How to Remove an Old Security System
Home security systems are crucial for keeping your property safe. It might make sense to upgrade your system from time to time, especially if your needs change or you’re interested in trying out newer features. Whatever the reason, replacing your security system requires careful consideration. Before installing a new system, you must remove the old one.
Learn how to disconnect an alarm system from your home and why you might want to upgrade your existing setup.
Key Components of a Home Alarm System
Before removing the old home security system, familiarize yourself with its parts. The standard components of a security system include:
- Control panel: The control panel is the alarm system’s command center, where you can arm and disarm the system and perform other functions.
- Battery: For wired alarm systems, the backup battery powers the alarm system if the power goes out.
- Circuit board: The circuit board is the security system’s electronic component that controls its functions and operations.
- Sensors: The sensors are placed throughout your home to detect if someone is there. Sensors monitor glass breaking, motion, doors and windows.
- Keypad: Typically located near the front door, the keypad has number buttons where you enter your alarm code.
What You Need to Remove a Security System
Gather the following tools and supplies before working on your alarm system:
- A voltage tester or multimeter to make sure the power is shut off
- Wire caps to connect or terminate electrical wires
- A screwdriver to unscrew components
- Rubber-insulated work gloves to protect from electrical shock
8 Steps to Removing an Old Home Security System
Removing your old home security system takes time and patience. Here are eight steps to follow to remove your security system safely.
1. Assess the Alarm Components That Need to be Removed
Removing the whole security system is common when it’s time for a replacement, but sometimes, you can keep parts of your setup. Before completely ripping the old system away, consider what can stay and what must go.
Remove any components that will interfere with the new system placement, function or both. Your newer system components may need to go where the old ones were, so it’s best to remove the parts that are no longer required.
You can also remove components that create unsightly visuals and clutter. Newer security systems often have more sleek, modest designs for an unobtrusive look. Some older system components may not interfere with installations, but leaving them there might make the area look crowded.
While some components require removal, others may not. If the wiring is new or still intact, you can keep it in place — you may be able to use this wiring to hook up your new security system. If you don’t have electrical experience, contact an electrician to remove old wiring.
2. Notify Your Alarm Company to Avoid a False Alarm
Contact your old security system provider before making any changes. Letting the company know beforehand will prevent false alarms that could result in a mistaken emergency and unnecessary police presence.
You should notify the provider even if the alarm system seems to be inactive or you’ve canceled the contract. The company could still be monitoring the alarm. Cutting or disconnecting wires can alert the provider of a potential security breach, so a warning will let them know no foul play is happening.
3. Disable the Alarm or Put It Into Maintenance Mode
Use the control panel to disable the alarm or change the mode to maintenance. Putting the system in maintenance mode makes it clear that you’re working on the alarm and not tampering with it.
Some systems may also have backup batteries that kick in if there’s an interruption in the system’s main power supply. Ensure you remove the backup function so the sirens don’t sound.
4. Disconnect the Security Sirens
Internal alarms can be triggered even if your system is no longer connected to an external monitoring service. Disconnect your security sirens so they don’t accidentally go off during the security system removal process. Some systems put a siren on a separate circuit in case an intruder tries to cut the power to the central system. When disconnecting the sirens, make sure you reach all of them.
5. Detach the Power Supply to Prevent Injuries
Working with your alarm system while it’s still connected to a power supply poses a dangerous risk of shocks or electrocution. Disconnect your old security system’s power supply and wait until it’s completely off before removing any components. When you detach the power supply, you lessen the risk of injury.
Standard security systems use one of the following power supplies:
- Wiring: Some security systems are powered by connections to the wires in your home. Wired systems use electricity to function and keep your home safe. Take extra precautions when disconnecting the wires of a security system to avoid injuries.
- Batteries: Other alarm systems use a battery pack as their power supply. Powering security alarms with batteries helps keep the system working if the electricity goes out for any reason. If the system you’re removing has an old battery pack, make sure to take it out. Wireless systems commonly rely on battery power, and some wired alarms may use batteries as a backup.
Before disconnecting and removing components, use your voltage tester or multimeter to make sure there’s no electrical connection.
