How To Change The Battery In A DSC Power Series PC1864

The DSC Power Series PC1864 is an alarm system manufactured by ADT. It has a backup battery that looks like this to keep it functioning despite a power outage.

DSC Power Series PC1616 — Image courtesy of MyADT.com

If you look at the keypad and you notice that the Trouble light in ON, that means the system is not functioning well. You will also hear a beeping sound that you can silence by pressing [#].

Find out what the problem is by pressing [*][2]. If the LED or Digit 1 flashes, press [1] to confirm if it is a low battery problem. If yes, that means the power in the backup battery is drained. You can recharge it when the house electricity is on. It usually takes 1-2 days but if the trouble light is still ON beyond that, then you know that the battery needs replacing. A backup battery requires replacing every 3-5 years.

To change the battery of a DSC Power Series PC1864, follow these steps:

Buy a replacement battery for your DSC Power Series PC1864.
Place the system on test mode.
Go to the control panel box (usually in an attic, garage or closet). Open it to access the backup battery.
Disconnect the old battery by removing the wires from the negative and positive terminals. Start with the black wire before you remove the red wire. If the wires are tight, do not yank on the wire. Use pliers with insulated handles to grip the connector and wiggle it to loosen and remove. BE CAREFUL when removing to avoid a short in the battery.
Take off the plastic terminal protector of the new battery before connecting the wires to it. Start by connecting the red wire to the positive terminal (which is also colored red). Then connect the black wire to the negative terminal (also in black).
Close the control panel box.
Let the new battery recharge for 1-2 days. If the trouble light is still ON after this time, call your alarm provider because the system might be compromised.
Recycle the old battery.