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HKC - Panel Batt Flt

  • 21-02-2012 8:42pm
    #1
    podgeandrodge
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,893 ✭✭✭


    Hi everyone,

    Hoping someone on here can advise - have message on my HKC Securewatch 8/12 saying "Panel Batt Flt" which by my powers of deduction has led me to opening the panel to see a 12volt 7.0 amp battery model PS-1270 F1.

    (reading through these threads I see that it might be live inside - didn't know that until after I opened the panel but thanks to my ignorance of alarm systems I didn't touch anything :o)

    I'm assuming that the fault message I am getting is to replace this battery? (It's 5 years old)

    Thanks.


«1

Comments

  • #2
    altor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,817 ✭✭✭✭altor


    podgeandrodge wrote: »
    Hi everyone,

    Hoping someone on here can advise - have message on my HKC Securewatch 8/12 saying "Panel Batt Flt" which by my powers of deduction has led me to opening the panel to see a 12volt 7.0 amp battery model PS-1270 F1.

    (reading through these threads I see that it might be live inside - didn't know that until after I opened the panel but thanks to my ignorance of alarm systems I didn't touch anything :o)

    I'm assuming that the fault message I am getting is to replace this battery? (It's 5 years old)

    Thanks.

    Yes there is live mains in the control panel located at the top so be careful.
    Yes, just disconnect the battery and replace it with a new one.
    Here is a link to the suppliers to source one.

    www.altor.ie



  • #3
    podgeandrodge
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,893 ✭✭✭podgeandrodge


    altor wrote: »
    Yes there is live mains in the control panel located at the top so be careful.
    Yes, just disconnect the battery and replace it with a new one.
    Here is a link to the suppliers to source one.

    Hi Altor

    Have checked the suppliers list. Can you pm me a price and supply and fit ? I'm in Terenure area. (Will alarm work for awhile in meantime?)

    Thanks


  • #4
    altor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,817 ✭✭✭✭altor


    podgeandrodge wrote: »
    Hi Altor

    Have checked the suppliers list. Can you pm me a price and supply and fit ? I'm in Terenure area. (Will alarm work for awhile in meantime?)

    Thanks

    Easy enough to do yourself, P.M sent.

    The alarm will still set with a low battery till you get it replaced.

    www.altor.ie



  • #5
    podgeandrodge
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,893 ✭✭✭podgeandrodge


    Thanks Altor for quick response. PM received and replied to.


  • #6
    altor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,817 ✭✭✭✭altor


    podgeandrodge wrote: »
    Thanks Altor for quick response. PM received and replied to.

    Your welcome podgeandrodge. Always happy to help :D

    www.altor.ie



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  • #7
    jprboy
    Registered Users Posts: 1,355 ✭✭✭jprboy


    I'm getting a similar message to the OP on my HKC Alarm and am prepared to replace the battery myself.
    Anyone got any steps/guidelines for doing this?
    Thanks.


  • #8
    altor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,817 ✭✭✭✭altor


    Very easy to do.

    Always turn off the mains going to the control panel as there is a risk of electric shock.

    If the battery is completely dead the outside bell should ring till you replace the battery.

    Open the control panel, disconnect the old battery and insert the new one. It is a 12v 7 Amp replacement battery.

    Alarm will activate, simply enter your code on the keypad to silence.

    Close up control panel, turn on the mains.

    Done :D

    www.altor.ie



  • #9
    Keith C
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,121 ✭✭✭Keith C


    My hkc has the orange light on saying "panel batt flt" can someone pm a price to put in replacement battery? I'm based in swords


  • #10
    altor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,817 ✭✭✭✭altor


    Keith C wrote: »
    My hkc has the orange light on saying "panel batt flt" can someone pm a price to put in replacement battery? I'm based in swords

    Hi Keith C,

    The battery replacement you need is a 12V 7 Amp battery.
    To replace, turn off mains, open control panel, disconnect the battery located in the bottom. Replace with new battery making sure you connect positive to the red lead and negative to the black lead. Close up the control panel and turn back on the mains. When the alarm activates simply put in your user code to turn it off. When the alarm is down powered the alarm will ring outside until you are finished.