6. Remove the Old Control Panel
Once the power is fully disconnected and the voltage tester or multimeter has detected no power, you can remove the old system’s control panel. Your system’s control box may be near the front door or another entry point. To safely take the control box off, put on your insulated rubber gloves and use a screwdriver to remove any screws or nails that keep the device attached to the wall. If the box stays on the wall without hardware, the installers might have used glue to secure the box. Try to pry the device off as gently as possible to avoid excessive damage to your wall.
If you get the box off the wall and see it’s directly wired to the power supply, stop working on it. Check with a voltage tester or multimeter to see if there is still a charge in the wires. If there is, contact a professional to remove the wires or learn about the next steps you can take.
After the wires are safely disconnected, cap them off with wire caps before taking the next steps.
7. Remove All Other Security System Components
With the main security system box removed, you can continue removing the system’s other components. The other parts may require similar removal methods to the control box. Ensure no power connects to the other parts by testing with your voltage tester or multimeter before touching and detaching them.
Other alarm system parts to remove may include:
- Motion detectors
- Fire alarms
- Glass break alarms
- Cameras
Once everything is off, join any wire ends with a wire cap to further prevent accidents.
8. Install Your New Security System
After removing the old alarm system from your home, it’s time to install the new one. Check to see if your new system can use any remaining components from your old system. While you may be able to install the new alarm system yourself, having a professional come out to install it ensures the proper safety and security measures are followed.
Reasons to Upgrade an Existing Home Alarm
At some point, home security systems need to be updated. The increase in technology advancements makes finding a new alarm system easy, but when is the best time to upgrade? Here are some reasons you should replace your existing alarm system.
You’re Using an Outdated System
An older security system may have fewer features than you need or would like for your home. The average life expectancy for alarm systems is generally around 10 years. Older systems are more likely to malfunction and could start making false alarms. They also may be unable to integrate with modern smart home devices or cameras. If your home has an old alarm system, consider upgrading it.
Installing a new system ensures you have access to the latest security features for your home. Recent designs have configurations to provide more reliable protection from threats. Consider the features you want in a security system while looking for a new solution.
You Want to Upgrade to a Wireless System
You should consider upgrading your existing alarm system if it relies on a wired connection. Wireless security systems are an increasingly popular way to ensure home security. Older, wired systems tend to rely on phone lines to communicate with the security monitoring center. If the power goes out, these wired systems will likely stop working.
Wireless systems are enhanced, providing security even if a phone line gets tampered with or a power surge occurs because of severe weather. They typically use cellular radio or wireless connections like Wi-Fi to communicate with the monitoring center. Depending on the components, wireless alarm systems can be easier to install on your own than a wired system. Installation is also faster since you won’t need to run wires throughout your home.
You Prefer the Latest System Technology Enhancements
Changes in home security technology have led to innovative enhancements to keep your home safe. Most modern security systems feature smart home automation programming to integrate with your other devices. Many systems also have remote access capabilities to help homeowners start and monitor security while they’re away.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing an Old Home Security System
Read these common questions and answers for more information about replacing your alarm system.
What Do I Do With My Old Security Alarm System?
You may wonder what to do with your old alarm system after installing a new one. You could dispose of it at an electronics collection facility or donate it for someone else to use in their home if it’s still in good shape.
Can I Remove My Old Security System Myself?
You can remove your home alarm system yourself with a few basic tools. However, a DIY removal may be challenging if your system is hardwired or you don’t have the time or skills to do it yourself. A local alarm company like Wayne Alarm Systems can help you. Our professionals know how to disconnect an alarm system, and we’ll find and remove every component.
Wayne Alarm Systems Can Help Replace Your Outdated Security System
At Wayne Alarm Systems, we understand the importance of having a sound security system for your home. Replacing your old home security system helps keep your home safe with the latest technology when traveling, working or away from home.
Whenever you want to replace your alarm system, we can help. We are a local security system company helping residents throughout Massachusetts and New England keep their homes safe since 1972. Our trained professionals will give you peace of mind while ensuring your old security system gets replaced with a new one safely and efficiently.
Let Wayne Alarm Systems remove and replace your home’s old alarm system — contact us today or call 781-595-0000 to schedule an appointment.
