Why Does My Burglar Alarm Go Off During a Power Cut? (And Why It’s a Sign You Need a Service)
Picture this: it’s the middle of the night, the power goes out, and suddenly your burglar alarm starts blaring. Or maybe you’ve turned off the power for maintenance, and the same thing happens. Sound familiar? If so, your alarm system is trying to tell you something important—it’s not being properly maintained.
Here’s why this happens, why it’s a problem, and what you can do to fix it.
Why Does My Alarm Go Off During a Power Cut or When the Power Is Off?
Burglar alarms are designed to keep your home secure 24/7, even during a power cut. They rely on two key components:
- Mains Power: This is the primary source of power for your alarm system.
- Backup Battery: This kicks in when the mains power fails, ensuring your alarm stays operational.
If your alarm goes off during a power cut or when the power is turned off, it’s almost always because of one thing: a faulty or dead backup battery.
What’s Happening Behind the Scenes?
- Dead or Dying Battery: If the backup battery hasn’t been replaced in years (or ever), it won’t hold a charge. When the mains power cuts out, the alarm system detects the loss of power and triggers an alert—often in the form of a loud siren.
- Poor Maintenance: Over time, batteries degrade, connections loosen, and components wear out. Without regular maintenance, your alarm system becomes unreliable.
- False Alarms: A poorly maintained system is more likely to give false alarms, which can be annoying for you and your neighbours—and could even lead to fines in some areas.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
A burglar alarm that goes off during a power cut isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a sign that your system isn’t functioning as it should. Here’s why that’s a problem:
- It’s Not a Deterrent: If your alarm can’t stay operational during a power cut, it’s not doing its job of protecting your home.
- It’s a Security Risk: A faulty alarm system leaves your home vulnerable to break-ins, especially during power outages when burglars might see an opportunity.
- It’s Costly: Constant false alarms can lead to higher maintenance costs and even fines from local authorities.
The Solution: Regular Alarm Maintenance
The good news? This problem is entirely preventable. Here’s what you need to do:
- Schedule a Maintenance Visit: A professional alarm technician can inspect your system, replace the backup battery, and check for any other issues.
- Replace the Backup Battery: Even if your alarm seems to be working fine, the backup battery should be replaced every 3-5 years as part of routine maintenance.
- Test Your System Regularly: Many modern alarms have a “test mode” that lets you check if the backup battery is working without triggering a full alarm.
What Happens During a Maintenance Visit?
When you book a maintenance visit, a qualified technician will:
- Test the backup battery and replace it if necessary.
- Check all sensors, detectors, and connections to ensure they’re working properly.
- Clean and inspect the external bell box to make sure it’s in good condition.
- Update your system’s software (if applicable) to keep it running smoothly.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Your burglar alarm is your first line of defense against intruders. If it’s going off during power cuts or when the power is off, it’s not just an annoyance—it’s a warning sign. Don’t wait for a break-in or a costly repair bill. Book a maintenance visit today and keep your home secure, no matter what.
Need Help?
If you’re in or around Altrincham and your burglar alarm is acting up, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a maintenance visit and ensure your alarm system is in top condition. Your peace of mind is worth it!