
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.
How to disable a house alarm.
To quickly deactivate a home alarm system, simply enter your 4-to-6-digit user code on the main keypad and press the "Disarm" or "Off" button. If you do not know the code or the system is malfunctioning, you must perform a full power-down by unplugging the main AC transformer from the wall outlet and disconnecting the backup battery inside the metal control panel.
Wired Alarms
To completely cut power to an ADT alarm system, you must disconnect both the primary power source and the internal backup battery. If you only unplug the wall adapter, the backup battery will keep the alarm active.
To turn off a house alarm, the fastest and most common way is to enter your 4- to 6-digit security code on the main keypad and press the "Disarm" or "Off" button. If you don't know the code, you will need to cut the system's power.
Yes, you can remove a burglar alarm yourself if you have the necessary skills and tools. However, it's recommended to hire a professional to avoid potential damage and to ensure the system is safely deactivated.
How to stop alarm from ringing. If your external alarm siren is not ringing during a power cut but the keypad (or main alarm box) inside your proprty is beeping or sounding a solid tone then you can silence the tone/beep by simply entering your code.
In the UK, the cost of removing a burglar alarm is usually based on labour time rather than a fixed fee. An electrician typically charges around £45 per hour, with a typical day rate of around £225, depending on the complexity of the system and how long the removal takes.
An alarm ringing for 15–20 minutes is usually enough to deter most intruders. Studies show that burglars are more likely to abandon a break-in attempt once a loud siren draws attention. At the same time, a system that continues ringing endlessly could alienate neighbours or even lead to complaints.
Even when your alarm isn't armed, the system is always actively monitoring for "chime" triggers, tamper alerts, or system errors. Random triggers are almost always caused by faulty sensors, dying batteries, or environmental interference.
If you believe you may have accidentally set off your alarm, call your alarm monitoring company and inform them of the trip. While we go through a phone list that typically involves calling the premise, dispatching police/fire, and contacting keyholders, you can always contact us, too.
To immediately stop a beeping house alarm, enter your master security code and press OFF or DISARM. Check the keypad for a trouble code (e.g., "Bat" for battery, "FC" for communication). To fully silence the beeping, you will likely need to acknowledge the fault, replace a backup battery, or cut the power.