Thanks, Scott! Your video showed this 79-year-old female handyperson how to remove an old ADT system that was out-of-service but still beeping in the house every time the power blipped. I'm pleased!
Wow! It's a pleasure seeing a comment like that. Thank you so much for your feedback on our other video of the ADT alarm system removal. :). Happy to help!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS! I am trying to peel this stuff out and your video helped me immensely with the wall pad that I couldn't figure out how to get off the wall!
That's great to hear! Thank you for your comment! Ring system was a nice install, very impressed with that. I didn't get the doorbell yet. That's next.
God Bless you - Removing my old keypad on the wall was driving me nuts cuz after 15 years of never using it - the keypad started constantly beeping all of a sudden- and if it woke me up in the night i would imagine that i am still hearing it while in bed !!
Thank you for this! We bought our house a couple months ago and couldn’t figure out what one bit was that turned out to be the motion sensor this let me get it taken down! It was driving me nuts!
Very helpful, never even noticed the power receptacle underneath my breaker box where my ADT system was actually plugged in. Always thought it must of been direct from a breaker. The panel had me stumped, glad to see how that cover comes off now without me having to bust it. Setting up my SimpliSafe system this weekend. Cheers
@@scottmaasmedia it's finally dismantled and I no longer have that annoying beep telling me the battery is low. It's all been removed except the wiring which was just left in the walls. lol But a million thank yous for this tutorial. Appreciate it so much!
Update: There was one other removal that I noticed in the laundry room. (after I posted the video) Above where the keypad was, was the interior siren box. A 4 1/2 x 3 1/4 plastic box with "ADT" raised letters on the outside. Same process as the others. 1) Lift the cover off. 2) Remove the plate screws. And 3) cut the line. And yes, more spackle, sanding and painting to clean it up.
Hello we have a very similar looking set up to what you show in this video in the townhouse we just bought and moved into. We aren't using the alarm system at all but the "interior siren box" just constantly clicks and its driving us nuts. What's the safe way to disable that without dealing with any of the other stuff? Can I remove from the wall and cut it without setting off any alarms or something?
@@buzzardb Remember safety first when ever working with any wires. Make sure you disconnect the power source plug first. Then the battery. The clicking noise should stop after that. Then just follow the step by step in the video and you should be good. 😊👍
Thank you for this video! I was so nervous the alarm would sound lol, but it was so easy following your video that I'm embarrassed I didn't do this sooner!
This video was great Scott. Thank you. I have a power sonic battery (PS 1250 F1) that I have to disconnect. Do I do that by unscrewing the wires attached to the large power box or do I use the quick disconnect tabs? It seems like I should use the tabs but do I just pull the connections off or is there a trick?
This video is so helpful! Thank you. I just had one questions about the alarm box removal when you add the electrical tape to the cut wires in the wall. How do you know there is no power running through those wires? Is it because you disconnected the power supply at the beginning? I’m just wondering if there is by chance any other electricity running to those wires 😂
HI Vanessa, thank you for your question and I'm glad the video was helpful to you. The disconnect of the power supply was the power source to the wires in the wall so you are correct. No other electricity running through the wires. Safety first!
Hi Daphne, thank you for your question and you are welcome! As far as the WHY? One, they are not powered so they don't cause any safety issue. Two, they are sealed and to get them out wouldn't be hard, it's just a project for another day. Three, when you remove them there will be an open hole in the wall that needs to be spackled, sanded and painted. But the MAIN reason was, we were having a new door and frame installed and it just wasn't necessary. Hope that helps. :)
What a great, information video. Perfect pace and explanation!! Quick question - I bought a condo unit that has the control box at the front door. I just want to remove it and cut the wire. Can I just flip the master power switch in my fuse box to 'off', then just safely cut the wire? My plan is to just tape the wire off and bury it in the wall.
Just remember if you do that and that breaker accidentally gets turned on. You now have a live cut wire in your wall. That's a fire hazard. Not cool. I would check with the association and/or an electrician first. Always better to be safe. It may be a very easy fix to find and cut the power source. All the best! Thanks for your question! Stay safe!
Great video! Unless I missed it, I didn't see that you removed the small box that sends out the audible alarm. Did you not have one? Or, is it removed similarly to the keypad?
Hi EZ, The Napco panel and the board was properly disposed of through my township recycling program. It can also be sold on ebay or to an alarm supplier for parts. But if you do that you open yourself to a possible return if it doesn't work right. Recycling was just easier for me. Thank you for your question.
