6 Tips for Removing a Home Security System

Removing a home security system can be done easily without causing damage to any of the wiring or existing circuits. It’s not always the case that the entire system needs to be removed if you are upgrading or replacing it. Here are some simple tips that will help you if you need to remove an older security system.

1. Contact the Alarm Company

If you currently have a monitoring service, you want to make sure you contact them before you start disconnecting parts. Many monitoring services will automatically dispatch police if a wire is cut or power is lost to the service. If you don’t want the police showing up at your house, go ahead and make a quick phone call.

2. Disconnect the Sirens

Another feature of most alarm systems is that a siren is placed on a separate circuit. This way, if a would-be intruder decided to try to cut the power to the alarm system, the siren will still sound. It usually sounds automatically as well if the system detects an interruption in the power supply. Not only will you want to disconnect the power from the security system, but you will also want to locate the siren circuit and disconnect it as well.

3. Pull Off Control Panels

The control panel is the brain behind the security system. Once all of the other components have been removed you can pull the panel down. Behind the panel, you will find wiring. Cap off the wiring if you don’t plan on installing another panel.

4. Remove the Old Battery Packs

If you are upgrading an existing security system, you may not have to remove the old battery pack. If the battery pack is still in good condition, it may be salvaged as part of the upgrade. If it’s an old pack though and needs to be replaced, you can simply remove it.

The battery pack can be found behind the control cabinet for the system. Be sure to remove the black and red wires that feed into the pack if you are removing the entire thing. Cap the wires off if you plan on having the new cabinet installed in another location or if you don’t plan on using the existing wiring.

5. Remove Other Components

With the power disconnected, you can start to remove other components associated with the system. This can include any motion detectors, glass break sensors, and cameras. Some of these components will be installed with screws, and others (such as window detectors) will be installed using a basic adhesive. If you have a hard time with an adhesive component, rubbing alcohol can be used on a cotton swab to break apart the glue.

6. Wiring

Unless the wiring is very old or badly damaged, you don’t need to remove any of it. If you are upgrading to a newer system, leave the wiring in place and allow the new alarm company to determine if they can use the wiring. Nine times out of 10 they will be able to use this. If you decide to remove all the wiring, it’s best to let an electrician handle the job.