Guide to burglar alarm batteries- types & where to buy
Not sure which battery your alarm panel or wireless sensor needs? Below we cover the most common systems, indicative costs, and how to change one safely.
What batteries does my alarm have?
Most alarm systems have batteries fitted in two or three different places - each with a different job and a different replacement cycle.
The alarm panel battery
Powers the main system as a backup during a mains power cut. The most critical battery in the system, and the one that causes the most problems. Typically needs replacing every 4-5 years.
The bell-box battery
A backup battery inside your external sounder (bell box), so it can still operate if mains power and the panel battery are both unavailable.
Wireless sensor batteries
Fitted only to wireless sensors, keypads and fobs. This is the sensor's only power source, so it's replaced more often - typically every 18-24 months.
The panel battery causes the most problems day to day, since it's what keeps your whole system running through a power cut. Most traditional panels use a 12V battery, usually a 2.1ah, 3.4ah, or 7ah type.
Not sure which battery you need?
Send us your panel model or a photo of your keypad and we'll confirm the exact battery for you.
What type of battery do I have?
Common panel batteries by system, with an indicative cost for the battery itself.
| System | Battery type | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Texecom Veritas V8/R8 | 2.1ah | ~£13 |
| Texecom Premier | 3.4ah | ~£14 |
| Texecom Premier wireless sensor | CR123A (pack of 5) | ~£15 |
| Honeywell Galaxy | 3.4ah | ~£14 |
| Honeywell Accenta | 3.4ah | ~£14 |
| Honeywell Optima | 2.1ah | ~£13 |
| Gardtec/Gtag (816, 800, 500, 400) | 3.4ah | ~£14 |
| Pyronix Euro 46/280 | 3.4ah | ~£14 |
| Scantronic 9651, 9751, 9800 | 3.4ah | ~£14 |
| Scantronic 500r | 2.1ah | ~£13 |
| Risco Lightsys | 3.4ah | ~£14 |
| Menvier (TS900, TS700, TS2500) | 3.4ah | ~£14 |
Costs shown are indicative, for the replacement battery only. If your system isn't listed, get in touch and we'll confirm the right battery for you.
Wireless sensor & accessory batteries
If you have Texecom wireless devices, these are the common batteries fitted to each one.
| Device | Battery type | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Texecom Ricochet sensor | CR123A (pack of 5) | ~£15 |
| Texecom micro shock | CR2450 (pack of 2) | ~£5.50 |
| Texecom micro contact | CR2450 (pack of 2) | ~£5.50 |
| Texecom smart key | CR2 (pack of 2) | ~£8.50 |
| Texecom wireless smoke detector | AAA lithium (pack of 4) | ~£4 |
| Texecom wireless keypad | AA lithium (pack of 4) | ~£9 |
These batteries are the sensor's only power source, so it's worth keeping a couple spare if you have several wireless devices fitted. Batteries for most systems above are available from AMCO's SmartSecurity.Store.
How to change a burglar alarm battery
Once you've got the right replacement, changing a panel or sensor battery is straightforward. Follow these five steps.
- 1
Identify your battery type
Check your panel/sensor model against the tables above to confirm exactly which battery you need.
- 2
Purchase a replacement battery
Order the correct battery - AMCO's SmartSecurity.Store stocks batteries for most common alarm systems.
- 3
Unscrew the alarm panel front
Undo the panel cover carefully. It's normal for the alarm to sound briefly as the tamper switch is triggered.
- 4
Remove and replace the battery
Swap the old battery for the new one. Avoid letting the red and black terminals touch each other, and don't touch the mains transformer inside the panel.
- 5
Replace the lid and press RESET
Refit the panel cover and press RESET, following the instructions for your particular system.
Safety warning
There is 240V mains voltage inside burglar alarm panels, and often a lot of wiring. Please make sure you don't electrocute yourself, or knock a wire loose that could cause a fault on your system.
If you're at all unsure, it's safer - and often cheaper in the long run - to book an AMCO engineer to change the battery for you.
Book an engineer insteadWould rather leave it to a professional?
Book your battery change as part of an AMCO maintenance visit and we'll handle it safely for you.
What alarm batteries actually do
Your panel battery acts as backup power during a mains outage - a fully charged battery typically supports around 12 hours of normal operation without mains power. Wireless sensor batteries are different: they're the sensor's only power source, so once expired the device's performance degrades, and it will eventually stop working altogether.
~12 hours backup
From a fully charged panel battery, without mains power
4-5 years / 18-24 months
Typical lifespan: panel battery vs. wireless sensor battery
Cost of battery replacement
Battery only
Buying the part yourself
£12-£30
AMCO specialist call-out
Fitted for you, varies by region
£99-£109
A call-out also gives your engineer a chance to check the rest of your system while they're on site.
Where to buy a replacement battery
AMCO operates SmartSecurity.Store, where customers can buy replacement batteries for most of the systems listed above. If you'd rather not source the part yourself, we can supply and fit the correct battery as part of a call-out or ongoing maintenance plan.
Why customers choose AMCO
- Correct battery identified for your exact system
- SSAIB accredited installation & servicing
- Family-run, with great online reviews
Frequently asked questions
Free, no-obligation
Need your alarm battery replaced?
Whether it's a quick battery swap or a full maintenance visit, our Texecom specialists can have it sorted quickly and safely.
Get your free AMCO security quote
Tell us a little about what you'd like to protect and a member of our family-run team will be in touch - no pressure, no jargon.
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