Thank you for this video! This might be a stupid question, but is disconnecting the Honeywell power from the outlet/disconnecting backup battery enough to make it safe for cutting wires and abandon in place? Did you turn off anything from the breaker? M
Never a stupid question Raquel. I'm glad you asked it! The answer in short is yes. In this particular situation nothing had to be changed at the breaker box because the Honeywell power supply was only plugged into a standard outlet. Which is still a live outlet that can be used for anything else that needs to be plugged into it. Thanks for your question. Hope that helped you! Stay safe!
Thank you so much for this video. I was able to do remove everything EXCEPT the old smoke detectors. This is a 25+ year old ADT system, but the smoke detector does not twist off; any advice?
Paul it's really hard to answer that question without seeing your setup. They should be twist off. If you are still unsure please call a licensed electrician to be safe.
Thanks, you helped me figure out where the ADT box was because of that power supply. I disconnected it and the keypad went dark! The backup battery in the box wasn't even connected.
I've never used our security system we bought with the house. It HAS been handy to hear the beep whenever a door or window is opened. UNTIL I taught my brilliant weimaraner to open the door to go out. Sounds like a bloody casino in here. So I just wanted to disable the one door. Just removed the screwed in magnet at the top of the door. Damn dog.
Thank you. This was very helpful! My question is, how do I know if our smoke detectors are somehow connected to this old wired security system, versus just being wired into our home's normal electricity to power the smoke detectors? The only wires leading out from the alarm box appear to be connected to the old alarm siren and an uplink box. I haven't actually removed the smoke detectors yet to see if they are wired into something, but I'm fearful of cutting any wires to the smoke detectors. They do all have batteries, so maybe they aren't wired, but just asking in advance.
HI Margaret, Thank you for your question. I looked up my ADT security system model number, technical specifications and instruction manual that identified the smoke detector/s added for the alarm system. The original smoke detectors in the house were installed before the alarm and had nothing to do with the alarm system. Most alarm systems had a plug somewhere. If you disconnect that plug, you can test the smoke detectors with that little button on the outside. If you still don't find the answer get an estimate to remove from an electrician. And ask him what the process will be. Hope this helps! Stay safe!
Great tutorial Scott, I’m removing a security system that also has a unit that beeps loudly when the system is breached. Is it immobilized when the wires are cut at the alarm box? It’s an ATT digital system. Thank you again Scott
Once you disconnect the power supply there is no power going to those wires. So they are dead. Wrap them with electrical tape and hide them in your wall or you can pull them out depending on the install configuration. Did the original installer use staples in the wood or not. Every install can be different. If your unsure, speak to a licensed electrician. And get his/her opinion. Safety first.
In the old days those security systems were powered by a white or yellowish DC Supply box that directly plugged into an ordinary wall plug outlet(Then they locked it in place with a small screw that holds the plastic plate that covers the blue box inside the wall.) These DC Power Supply boxes had two wires on the bottom, installers would punch a tiny hole underneath the plug outlet and fish the wires up the inside of the wall and out into the nearest closet or hidden area your gray box was located. When a system is removed someone simply unscrews the power supply, removes it, and cuts the two wires, pushes them in the wall and uses sparkle to cover the small hole underneath the wall outlet, or you just tug on them from inside the closet and they'll come out because the power supply is gone and no longer attached to anything. They wires are red and orange in my situation. After I removed the gray box with the antennae I pushed all the other wires in the wall but pulled the orange and red ones out the wall. In theory you could leave them in there because they are not connect to anything. Good luck P.S. I also had a voltage meter because I wanted to make sure. Voltage meters are handy and under $10
Really helpful video. Is there a way to confirm that the transformer has been removed/disconnected if I cannot seem to find it in our new house anywhere? We just moved in and I am trying to make sure everything has been disconnected from the previous owner’s old system before I cut any wires and install a new security system. The battery was already removed from the box when we got here, so I am assuming the transformer must have been removed as well, but I would like to be certain. Thanks!
I would always check it wiith a meter myself just to make sure. If you don't have one a simple visit from a licensed electrician would on the notion that your asking for a quote estimate. Safety first!
Great instruction - thank you. I am left with one last question - our six smoke detectors are hard-wired and have battery back up. If the hard wire electricity is cut off permanently by removing the panel with battery backup and keypad (just as you did) the battery within each smoke detector becomes the main power source for the smoke detectors correct? I am thinking that by way of removing the electricity/power, It automatically converts them to battery-operated smoke detectors. Any insight would be helpful.
