The short answer is that it can do – but isn’t meant to!
With any modern day commercial or domestic security system, when the power goes off, this should never trigger a full-scale activation from the alarm system – if the system is working properly.
If everything is functioning as it should, the control panel may make a bleeping sound when the mains power is cut. In which case, you should have been provided with a code to enter on the keypad to stop the noise. Other than that, the system should act normally, until the AC power supply is restored.
If the alarm does start making a racket, however, this is an indication that something could be amiss.
Why would an alarm sound when the mains power goes off?
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.
It is almost always the case that if the alarm goes off when not required, it is due to a failing internal battery.
During a power cut, in particular, if the battery isn’t functioning properly, you may find that the control panel stops working and the alarm may emit a whining noise.
At the same time, because there clearly is an issue, motion sensors can be activated, which will alert the monitoring station – not what you need!
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.
The only thing that might happen is that you hear an occasional bleep, purely as a reminder.
Modern alarm systems have a battery monitoring system, which should send you a smartphone notification when it’s getting low.
Apart from a bleeping noise (mentioned earlier), the only thing you may notice is that the light on the keypad will be dimmer, in order to conserve power.
If this should occur, it’s just a case of resetting the alarm, although it shouldn’t be necessary on most modern systems. Once mains power is restored, the system should have the capability to recharge the back-up battery to full power.
Is a wireless security system affected by a power cut?
No. If the alarm is working correctly, the wireless system should function normally throughout any power outage. Again, if the alarm does go off, this is indicative of a potential fault. Alarm batteries should last between two and five years before they need replacing.
Why regular servicing is important for your burglar alarm
Scheduling regular maintenance checks of your alarm system is the best way to reduce annoying false alarms, should there be a power cut or any other event. This should keep everything functioning in tip-top shape, keeping your business or family and home safe. If you have an older system, which may require that the back-up battery needs replacing, this may need a little more attention.
Existing Justice Fire & Security customers should be covered under a full-service maintenance agreement. If we didn’t install the original system or you do not currently have any service agreement, but feel that a professional opinion would assist, please feel free to contact us
If your burglar alarm doesn’t operate normally when a power cut occurs, it’s time it was serviced! For all enquiries, call Justice Fire and Security on 0845 468 0927 to arrange a free site survey and quotation.
We generally operate within a 50-mile radius of our Birmingham Head Office - covering the wider West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire.
