Replacing door sensors in an old ADT system
We have an old ADT Safewatch Plus Entrepreneur hardwired system. The door sensors are getting funky. An ADT tech showed up today, rapped the sensors with a screwdriver, and got them to work. About an hour later I opened the doors and the sensors didn't work until I rapped them again. I'm thinking it may be time to replace them. ADT told me that I couldn't do it myself, the sensors were about $85 apiece, and if I tried it myself I'd have to know reprogram the system to accept the new sensors. A tech at The Home Security Store told me that I could get sensors for about $5 apiece, and since it's a hardwired system no reprogramming was necessary. I'm hoping he's right, I'd love to fix this myself. If anyone out there can give me some advice I'd appreciate it immensely. Thanks! Sometimes the old contacts can get stuck when sitting for a while and the jarring with a screwdriver can loosen them up again to open the contact. Depending on what type you have, roller ball or push button, you can simply buy a replacement and remove the old one from the door jam (usually two screws secure it there and some gentle prying may be necessary), remove the two wires and reinstall the new one in the reverse order. Polarity does not matter because it is simply open or closed, not positive and negative. Just be sure to use the same type that you have now, where a roller ball will work on any side of the door jam, the push button type would have to be on the hinged side of the door. Once replaced, no new programming is necessary. While the sensor is removed and the wires are disconnected, you can test the wire with the chime function on by shorting the two wires together and then separating them. When separated you should hear the chime. If you hear it then the wire is good, if you do not then you have either a bad wire or some other wiring issue. It is just a good idea to check it to be sure the wire is not bad somewhere along the way to the panel while you have it out of the jam anyway. Hope this helps. Good luck, Josh Thanks, Josh! ADT wanted about $250 - $300 dollars to send over a tech. The parts I saw online are $4 a pop. I'd gladly spend some time rather than that much money to fix this. I'll make sure to follow your advice on testing the wires as well. So I don't have to power down the system to replace the sensors? I've done a fair amount of DIY work around the house over the years but never messed with the alarm, and I have a great respect and some fear when it comes to electricity! Thanks again, George It isn't really necessary to power down the system just to change out the contact. There is no risk of getting shocked here and the panel doesn't know the difference with the wires already connected to the zone terminals that either you touched the wires together or the contact was simply closed mechanically. Now if you are doing any wiring inside the panel itself, then it is a good idea to power down the system just so you don't short anything on the board even tho there is still virtually no risk to you being shocked even if it is powered on. These are low voltage systems, mostly ranging from 16-19VAC and then rectified to 12V DC inside the panel. The worst thing you can do is fry the board but not yourself That being said, just swap it out and when you're finished and its working again, you can send me a check. lol. Take care, Josh Now that's funny! I happen to be a musician, so I'll give you one of the classic music business answers - Josh, the check is in the mail! ;-) Thanks again, George
Related Posts:
Replacing gear on a craftsman garage door opener
Replacing gear on a craftsman garage door openerHello! Last week the door opener stopped working, I discovered that the plastic gear inside was extremely worn out and shredded apart. I ordered a n...
Replacing lead acid battery on dsc alarm system
Replacing lead acid battery on DSC alarm systemI have a DSC 1555 system. The main battery is going or is gone and I am getting a low battery error on the keypad. The battery is a DSC BD 4-12. This...
Replacing exhaust system for accord lx 1992
Replacing Exhaust System For Accord Lx 1992How do I replace the exhaust system in my 92 Honda Accord LX? In short, cut out the old one with a torch, sawzall or air compressor whiz wheel and bolt u...
Replacing gear in craftsman garage door openerhelp
replacing gear in craftsman garage door opener...HELP!!after reading the posts on: http://forum.doityourself.com/showthread.php?t=194172 i ventured to replace the worn out gear on my craftsman gar...
Need advice replacing weatherstriping around sliding glass door
Need Advice Replacing Weatherstriping Around Sliding Glass DoorGreetings Gurus! I am nearing my wits end with this locate and neutralize air leaks mission I'm currently on due mostly to the slidin...
