How do I check the internal battery on my Optima XL6

Peter, February 2009

Do you have a multimeter? If you do, set it to the current setting and disconnect the positive connector on the battery. Now connect the positive lead from the meter to the positive connection on the battery and the negative lead to the positive battery lead coming out of the panel. If the battery is fully charged it should be drawing a current of between 1 and 5 milliamps. Any more than this would suggest that the panel is struggling to charge the battery and it may be on its way out. The recommended replacement period for batteries in panels is 5 years. If you do think the battery is going faulty, get it replaced as soon as you can - a knackered battery can cause all sorts of problems! Hope this helps.

Dave the security engineer., February 2009

ACT produce an excellent tester, too expensive if this is a one off. If you switch your mains off to the panel, and it dosent have an NVM you will lose all the programming. Most modern panels do have an NVM chip though, Best and easiest way, is take the battery out and connect it to a 12vdc lamp, if it stays lit brightly for 3/4 mins it should be ok for a wile.

John, February 2009

The easy way is to turn off the electric to the panel and if the alarm stays on the battery is ok

paul, February 2009