On Wed, 20 Sep 2006 15:31:55 GMT, fred wrote:

In article , Art Deco
writes
On 20 Sep 2006 07:09:20 GMT, (Andrew
Gabriel) wrote:

In article ,
Art Deco writes:

Speaking of backup batteries, is there usually just one in a typical
alarm system - located in the main panel box? Or could there be one
outside where the alarm bell is too? I need to replace mine and I'd
like to do it with the minimum of noise.

There's usually one in the external sounder too.

Thanks. I was wondering about that.
Presumably opening up the external sounder box will set off the
"tamper" mode?

If you have the installer code, enter installer mode & the tamper should not
result in a system trip but the box sounder should sound.

Mine is an oldish "Spacetec" panel, which is key operated rather than
code operated.

I'd then be happy
to swap out the panel battery 'live'. It's not normal to change the bell box
battery (well, not here anyway).

Do they not deteriorate like panel batteries then?

And a second question - are these batteries mostly of the 12V 6.0 Ah
"Yuasa" motorcycle type, as I've been told?

The ones in panels are usually 12V 7Ah (same size as older 6Ah) sealed
lead acid. However, they are designed for float/standby operation.

I've seen that stated on some, yes.

Some panels will have smaller versions. Smaller ones can be more
expensive, because the 7Ah type is often cheaper due to the high
numbers of then used. External sounder usually use small nicads.

Presumably easily available ones.

I would take a look before you buy, I've seen a variety of batts in panels.

I certainly will.