Great question, most alarms like the one I removed are separate from the alarm box as well as the alarm company. Each alarm company usually provides its own separate smoke detectors as an additional line of defense. I have hardwired detectors as well. Romov8ng this ADT alarm did not effect them. Hope this helps.
Thank you both for this. I have an Old ADT system in a house I purchased a little over a year ago. I never had the service and got it unplugged about a week after moving in. I was curious about the smoke detectors because I have like 7 of them in a 1500 SQFT house that are hard wired as well. I genuinely appreciate the advice. Will removing the panel and the box this weekend and spackling over them and painting! Super helpful video!!! This alarm system has to borderline even 3G so I don't even know how it work now with the company.
I am in the UK about to move into a home from the 1970s, I just wanted to ask, A does every alarm come with an alarm box, and B do you have a bell box outside your house?
I did not have a bell box outside the house. The system shown in the video was from the early 2000's. The older alarms had a similar alarm box. Outside alarm boxes were mostly on commercial accounts back in the day. But I do remember seeing some outside alarm boxes on residential homes built back in the 70's. Today, there are more sensor silent alarms that automatically get sent to the Police Department or Alarm call center. Best of luck with the move!
Our recently acquired house has an FBII XL-2 system which we would like to remove. The panel is similar to that in your video. I haven't been able to find the plug in transformer. I noticed that panel positions 24 & 25 are slotted for the transformer 12VAC 20VA and both slots have wires attached. If I detach those wires, is that the same as unplugging the transformer? Thanks! Appreciate the detailed video.
I can't say for sure without seeing it and testing it. I would get a friendly free quote from a local electrician and see what he says. Just to be on the safe side.
Great video, Scott! This answered *most* of my concerns. I'm replacing an old (and expensive to maintain) Protection One system with Ring Alarm. The one thing I can't figure out is how the door sensors are attached. Is it possible they're screwed in?
Hi John. Anythings possible. Unfortunately sometimes the only way to find out is to take it part "carefully". Worse case scenario you can always spackle and paint the old hole. Once you remove any old sensors you have to do that anyway.
Currently removing the ADT system in my house. I have all the sensors removed. I’m also removing the sensors in the doors and filling the holes with wooden dowels that I’ll paint back over. I’m going a step further and getting into the attic to pull all the cords out. Which is… fun. Where is the power supply? I know the back up batteries are in the box. But does this system tie into the breaker box? I took the cover off my breaker box and didn’t see any abnormal wires going to it.
Good job going above and beyond! "Which is ...fun". I didn't have the power supply going directly to the breaker box. It was just the ADT plug shown in the video. Without seeing your setup It's hard for me to guide you. I would first check for that plug type that is shown in the video in a garage outlet or an outlet near the furnace if you have a basement. The techs usually would plug it into an outlet that is not in direct view. If you can't find it I would call an electrician for an estimate and see what they say.
@@scottmaasmedia I ended up tracing the power wires from the control box into my attic and then down into my hvac closet. It was plugged into a power strip 👌🏽
Scott. I have been told that the reason the wires do not need removal up to the junction, or plated as another option if on a wall, because they are low voltage. True?
HI Marajan, Thank you for your comment. You bring up a good point. When I checked with my local code enforcement office I was told, if there is "no electricity" flowing through the low voltage wire, they don't need removal from inside the wall. (As long as you disconnect your power source from the outlet you should be fine). And for that reason, I covered it up with some Drydex spackle, sanded and painted it. With that said code enforcement can vary from state to state and town to town. It wouldn't hurt to give them or a local electrician (who knows the code) a call. Just to be sure. Hope this helped.
Thanks Scott. Just now looking at the video .. so there's no chance of the alarm going off while unhooking everything assuming the power supply is unplugged? We moved into a house with an older ADT system similar to the one in the video.
Once it is unplugged you are good to go. For future readers I also had an old ADT system on a house I purchased. About a year later I am now getting to the point I am looking to remove the everything. I don't even think the current system would work now, know little about these but they say the 3G systems have been turned off. I think this system is pre 2010.
Wired systems do not need battery changes and are mostly maintenance free I have heard. Is there a way to 'take over' your wired system and do self monitoring?
Fabulous video Scott! My old system is almost identical to yours in the video except it has voice control. The control panel has a phone connection wired inside. Following your video, I've removed everything except the control panel for fear of cutting my phone line. Should I cross my fingers, disconnect (not cut) those phone wires and hope I don't lose my landline phone?
