On 26/01/2020 23:56, JoeJoe wrote:
We have a wired house alarm that was already in place when we bought the
house some 15 years ago.

It has several movement sensors around the house, a large metal case
that all the wires come out of that holds a large backup battery and the
circuitry, and a control panel.

Weve used it several times many years ago, but after it went off around
the clock whilst we were away on holiday and kept our very friendly
neighbours up for days, we stopped using it altogether. It hasnt been
used for many years, but is still connected, and the lights on the panel
are on (alarm disabled).

Last night it went off at 3am (not amused - luckily I managed to
remember the code to reset it). By the look of it there was a short
power cut just prior to it going off.

Is it possible that this was caused by the backup battery not holding
charge any more?Â* We cant remember for certain, but we believe that
more than 10 years ago we had a similar incident and the alarm guy came
and replace the battery, and everything has been well ever since. It is
also very possible that the last time we have had a power cut was that
previous incident some 10 years ago.

Also, what does it take to disable it altogether? i.e. completely
disconnected from power etc.Â*Â* We plan to move away in the near future,
so would like to leave the new owners the option to reconnect it easily
if they so wish.


Sorry, I was away for a couple of days.

I just had a look at the system:

It is called Optima Plus, and Google found nothing about it (see reason
below).

I managed to find the instruction manual that was pushed behind the
panel. Very basic - only explains how to change the code and test the
system - one page. On the back of the page the original installer wrote
the location of the sensors, and the installation date: 11 July 1995...

Sounds like the battery(ies) are in need of a replacement.

From the advice given here I am inclined to not attempt to disconnect
the system from the mains and the battery myself in case it goes off.

I think I'll give the installer a ring (he is still around, I just
checked), and ask him to dp it in a way that would make it easy to reverse.


Thanks all for your advice - much appreciated!