    The battery is widly available from any of the suppliers on the suppliers list here.

    Any problems, let us know.

    www.altor.ie



  • #11
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    Keith C wrote: »
    can someone pm a price to put in replacement battery?

    They can go anywhere from €10 in suppliers to €50 or €60 in Maplins & the likes so shop around.
    Fitting it yourself is simple as Altor has described.,


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  • #12
    aberlour
    Registered Users Posts: 4 ✭aberlour


    thanks folks for all the info on this thread. Just bought a new battery on Wesco in newbridge replaced as instructed here and worked as a charm. cheers


  • #13
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    Glad to be able to help & happy you got it sorted. Any future hassles you know where we are.


  • #14
    altor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,817 ✭✭✭✭altor


    aberlour wrote: »
    thanks folks for all the info on this thread. Just bought a new battery on Wesco in newbridge replaced as instructed here and worked as a charm. cheers

    Thats what the forum is all about ;)

    www.altor.ie



  • #15
    Jasper79
    Registered Users Posts: 511 ✭✭✭Jasper79


    Hi,

    I've seen the good advise given here so wanted to jump on board.

    My tennants texted me to advise of the "panel Batt Flt" on HKC securewatch I had installed about 7 years ago.

    As per the advise here, I have sourced the new battery (12V 7 amp) and I'm thinking it's quite large.

    Does this go into the control panel ( keypad) or into the metal casing that's in my utility room ?

    If it's the control panel does this just clip off or are there screws somewhere holding it in ?

    Thanks,


  • #16
    John Kelly of
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 386 ✭✭John Kelly of


    It goes in the large metal box. Ha ha how did you figure it would fit in the keypad:D
    Anyways when you take the lid off the metal box the alarm might activate but no worries just put in the code.


  • #17
    Jasper79
    Registered Users Posts: 511 ✭✭✭Jasper79


    John Kelly of wrote: »
    It goes in the large metal box. Ha ha how did you figure it would fit in the keypad:D
    Anyways when you take the lid off the metal box the alarm might activate but no worries just put in the code.

    Ha thanks just assumed control panel so in behind the keypad until I saw the size of the battery !

    Cheers, should there be a separate switch in fusebox for that, or safer to turn off all the power ?


  • #18
    jprboy
    Registered Users Posts: 1,355 ✭✭✭jprboy


    Jasper79 wrote: »
    Ha thanks just assumed control panel so in behind the keypad until I saw the size of the battery !

    Cheers, should there be a separate switch in fusebox for that, or safer to turn off all the power ?

    When I replaced mine I killed all mains power, just to be sure.

    Would advise you to do the same.


  • #19
    Jasper79
    Registered Users Posts: 511 ✭✭✭Jasper79


    jprboy wrote: »
    When I replaced mine I killed all mains power, just to be sure.

    Would advise you to do the same.

    Thanks yeah will do the same


  • #20
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    It goes inside the main control panel in the utility room.
    It just sits on the base on the panel connected by 2 leads. Observe polarity when reconnecting the new battery.
    There is live mains at the power supply at the top of the panel. If you are unsure isolate the mains first.


  • #21
    Jasper79
    Registered Users Posts: 511 ✭✭✭Jasper79


    KoolKid wrote: »
    It goes inside the main control panel in the utility room.
    It just sits on the base on the panel connected by 2 leads. Observe polarity when reconnecting the new battery.
    There is live mains at the power supply at the top of the panel. If you are unsure isolate the mains first.

    Thanks I'm going to call in tomorrow evening change gonna turn off all power to be safe !


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  • #22
    Evolution1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 855 ✭✭✭Evolution1


    If you cut all the power youre going to need the engineer code to reset the time and date.


  • #23
    Jasper79
    Registered Users Posts: 511 ✭✭✭Jasper79


    Evolution1 wrote: »
    If you cut all the power youre going to need the engineer code to reset the time and date.

    Ah okay I don't have that.. will it affect the alarm apart from it being a bit annoying ?


  • #24
    John Kelly of
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 386 ✭✭John Kelly of


    Evolution is right there is no need to cut the power. It is simple to open the lid and swap the battery without touching any dangerous wires at all.