Hi Elizabeth sorry for the late response. You won't lose your landline phone. I used to work for Verizon. :) Let me know your progress. You've got this!
The power is cut off when you unplug the power supply so yes it is. If there is a way to pull it out depends on how it was installed (with or without cable staples). If you're unsure call a licensed electrician for guidance.
At minute 9:30, right under the main box you see a grayish little box with a tied wire hanging out. For me, the box part is going through the small hole on the big box. It’s the only wire still connected and I’m afraid to cut it and mess something up. Is it safe to cut? Thanks!
Hi Allison, great question! You have to confirm and isolate each system first. Then go from there. There is a lot more specifics needed. Without seeing it in person, I would suggest calling a licensed electrician to give you an in home evaluation/estimate and/or help you isolate each system first. It's really important to know where the lines are running and if there are any risks you should be aware of.
That's a great question. Answer: If the wires were loosely installed than yes. If they were installed with staples in a basement or attic than it would be much more difficult. Hope that helped. Thank you for your comment.
I would want to test those wires first with a meter, and then go from there. With electricity, you never want to assume anything. From the floor board? That's a new one. Have not seen that before.
So theres all these wires behind the wall, even on the motion sensor? I always thought it was mostly wireless? I need to remove my old ADT system that was installed in 2010, but I’m not so sure if I want to do that if wires are gonna be hanging out. Are they energized? I would think so…
What about doors? I just had a door replaced and have to get the old sensor out of the top to put in the new door. It is shaped like a dowel and is in a 1/2 inch hole in the top of the door. The old sensor is in there pretty tight and I cannot seem to get it out.
Hi Rob, I had the same problem and ended up leaving the front and back door sensors in. Even though I disconnected them and they were not functional, they still were flush with the door jam to assure a tight seal.
Hi HL, you can remove the wires, however some sensors are connected within the door jams and you would have to take the sensors out of the door jams first, cut the wires, and then fish the wires back out through the walls and/or basement to the control box. At some points the installer sometimes groups the wires together with zip ties or other means. So this isn't always the easiest of tasks. Installation does vary with each household. Also, now you have to wood fill, plug and paint any sensor you remove. Hope this helps.
I have Vivint stuff in my house I want to get rid of. I cancelled my contract with them a while ago and they wouldn't uninstall it for me. How similar is is this removal to that?
Hi Jerald, as long as you disconnect your power supply from your old system. It's safe to remove your alarm box and sensors. Regardless of the unit installed. Let me know if you have any other questions.
You know what? It really depends on the installer. I would rather pull the wires out myself but many times the installer will double staple the wires in place (like my installer did) which makes it extremely difficult to pull out. Give it a shot if it's too much? As long as the power is disconnected your fine with leaving them in. But I still would check your local code rules just in case or with a local electrician who usually knows the code. Good luck! 👍
@@scottmaasmedia Hey! thanks for the video! I have a wired motion detector in the upper corner of our living room. We just bought this house and they didn't leave any information on who they used for their security system. There's a keypad in another room but also doesn't have a company on it. Is it safe to cut the wire and leave or pull it out - Im just not sure where or what it is connected to. TIA :)
@@Georgiatyler94 Hi Georgia. I would first try to find the power source and unplug the unit first before cutting any wires. The last thing you want is to cut live wires and stick them in the wall. If you can't find the power source I would recommend asking an electrician to disconnect. But take a look at all the outlets in the house first and see if you can find a plug or powersource. Enjoy the new home. Stay safe!
LOL or you could do it like the 3 Stooges in their house wiring video here on YT, and just grab a wire and start ripping it through the plaster and leave some nice ventilation tracks in your walls HEHE KDNG! 🤣
HI Jamie I understand. One thing that I want to explain to you is before an alarm unit is installed in the house, smoke detectors need to be existing per code and are known as a local alarm. Any additional unit installed with an alarm system is primarily a back up to the local system that notifys an alarm directly to the fire department. Two separate systems. If your unsure of your setup and still hesitant, I would recommend you call an alarm professional to explain your existing system to you in detail. #safetyfirst
We CANNOT FIND THE PLUG to cut the power. We were told that if we cut the wires that supply power to the panel (will know we did this if the lights go out on the alarm pads) that there is no longer power going anywhere. Is this true? Therefore, if we cut all the other wires in the panel said wires are safe. Make sense?
