How To Change The Battery In Ademco Vista 10SE

The Ademco Vista 10SE is an alarm system manufactured by ADT to give owners a chance to survive emergencies like fire or burglary. During power outages, this system is powered by a backup battery (which looks like this) that typically requires replacement in 3-5 years.

In case you hear a warning beep and see the keypad display “BAT” without a zone number, that means the battery require recharging. You can turn off the beeping sound by pressing [OFF]. If you restore the AC power, the battery should automatically recharge. If 24 – 48 hours have passed and the same “BAT” sign is still displayed, that is an indication that you battery should be replaced.

To replace the backup battery of the Ademco Vista 10SE, follow these steps:

Buy the Ademco Vista 10SE replacement battery.
Put the system on test.
Find the control panel box that is usually located in a closet, attic or garage. Open it to find the backup battery.
Remove the old battery by disconnecting the black wire from the black (negative) terminal first. Then, disconnect the red wire from the red (positive) terminal. Use pliers with insulated handles as a safety precaution. For tight wires, wiggle to help loosen them. Once disconnected, BE CAREFUL not to short the old battery as you remove it from the control panel box.
Take off the plastic terminal protector that covers the replacement battery. Connect the red wire to the red terminal first before you connect the black wire to the black terminal.
Close the control panel box.
Check the keypad display and do not be alarmed if the “BAT” warning is still there. The new battery needs to fully charge. In case the warning is still displayed after 1-2 days, the system might be damaged. Call the alarm provider.
Recycle the old battery.