  • #25
    Jasper79
    Registered Users Posts: 511 ✭✭✭Jasper79


    Would there normally be 2 separate switches in the fusebox for the keypad and panel ?


  • #26
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    Jasper79 wrote: »
    Would there normally be 2 separate switches in the fusebox for the keypad and panel ?

    No.
    The panel is powered from the mains. The keypad is powered by low voltage from the panel.


  • #27
    Jasper79
    Registered Users Posts: 511 ✭✭✭Jasper79


    Thanks all got sorted anyways.

    couldn't find a switch for the panel so turned off all power, very handy to change and date and time were still right when I put the power back on .


  • #28
    altor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,817 ✭✭✭✭altor


    Jasper79 wrote: »
    Thanks all got sorted anyways.

    couldn't find a switch for the panel so turned off all power, very handy to change and date and time were still right when I put the power back on .

    Glad you did turn it off. If your not use to working around mains then it is the safest option.

    www.altor.ie



  • #29
    An Ri rua
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,523 ✭✭✭An Ri rua


    Hi all,

    our alarm guy changed the battery about 2-3 wks ago after a 'mains flt' message. But now its at it again.

    I believe that there may have been water ingress in that area as we had a blocked downpipe that was causing the gutter to backflow. Other light fittings had been acting up in that area also.
    Downpipe problem solved but now this mains flt has returned. Do you think, from epxerience, that water ingress has anything to do with this or could it possibly be mice? Or what?

    I feel that maybe its running on the battery fully and there is no mains to it? As if something has happened to the feed? Or would a brand new battery hold the system (alarmed a few times a day) for 2-3 weeks? But water would cause a short wouldn't it? or could it damage an isolated circuit and not affect the rest of the house?

    its just a mystery why a battery failure (or more accurately 'mains flt') would be showing after 2-3 weeks?

    Theories?


  • #30
    altor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,817 ✭✭✭✭altor


    An Ri rua wrote: »
    Hi all,

    our alarm guy changed the battery about 2-3 wks ago after a 'mains flt' message. But now its at it again.

    I believe that there may have been water ingress in that area as we had a blocked downpipe that was causing the gutter to backflow. Other light fittings had been acting up in that area also.
    Downpipe problem solved but now this mains flt has returned. Do you think, from epxerience, that water ingress has anything to do with this or could it possibly be mice? Or what?

    I feel that maybe its running on the battery fully and there is no mains to it? As if something has happened to the feed? Or would a brand new battery hold the system (alarmed a few times a day) for 2-3 weeks? But water would cause a short wouldn't it? or could it damage an isolated circuit and not affect the rest of the house?

    its just a mystery why a battery failure (or more accurately 'mains flt') would be showing after 2-3 weeks?

    Theories?

    It could be for a lot of different reasons.
    Could of being an issue with the battery.
    If the battery level drops it reports the low battery.
    Panel not charging the battery.
    Could be a short caused by water causing an issue.
    Mains failure and then the battery discharging.

    www.altor.ie



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  • #31
    Fingleberries
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,393 ✭✭✭Fingleberries


    Evolution1 wrote:
    If you cut all the power youre going to need the engineer code to reset the time and date.
    John Kelly of wrote: »
    Evolution is right there is no need to cut the power. It is simple to open the lid and swap the battery without touching any dangerous wires at all.

    Hi,

    I'm not entirely sure which switch on my main board leads to the Alarm panel, so I think I'm going to have to switch off the mains entirely just to be sure.

    In addition to needing the engineer code (how would I get that? I requested an engineer manual on another thread here) to change the time and date on the keypad, are there any other steps I would need to do in order to set back up the alarm to ensure that all the sensors report their zone correctly, etc.

    Thanks in advance.


  • #32
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    Unfortunately we are no longer allowed help you here with engineer codes.
    If you are just changing a battery it can be done safely without turning off the mains power. Just keep away from the mains connections and the power supply.


  • #33
    Fingleberries
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,393 ✭✭✭Fingleberries


    KoolKid wrote: »
    Unfortunately we are no longer allowed help you here with engineer codes.
    If you are just changing a battery it can be done safely without turning off the mains power. Just keep away from the mains connections and the power supply.
    Thanks for the reply.

