Replace Home Security System Parts On Your Own

Replacing home security system parts is a routine task that must be undertaken, not very often, but often enough to maintain the system’s working status. Electrical and electronics components do wear out and break down and need replacing now and again. Home security systems are too important to the integrity of your living space to neglect. Much like fire alarms, an alarm system needs to be regularly maintained. With this how-to information, you can do the maintenance yourself without too much expense.

Professional Installations Need Professional Maintenance

Alarm systems that were installed professionally probably should be maintained professionally, but there are many basic systems that can be installed yourself, relying on a closed circuit loop of switches connected to an alarm and powered by batteries. For those systems, maintenance is relative simple. A basic alarm system consists of a sounder or an alarm, a series of switches installed on doors and windows, batteries, and the wire looping them all together. If any one of these components fails, the closed circuit will be broken and the alarm will fail to function, so it’s important to check it regularly and replace any defective parts.

What to Check

If your alarm system is not working, first check the batteries. A home system can run on two 6-volt rechargeable batteries. Using a quality voltmeter you can check the output of the two cells. If low, use a battery charger to get them back up to full power. Carefully clean off any residue or corrosion before you reinstall them. If they are too corroded, you may have to replace them.

Next, check all of the wire in the closed circuit loop. Even the smallest disconnection can disable the entire system. Wiring projects such as this – in the event you have to replace some of the line – require a wire stripper/cutter, solder-less, screw-on wire connectors and extra wire of the same gauge. At first, determine if the copper-colored wire makes a solid connection around the terminal screw at each switch point. Simply tightening these connections might be all you need to do. If the wire is frayed or damaged, you may have to splice a new length of wire. To do this, disconnect the batteries from the circuit, cut the wire where it is damaged and use the stripper to peel back an inch or so of the rubber covering from each side of the wire. Cut a new length of wire, stripping off a bit of covering from each end as well, and, using the plastic connectors, join the original wire with the replacement wire, making sure a good connection has been made. Don’t use electrical tape for this, although you may be tempted. Wire connectors last longer and are more reliable. Remount the wire carefully using staples.

As a last measure, it could be the sounder itself that is defective. If your batteries are powered and the wiring is good, check the wiring to the sounder. Again, it may simply be a loose connection, or it may be that the sounder needs replacing. With the batteries still disconnected, unwire the sounder and remove it from its location, making note of its wiring layout. After replacing it, rewire it and reconnect the battery power. Test the system to make sure it is functioning properly.

Replacing parts for your home security system doesn’t have to be an expensive ordeal, especially if you installed it yourself. Check each component in the closed circuit loop carefully before proceeding, and with some troubleshooting, you will undoubtedly locate the problem and be able to fix it in a short while.