Weird False Alarm

[Andrew Flanery]

Early this morning, about 2:30 am, our system went into full alarm. I
went in to check and it was (Living Room Window) (Zone 1) that had
caused the alarm. So I punch in the code, and it disarms. Then I
rearm and go back to bed. About 15 or 20 minutes later the alarm goes
off again, this time it is the fire alarm. I run downstairs to disarm
the alarm. It disarms, but I was too slow and had to cancel with the
monitoring company. Then I rearm again, it arms fine, and even before
I had gotten back into bed the alarm went off again, this time it was
(Kitchen Window 1) (Zone 2). I punched in the code to disarm, but it
wouldn't. The keypad just displayed "System Alarm, Enter Code Now."
That message would alternate with the zone description. I tried 3 or
4 times to diarm it, it would not. So I unplugged the power and
disconnected the battery.

That is why I am writing to you all. I have a DSC 632, 17 zones, all
hardwired. We did have a 12 hour power outage yesterday, but the
backup lasted the whole time. I don't know what could be causing it,
the code problem is really confusing me. Anyone have an idea?

 

[Frank Olson]

Early this morning, about 2:30 am, our system went into full alarm. I
went in to check and it was (Living Room Window) (Zone 1) that had
caused the alarm. So I punch in the code, and it disarms. Then I
rearm and go back to bed. About 15 or 20 minutes later the alarm goes
off again, this time it is the fire alarm. I run downstairs to disarm
the alarm. It disarms, but I was too slow and had to cancel with the
monitoring company. Then I rearm again, it arms fine, and even before
I had gotten back into bed the alarm went off again, this time it was
(Kitchen Window 1) (Zone 2). I punched in the code to disarm, but it
wouldn't. The keypad just displayed "System Alarm, Enter Code Now."
That message would alternate with the zone description. I tried 3 or
4 times to diarm it, it would not. So I unplugged the power and
disconnected the battery.

That is why I am writing to you all. I have a DSC 632, 17 zones, all
hardwired. We did have a 12 hour power outage yesterday, but the
backup lasted the whole time. I don't know what could be causing it,
the code problem is really confusing me. Anyone have an idea?

Sounds like you might need a new battery. It is possible that with larger
capacity batteries your power supply has not fully recharged it, or there
could be a problem with it as well. The fact that the siren is drawing a
large amount of current from the system could affect your ability to disarm
the system if your battery's not in good shape. Since you've already opened
your "can", you can easily identify the siren (or bell) terminals. Take a
small screwdriver and remove one of the wires (either bell "+" or bell "-").

Call your monitoring company and have them place the system on "test". This
step is important!!

Turn on the AC and plug your battery back in. The system should power up in
the "armed" state. Now enter your code to disarm. If you have a volt-meter
(multi-meter), take a reading across the battery terminals. Don't use your
system for at least 24 hours (while the battery recharges). Take another
reading off the battery at the end of that period. The voltage should be
between 13.2 and 13.7 VDC. If that's the case your system's power
supply/charger is in good shape. Now disconnect the battery terminals and
take a reading. After a minute or two, the "no load" voltage should be
about 12.6 to 12.8 VDC. If you can impose a load on it (automotive
headlight works great), see how long it takes to recover to around 12.6
volts with the load removed. That test will be the final arbiter on whether
or not you need a new battery.

You may have to reset the system time. If you look in your owners manual
you'll see how to do that. If you need more help, you can email me at
"feolson at yoursecuritysource dot com".


--
Frank Olson
http://www.yoursecuritysource.com
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