    Could I just run a few things past you before I attempt anything - I haven't opened the box yet for fear of electrocution without enough information.

    The box is held closed by a single screw at the top, if I am to change the battery without switching off the mains I should unscrew this and open down the panel.

    I would expect the battery to be sitting at the bottom of the case. Are the wires attached to the battery OK to remove (carefully) without switching off the mains power?

    I'm essentially looking for a description of the parts of the innards of the box that I should definitely avoid touching, and which ones are the ones I should touch.

    Again, many thanks for your tips and assistance.


  • #34
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    Safety First....
    If you are not comfortable doing this then you should get a professional in.
    Having said that, you are correct. The battery is at the base of the panel. It is safe to remove the battery leads from the battery and place onto the new battery.


  • #35
    Fingleberries
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,393 ✭✭✭Fingleberries


    KoolKid wrote: »
    Safety First....
    If you are not comfortable doing this then you should get a professional in.
    Having said that, you are correct. The battery is at the base of the panel. It is safe to remove the battery leads from the battery and place onto the new battery.
    Thanks again.

    I'm definitely being cautious and just want to be prepared before opening the box and seeing something unexpected.
    Would I be correct in saying that these are the types of batteries that I should be looking for? (a PS1270 12V 7Ah rechargeable)


  • #36
    underdunne
    Registered Users Posts: 4 ✭underdunne


    Hi guys,
    sorry to highjack the thread a bit but wasn't sure whether to start a new one for a related topic or tag on to this one as it's active. I had a similar battery fault, I changed the battery but now I have a mains fault. If I disconnect the battery the control panel goes dead. The four fuses appear to be intact. I read elsewhere that it might be the transformer that might be the problem. My question , is it the small black and brass box in the top corner of the box? and if I go into a wholesalers and ask for a transformer for a HKC secure watch that's what I'll get? I'm a noob so no pics.
    Thanks in advance and sorry again for the highjack.


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  • #37
    Fingleberries
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,393 ✭✭✭Fingleberries


    KoolKid wrote: »
    Safety First....
    If you are not comfortable doing this then you should get a professional in.
    Having said that, you are correct. The battery is at the base of the panel. It is safe to remove the battery leads from the battery and place onto the new battery.
    Just wanted to pop on the thread to thank all for their help.

    I got the batter from Rechargeable.ie (link to the one I bought).

    Something to watch out for on this battery was that the terminals were slightly larger than the corresponding plugs on the alarm wires. I ended up buying these terminal adaptors and since then the battery fault is completely resolved.

    As a result of this thread, I saved well over €100 on the amount that an alarm servicing company were looking to charge for the same task.


  • #38
    Fingleberries
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,393 ✭✭✭Fingleberries


    KoolKid wrote: »
    Safety First....
    If you are not comfortable doing this then you should get a professional in.
    Having said that, you are correct. The battery is at the base of the panel. It is safe to remove the battery leads from the battery and place onto the new battery.
    Just wanted to pop on the thread to thank all for their help.

    I got the batter from Rechargeable.ie (link to the one I bought).

    Something to watch out for on this battery was that the terminals were slightly larger than the corresponding plugs on the alarm wires. I ended up buying these terminal adaptors and since then the battery fault is completely resolved.

    As a result of this thread, I saved well over €100 on the amount that an alarm servicing company were looking to charge for the same task.


  • #39
    yoyo
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 11,017 Mod ✭✭✭✭yoyo


    Hi all,

    Alarm panel is showing Yellow fault LED with same message Panel Batt Flt. Just wondering can alarm still be used with the warning? Going to get on to landlord to get it sorted shortly. Only seen it today.

    Cheers,
    Nick

    My Beer Glass collection site 🍺

    My Irish Callcards site



  • #40
    altor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,817 ✭✭✭✭altor


    yoyo wrote: »
    Hi all,

    Alarm panel is showing Yellow fault LED with same message Panel Batt Flt. Just wondering can alarm still be used with the warning? Going to get on to landlord to get it sorted shortly. Only seen it today.