Hi Deb, Thanks for your comment. Without seeing your setup it's kind of hard to answer that question. You can always call an electrician for an estimate to remove and ask how they are going to cut the power supply. He may be able to point to the plug. Stay safe!
haha if your system is like the video get a screwdriver and remove the wire from terminal 1(first from the left) and then remove wires that lead to the large battery and the system will be powered down. you can wrap the end of the wire in electrical tape until you find the transformer and unplug it. if the wire touches the metal it will spark. sometimes these systems have the transformer(plug) in the attic. terminal 1 and 2 are power to the board.
My alarm box is nothing like yours; it is a glob of wires going (I think) to all the sensors and internet cables. I do see the black battery and the connected power box. Frankly , I’ll call an electrician and let them do it. Great video though.
Hi Kasen. The main power supply comes from the plug. The other wires just go to the window and fire sensors. Once you get rid of the plug you've cut the power. So to answer your question, yes you can cut the wires at the control panel once the plug is removed. Hope this helps. 😊👍
@@leannhanna3521 Without seeing what exactly your looking at its not possible to give you an answer. Safest recommendation is to call an electrician for a free quote. And ask him some questions while he's there. That's the safest option.
I see in your video, you only disconnected ONE smoke detector. Is there ONE SPECIFIC wired smoke detector (differs from all others in the house) that needs to be removed?
Hi RKL. Yes the removed detector was a original smoke detector installed with the old ADT system 20 years ago. The house by code (before the ADT detector was installed) had the wired smoke detectors throughout the house already in place. The other detectors were not effected by the ADT smoke detector installed after. Hope that helped.
Oh nooooo Tina! There has to be a box somewhere. Don't give up. It's probably well hidden. If you need to, and electrician should be able to find it very quickly.
Dumb question: why would I want to remove a wired security system? Isn't a wired system far more reliable than a wireless system? I don't trust a sensor to run out of battery or fail to connect to the hub when you need to rely on it the most i.e. when your house is being intruded
Hi Kris, sorry for the late response. There's never a stupid question if someone is learning from it. Thank you for asking. The system I had was over 20 years old. I had a giant box in the closet that just needed to be updated. Decided on the wireless Ring System after a lot of research and reading reviews. There are still very good wired systems out there. I listed the pros and cons of each, and then made a decision to get this one with no regrets. Still very happy with it.
Why would you remove and destroy a wired system? For a more "modern", wireless system? 😂 Wired will always be more secure and more reliable. Wireless is a lazier way of doing things thats why installers will push that on you
It's actually a personal preference. For me it was the age of the existing system and specific issues I had with it. I never said wired systems are bad. Everyone who reads this knows they have a choice in their decision. This video was only made to assist people who are removing an old system.
Thanks, Scott! Your video showed this 79-year-old female handyperson how to remove an old ADT system that was out-of-service but still beeping in the house every time the power blipped. I'm pleased!
Wow! It's a pleasure seeing a comment like that. Thank you so much for your feedback on our other video of the ADT alarm system removal. :). Happy to help!
This video helped a ton on removing an old yellowed system from our new house. Thank you!
That's great to hear Justin thank you for the comment!
This was great and the only “how to remove a wired alarm system” step by step I found that was thorough and correct!
Removing this weekend! Thanks!
That's always great to hear thanks Christina!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS! I am trying to peel this stuff out and your video helped me immensely with the wall pad that I couldn't figure out how to get off the wall!
You are so welcome happy to help! :)
Thanks! Very helpful. Taking out my 25 year old ADT system as soon as I can find the paint to cover all the holes. Went with Ring. So easy!
That's great to hear! Thank you for your comment! Ring system was a nice install, very impressed with that. I didn't get the doorbell yet. That's next.
God Bless you - Removing my old keypad on the wall was driving me nuts cuz after 15 years of never using it - the keypad started constantly beeping all of a sudden- and if it woke me up in the night i would imagine that i am still hearing it while in bed !!
So glad that worked out for you. 😊👍🙏
@@scottmaasmedia thanks
Thank you for this! We bought our house a couple months ago and couldn’t figure out what one bit was that turned out to be the motion sensor this let me get it taken down! It was driving me nuts!
Cool! So happy to help Jazz!
Thanks! Finally got the unused ADT to stop beeping!
Awesome! Happy to help Tom! 😊
Thank you! So thankful for this video!!
Hey Sassy! Thank you for your comment, glad you enjoyed it!
Exactly the how-to information I need to remove our hard-wired system. Thank you!!
