Replacing HKC Alarm (what is lifespan)

Reyman

I put in my HKC alarm about 11 years ago and it's been great since then.

I'm an Engineer but not an alarm specialist so I was wondering could the knowledgeable experts here help me:

1. Should I replace the control panel etc..? Is there a recommended swap out time for inertia/reed sensors, panels etc?

2. I know replacing the alarm box is tricky because it blows your ears off when you go near it. Does anyone know if I can disable it as service engineer(with code) from the panel or if there's normally an internal battery in an alarm box (HKC/Sabb) from 2006 that I have to disconnect?

Thanks!

KoolKid

With most electronics they will say the lifespan is ten years. In reality I find 15 +more average.
Is the system giving you trouble or are you just upgrading for more features?
To disable the panel from activating when working on it you would need the engineer code.
Otherwise just power the system down completely by removing the battery and mains fuse.

Evolution1

KoolKid wrote: »

With most electronics they will say the lifespan is ten years. In reality I find 15 +more average.
Is the system giving you trouble or are you just upgrading for more features?
To disable the panel from activating when working on it you would need the engineer code.
Otherwise just power the system down completely by removing the battery and mains fuse.

He's on about disabling the external siren to stop it sounding when the lid is opened

KoolKid

Yes.
If he powers down the system the external bell will discharge and stop after 15-20 minutes.
Other than that he would have to power down the SAB itself..

Reyman

Thanks lads for your help! I just don't like the alarm going off when I'm up the ladder and taking the lid off. But I suppose I'll do as you say and wait a while for it to stop or do that disconnect.

The reason I was thinking of replacing the whole system is because that's what we do in my business. You decide on an equipment viable lifespan and then you plan ahead and swap out everything in one go. It saves tinkering around with faults and problems.

But maybe the alarm business is different and I should leave well alone!

KoolKid

Over the life of the system replacing everything would be the better value option.

fred funk }{

So, we're now telling everyone how to disable an external siren as well. Getting worse in here.

Reyman

My apologies FF maybe i shouldn't have raised that issue!

fred funk }{

Reyman wrote: »

My apologies FF maybe i shouldn't have raised that issue!

No fault of yours. Professionals in here should know better.

KoolKid

fred funk }{ wrote: »

So, we're now telling everyone how to disable an external siren as well. Getting worse in here.

We have been telling people for years how to power down systems. Most installers would do this over the phone in an emergency.

Reyman wrote: »

My apologies FF maybe i shouldn't have raised that issue!

No harm in asking for help for something you want to do yourself. There wouldn't be much information on Boards.ie if everyone answer was contact your supplier, contact your installer , contact a professional ets.

fred funk }{

KoolKid wrote: »

We have been telling people for years how to power down systems. Most installers would do this over the phone in an emergency.


No harm in asking for help for something you want to do yourself. There wouldn't be much information on Boards.ie if everyone answer was contact your supplier, contact your installer , contact a professional ets.

You detailed exactly how to disable an external bell. Very useful for a burglar to know. Not how to power down a panel.

KoolKid

In my 30 years + experience I have never seen a burglar goto that trouble. They usually just pull the panel off the wall or the bell. Either way the alarm activates.

fred funk }{

KoolKid wrote: »

In my 30 years + experience I have never seen a burglar goto that trouble. They usually just pull the panel off the wall or the bell. Either way the alarm activates.

Why do you think they pull the bell off the wall? Maybe if they knew another way of turning the siren off rather than pulling it off the wall and smashing it they might just do it. See what I mean?

Will you edit your post?

kub

KoolKid wrote: »

In my 30 years + experience I have never seen a burglar goto that trouble. They usually just pull the panel off the wall or the bell. Either way the alarm activates.

Can i have a medal for 30 years experience as well please?

Have you been to every single such break in over those 30 years?

Take the bloody post down please

KoolKid

I have edited it.

Stoner

KoolKid wrote:

I have edited it.

Thank you Koolkid.

KoolKid

No problem Stoner.
However, it does raise the issue again of what we can post & what we cant.
We did get some good Admin input in the past. If there is to be further limitations on what we can help end users with here, some clarification might be helpful.

fred funk }{

You shouldn't need an Admin to tell you not to post stuff like that. It's common sense.

Stoner

I'd agree

It would be best to avoid such advice​ in the future if it ultimately could inform the wrong element. I completely understand that the advice was given in good faith.
However I'm not writing a guide on what you can or can't post at this level.

KoolKid

But yet we help people how to power down systems when they are stuck .
We help people on how to locate panels & silence internals when they are stuck.
As you know many systems dont have external bells. Many wireless bells have very short timers , so external bells could be disabled quicker than getting a ladder & getting access to them.
Whats the difference???

I'm looking on clarification on previous input that stated Boards will not limit the information allowed be provided.
Based on the above this post is no different to 100s of others.

Stoner

KoolKid wrote:

But yet we help people how to power down systems when they are stuck . We help people on how to locate panels & silence internals when they are stuck. As you know many systems dont have external bells. Many wireless bells have very short timers , so external bells could be disabled quicker than getting a ladder & getting access to them. Whats the difference???

Without this turning into a massive session.

The above advice is something you might give to someone you know or know of over the phone when it's going off in an emergency,

Posting it online for everyone to see is not the best approach.

You've edited the post. All is good, the best thing to do it leave it at that.

KoolKid

Stoner wrote: »

Without this turning into a massive session.

The above advice is something you might give to someone you know or know of over the phone when it's going off in an emergency,

Posting it online for everyone to see is not the best approach.

You've edited the post. All is good, the best thing to do it leave it at that.

I was referring to posts made here not phone support. Anyway , I'd agree the relevant points have been made.

Stoner

KoolKid wrote:

I was referring to posts made here not phone support. Anyway , I'd agree the relevant points have been made.

Sound thank you