How Do I Reset My Wireless Alarm System

You can reset your wireless alarm system by powering it completely down, and then reconnecting backup battery first, and then restoring transformer power second. That will perform a power cycle reset. To perform a factory reset, you must perform the specific process for your system.

An alarm system can receive two (2) different types of resets. There is a power cycle reset, which basically just means powering the system down completely, and then powering it back on to complete the power cycle. This is also referred to as a hard reboot of the system. This type of power cycle reset is typically performed if you need to perform very basic troubleshooting, or if you need to safely install new system hardware. You can power the system down, safely install the new hardware, and then power the system back on. Remember that hardware changes should never be made while your system is powered on.

You can also perform a factory reset for your wireless alarm system. This is a more extreme type of reset that should only be performed as a final troubleshooting step, or if you are selling the system or giving it away. A factory reset will wipe out any programming changes made to your system and make it as though it is a brand-new system fresh from the factory. You will need to reprogram your system from scratch after doing this, and the factory reset cannot be "undone", so make absolutely sure that you want to perform a factory reset before doing it. Unlike a power cycle reset, a factory reset follows a different process for every system. We have some FAQs listed below that cover the factory resetting processes for different wireless systems.

• Factory Resetting the Honeywell Lyric
• Factory Resetting the Honeywell L7000 (also applies to L5210, L5200, L5100)
• Factory Resetting the Qolsys IQ Panel 2
• Factory Resetting the 2GIG GC3
• Factory Resetting the DSC Impassa
• Factory Resetting the Simon XTi or Simon XTi-5
• Factory Resetting the Simon XT

Additionally, you may sometimes hear someone using the word "reset" when referring to the process of resetting a security system after an alarm event has occurred. This process typically includes getting the system's siren to stop sounding and clearing the alarm from the system so that it is once again in a ready to arm state. This process of "resetting an alarm" varies between different systems. Check your system's user manual if you need assistance resetting your system after an alarm event.

Please also note that some wireless alarm panels may have a menu option for performing a power cycle reset. However, the steps below of dropping and restoring power manually can be applied to virtually any wireless alarm system. If you want to perform a power cycle reset for your wireless alarm system, then perform these general steps:

1. Open the panel. You will need to open the panel to access its backup battery. The process for opening your panel will vary depending upon the system that is being used. Refer to your system's instruction manual if you are unsure of how to open it.

2. Cut system power. Disconnect the system's backup battery. This is usually done by unplugging a rechargeable battery pack from a connection port. Then remove AC power for the system to power it down completely. AC power can be dropped by unplugging the transformer from the wall outlet or by switching off power at the circuit breaker. If your system receives AC power from a plug-in barrel connection, then you can unplug that connection at the panel to remove AC power. Once you have dropped both AC power and battery power, your system should be completely powered down. You can confirm this by checking its main screen and seeing that it is blank.

3. Restore battery power. When powering your wireless system back on, you want to start with battery power. Reconnect the battery pack with its connector port. Please note that most wireless systems will not power back on once battery power is applied. This is normal. Your system will power back on once AC power is restored.

4. Restore AC power. After restoring battery power for your wireless system, you can then reapply AC power. Plug the system transformer back into the wall outlet, restore power at the breaker, or reconnect the barrel connection at the panel that you unplugged in Step 2. You should see your wireless panel's screen turn on after AC power has been restored.

5. Close the panel. If you haven't already, you can close your wireless alarm panel. Again, refer to the system's instruction manual if you are unsure.