Your so welcome Mary! I'm glad the video helped you! :)
Very helpful, never even noticed the power receptacle underneath my breaker box where my ADT system was actually plugged in. Always thought it must of been direct from a breaker. The panel had me stumped, glad to see how that cover comes off now without me having to bust it. Setting up my SimpliSafe system this weekend. Cheers
That's so awesome to hear! Thank you for your positive comment! Happy to help!
Thanks! We have the exact same system as you did. Straight forward video, right to the point. Excellent work.
Cool! Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks LJonny22!
Thank you!! I finally located the power source and can finally dismantle this security system. THANK YOU!!!
Happy to help! You are so welcome! Thank you for your feedback comment!
@@scottmaasmedia it's finally dismantled and I no longer have that annoying beep telling me the battery is low. It's all been removed except the wiring which was just left in the walls. lol But a million thank yous for this tutorial. Appreciate it so much!
Nice! Jade, Congrats on making it happen! 🎉
Update: There was one other removal that I noticed in the laundry room. (after I posted the video) Above where the keypad was, was the interior siren box. A 4 1/2 x 3 1/4 plastic box with "ADT" raised letters on the outside. Same process as the others. 1) Lift the cover off. 2) Remove the plate screws. And 3) cut the line. And yes, more spackle, sanding and painting to clean it up.
Hello we have a very similar looking set up to what you show in this video in the townhouse we just bought and moved into. We aren't using the alarm system at all but the "interior siren box" just constantly clicks and its driving us nuts. What's the safe way to disable that without dealing with any of the other stuff? Can I remove from the wall and cut it without setting off any alarms or something?
@@buzzardb Remember safety first when ever working with any wires. Make sure you disconnect the power source plug first. Then the battery. The clicking noise should stop after that. Then just follow the step by step in the video and you should be good. 😊👍
Hi, Scott, Thank you so much for posting. Finally I got rid of the old system!! Really appreciate that!!
Glad it helped! Thanks for your comment!
Thank you for this video! I was so nervous the alarm would sound lol, but it was so easy following your video that I'm embarrassed I didn't do this sooner!
Thank you for your comment! Much appreciated. Sorry for the delayed response. :)
This video was great Scott. Thank you. I have a power sonic battery (PS 1250 F1) that I have to disconnect. Do I do that by unscrewing the wires attached to the large power box or do I use the quick disconnect tabs? It seems like I should use the tabs but do I just pull the connections off or is there a trick?
Quick disconnects are fine. Just pull them off and you should be good.
This video is so helpful! Thank you. I just had one questions about the alarm box removal when you add the electrical tape to the cut wires in the wall. How do you know there is no power running through those wires? Is it because you disconnected the power supply at the beginning? I’m just wondering if there is by chance any other electricity running to those wires 😂
HI Vanessa, thank you for your question and I'm glad the video was helpful to you. The disconnect of the power supply was the power source to the wires in the wall so you are correct. No other electricity running through the wires. Safety first!
Thank you Scott! Question: Why did you NOT remove the old door sensors in the door frame?
Hi Daphne, thank you for your question and you are welcome! As far as the WHY? One, they are not powered so they don't cause any safety issue. Two, they are sealed and to get them out wouldn't be hard, it's just a project for another day. Three, when you remove them there will be an open hole in the wall that needs to be spackled, sanded and painted. But the MAIN reason was, we were having a new door and frame installed and it just wasn't necessary. Hope that helps. :)
Great instructional video Scott! Your video was exactly what I needed to remove my old alarm system. Thank you.
So glad it helped Robert! Thank you for your comment!
Have the same old system, helpful tutorial. Thank you.
Your so welcome! Thanks for the comment Amanda. 😊👍
What a great, information video. Perfect pace and explanation!!
Quick question - I bought a condo unit that has the control box at the front door. I just want to remove it and cut the wire. Can I just flip the master power switch in my fuse box to 'off', then just safely cut the wire? My plan is to just tape the wire off and bury it in the wall.
Just remember if you do that and that breaker accidentally gets turned on. You now have a live cut wire in your wall. That's a fire hazard. Not cool. I would check with the association and/or an electrician first. Always better to be safe. It may be a very easy fix to find and cut the power source. All the best! Thanks for your question! Stay safe!
Great video! Unless I missed it, I didn't see that you removed the small box that sends out the audible alarm. Did you not have one? Or, is it removed similarly to the keypad?
I wondered the same thing. He answered below. Same idea - open box, cut wires, unscrew the box.
Hi Sally, I added an updated comment on that earlier. Yes it was removed in the same manner as the keypad. Thanks. 👍
Thank you Scott for the helpful video. How do I dispose the old Napco panel? Can I recycle the box and board inside it?