    Cheers,
    Nick

    Hi Nick,

    yes the alarm can still be used but if you have a power outage in your area the system with have no back up supply so its advisable to have it changed as soon as you see this warning.

    www.altor.ie



  • #41
    yoyo
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 11,017 Mod ✭✭✭✭yoyo


    altor wrote: »
    Hi Nick,

    yes the alarm can still be used but if you have a power outage in your area the system with have no back up supply so its advisable to have it changed as soon as you see this warning.

    Cheers Altor,

    Actually the warning message is now gone completely! So I'm guessing it was just displayed for around an hour or so as a fyi. Actually Landlord has just got back also and he'll get someone out soon and asking when suits (lucky to have a great landlord!)

    Thanks for the help here! :)

    Nick

    My Beer Glass collection site 🍺

    My Irish Callcards site



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  • #42
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    That makes a change from some. It's an easy enough fix. The system would be fine to use as normal in the meantime. Power cuts is all you need to worry about for now.


  • #43
    altor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,817 ✭✭✭✭altor


    yoyo wrote: »
    Cheers Altor,

    Actually the warning message is now gone completely! So I'm guessing it was just displayed for around an hour or so as a fyi. Actually Landlord has just got back also and he'll get someone out soon and asking when suits (lucky to have a great landlord!)

    Thanks for the help here! :)

    Nick

    Brilliant, Id still get it tested just to be sure.

    www.altor.ie



  • #44
    yoyo
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 11,017 Mod ✭✭✭✭yoyo


    KoolKid wrote: »
    That makes a change from some. It's an easy enough fix. The system would be fine to use as normal in the meantime. Power cuts is all you need to worry about for now.

    I know! Incredibly lucky with my Landlord. I have heard horror stories from others and landlords but there were issues also with alarm sensor gone faulty a while back also and he also acted very quickly in that case (couldn't set alarm either, as fault meant it thought a window was open/open zone!).
    altor wrote: »
    Brilliant, Id still get it tested just to be sure.
    Yes next week hopefully someone will come over to check it/replace the battery. Same happened to my parents recently enough so seems a common enough issue after a few years these things go.
    Thanks guys for the help! :)

    Nick

    My Beer Glass collection site 🍺

    My Irish Callcards site



  • #45
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    He's doing the right thing.
    Ask for a full service and get everything checked while they are there.
    A quick and easy job and you will be sorted.


  • #46
    altor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,817 ✭✭✭✭altor


    yoyo wrote: »
    Yes next week hopefully someone will come over to check it/replace the battery. Same happened to my parents recently enough so seems a common enough issue after a few years these things go.
    Thanks guys for the help! :)

    Nick

    Usually 5/7 years depending on panel location.

    www.altor.ie



  • #47
    stuartkee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 297 ✭✭stuartkee


    I was out at an older HKC panel yesterday and they had a low battery warning light on for a few months and they ignored it. The battery then shorted and started to heat up really really hot it then blew the main circuit board so this customer now needs a new alarm panel and keypad as there are no replacement HKC boards left for the 8/12 panel .

    So what should have been a routine call ended up costing a lot more cause they ignored the warning on the panel this is not the first time I have seen this don't leave it too long.


  • #48
    yoyo
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 11,017 Mod ✭✭✭✭yoyo


    It's funny, haven't seen the warning since (luckily took a photo of it!). Looks like its in early stages to failing but as said it's good to get it checked over! :)

    My Beer Glass collection site 🍺

    My Irish Callcards site



  • #49
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    Yes, better earlier than later for this issue.
    What can happen is the battery can't charge up and draws power from the panel. This can result in an activation and the keypad not having enough power to allow you disarm the system.


  • #50
    Kev87
    Registered Users Posts: 44 ✭Kev87


    KoolKid wrote: »
    Yes, better earlier than later for this issue.
    What can happen is the battery can't charge up and draws power from the panel. This can result in an activation and the keypad not having enough power to allow you disarm the system.


    Coming into this thread old, but just wondering if there is way to avoid this while I wait to get the battery replaced. My biggest worry is that the alarm goes off and I won't be able to turn it off


  • #51
    KoolKid
    Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 24,789 Mod ✭✭✭✭KoolKid


    Yes. Remove the battery.


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