We had an alarm installed 10 years ago and have not used it in 5 years, the battery died so we removed it, but now with power failures our alarm goes off. How do we disconnect the whole system? Would cutting the wire that leads to the outside alarm solve the problem of it going off. Is this low voltage wire? Is it save to cut while power is on? If I can't disconnect would replacing the battery solve the problem. I'm afraid to go away or even leave the house now because the power my go of while I'm gone.

Florence, June 2008

Firstly Florence, the outputs from your alarm are all low voltage so don't think you'll get electrocuted! The alarm system will have a mains supply, backed up by a battery usually inside the alarm control box. There could be one in the box on the outside wall, too. Cutting wires to the bell box will shut the thing up, but the internal alarm will continue - thats a bit of a drastic measure. Your system will be disabled if you remove the stand by battery and remove the mains supply. However, if you replace the battery with a new one, normal service could well be resumed!

John, June 2008