Hi EZ, The Napco panel and the board was properly disposed of through my township recycling program. It can also be sold on ebay or to an alarm supplier for parts. But if you do that you open yourself to a possible return if it doesn't work right. Recycling was just easier for me. Thank you for your question.
Thanks from me too. I just removed my system and Installed the Ring home alarm system.
That great news thanks for the positive comment! 😊👍
This is very helpful! I’ll try and do it myself. Wish me luck!
Good luck Mariza! 👍 You've got this!! 😊
Thank you for this video!
This might be a stupid question, but is disconnecting the Honeywell power from the outlet/disconnecting backup battery enough to make it safe for cutting wires and abandon in place? Did you turn off anything from the breaker? M
Never a stupid question Raquel. I'm glad you asked it! The answer in short is yes. In this particular situation nothing had to be changed at the breaker box because the Honeywell power supply was only plugged into a standard outlet. Which is still a live outlet that can be used for anything else that needs to be plugged into it. Thanks for your question. Hope that helped you! Stay safe!
This was very helpful! Thanks!
So good to hear that it helped you. Thank you for your comment. 😊
Thank you! This is exactly what I needed!
That's great to hear Alison! Glad you got something out of it. Thank your comment. :)
Thank you so much for this video. I was able to do remove everything EXCEPT the old smoke detectors. This is a 25+ year old ADT system, but the smoke detector does not twist off; any advice?
Paul it's really hard to answer that question without seeing your setup. They should be twist off. If you are still unsure please call a licensed electrician to be safe.
Hi Scott!! I have thus fluent system, issues with company more than product,anyway i gave enough info I feel to tackle this myself!!!
Thanks Becky
Roger that! Hope it worked out! Thanks Becky!
This was so helpful. Thank you!
Thank you Lavonia much appreciated! 😊
Thanks, you helped me figure out where the ADT box was because of that power supply. I disconnected it and the keypad went dark! The backup battery in the box wasn't even connected.
Awesome! Happy to help Ben! Thanks for your comment.
I've never used our security system we bought with the house. It HAS been handy to hear the beep whenever a door or window is opened. UNTIL I taught my brilliant weimaraner to open the door to go out. Sounds like a bloody casino in here. So I just wanted to disable the one door. Just removed the screwed in magnet at the top of the door. Damn dog.
This was great. HUGE help. Thank you! Al
That's great to hear thanks for your positive comment Al. Much appreciated.
Thank you. This was very helpful! My question is, how do I know if our smoke detectors are somehow connected to this old wired security system, versus just being wired into our home's normal electricity to power the smoke detectors? The only wires leading out from the alarm box appear to be connected to the old alarm siren and an uplink box. I haven't actually removed the smoke detectors yet to see if they are wired into something, but I'm fearful of cutting any wires to the smoke detectors. They do all have batteries, so maybe they aren't wired, but just asking in advance.
HI Margaret, Thank you for your question. I looked up my ADT security system model number, technical specifications and instruction manual that identified the smoke detector/s added for the alarm system. The original smoke detectors in the house were installed before the alarm and had nothing to do with the alarm system. Most alarm systems had a plug somewhere. If you disconnect that plug, you can test the smoke detectors with that little button on the outside. If you still don't find the answer get an estimate to remove from an electrician. And ask him what the process will be. Hope this helps! Stay safe!
Thank you! This was so helpful!
Thank you so much for your comment! Much appreciated! Happy to help!
Great tutorial Scott, I’m removing a security system that also has a unit that beeps loudly when the system is breached. Is it immobilized when the wires are cut at the alarm box? It’s an ATT digital system. Thank you again Scott
It absolutely should be unless it's on a battery back up. If you have the battery disconnected and the power cut, you should have no problem Gary. 👍
@@scottmaasmedia if its on a battery backup wont cuttin the wiress disable it?
@@angelscustomwear1648 Yes it will. We are talking about disabling and removing your old system.
Great info on removing adt security system. I have exact same system.
That's great to hear thanks Chris!
What do we do with the 2 wires coming from the wall that were connected to the power supply?
Once you disconnect the power supply there is no power going to those wires. So they are dead. Wrap them with electrical tape and hide them in your wall or you can pull them out depending on the install configuration. Did the original installer use staples in the wood or not. Every install can be different. If your unsure, speak to a licensed electrician. And get his/her opinion. Safety first.
In the old days those security systems were powered by a white or yellowish DC Supply box that directly plugged into an ordinary wall plug outlet(Then they locked it in place with a small screw that holds the plastic plate that covers the blue box inside the wall.)
These DC Power Supply boxes had two wires on the bottom, installers would punch a tiny hole underneath the plug outlet and fish the wires up the inside of the wall and out into the nearest closet or hidden area your gray box was located. When a system is removed someone simply unscrews the power supply, removes it, and cuts the two wires, pushes them in the wall and uses sparkle to cover the small hole underneath the wall outlet, or you just tug on them from inside the closet and they'll come out because the power supply is gone and no longer attached to anything.
They wires are red and orange in my situation.
After I removed the gray box with the antennae I pushed all the other wires in the wall but pulled the orange and red ones out the wall. In theory you could leave them in there because they are not connect to anything.
Good luck
P.S. I also had a voltage meter because I wanted to make sure. Voltage meters are handy and under $10
Great video, thanks!
Your welcome happy to help!
Brilliant help.
Thank you sir🙏🏾🙏🏾
Thanks Tim much appreciated!
super helpful tutorial, thanks so much!
Thank you for your comment Robert much appreciated! 😊
Really helpful video. Is there a way to confirm that the transformer has been removed/disconnected if I cannot seem to find it in our new house anywhere? We just moved in and I am trying to make sure everything has been disconnected from the previous owner’s old system before I cut any wires and install a new security system. The battery was already removed from the box when we got here, so I am assuming the transformer must have been removed as well, but I would like to be certain. Thanks!
After more thought, the fact that the keypad is NOT powered on should tell me that the system is completely off, right? (And thus safe to remove/cut)
I would always check it wiith a meter myself just to make sure. If you don't have one a simple visit from a licensed electrician would on the notion that your asking for a quote estimate. Safety first!
Thank you so much for this. So grateful 😊
Thanks for your comment April much appreciated! 👍
Great instruction - thank you. I am left with one last question - our six smoke detectors are hard-wired and have battery back up. If the hard wire electricity is cut off permanently by removing the panel with battery backup and keypad (just as you did) the battery within each smoke detector becomes the main power source for the smoke detectors correct? I am thinking that by way of removing the electricity/power, It automatically converts them to battery-operated smoke detectors. Any insight would be helpful.
Great question, most alarms like the one I removed are separate from the alarm box as well as the alarm company. Each alarm company usually provides its own separate smoke detectors as an additional line of defense. I have hardwired detectors as well. Romov8ng this ADT alarm did not effect them. Hope this helps.
Thank you both for this. I have an Old ADT system in a house I purchased a little over a year ago. I never had the service and got it unplugged about a week after moving in. I was curious about the smoke detectors because I have like 7 of them in a 1500 SQFT house that are hard wired as well. I genuinely appreciate the advice. Will removing the panel and the box this weekend and spackling over them and painting! Super helpful video!!! This alarm system has to borderline even 3G so I don't even know how it work now with the company.
Thank you for posting this… It was very helpful.
Thanks for your comment Mario! It's mean a lot. Happy to help!
Thank you
I am in the UK about to move into a home from the 1970s, I just wanted to ask, A does every alarm come with an alarm box, and B do you have a bell box outside your house?
I did not have a bell box outside the house. The system shown in the video was from the early 2000's. The older alarms had a similar alarm box. Outside alarm boxes were mostly on commercial accounts back in the day. But I do remember seeing some outside alarm boxes on residential homes built back in the 70's. Today, there are more sensor silent alarms that automatically get sent to the Police Department or Alarm call center. Best of luck with the move!
Our recently acquired house has an FBII XL-2 system which we would like to remove. The panel is similar to that in your video. I haven't been able to find the plug in transformer. I noticed that panel positions 24 & 25 are slotted for the transformer 12VAC 20VA and both slots have wires attached. If I detach those wires, is that the same as unplugging the transformer? Thanks! Appreciate the detailed video.
I can't say for sure without seeing it and testing it. I would get a friendly free quote from a local electrician and see what he says. Just to be on the safe side.
Thanks! I have this exact system. I probably missed it, but do I need to unplug the system first before removing all the sensors and keypads?
Absolutely 💯 % Yes. Always when working with electricity. Always disconnect your power source then your battery. 😊👍
Great video, Scott! This answered *most* of my concerns. I'm replacing an old (and expensive to maintain) Protection One system with Ring Alarm. The one thing I can't figure out is how the door sensors are attached. Is it possible they're screwed in?
Hi John. Anythings possible. Unfortunately sometimes the only way to find out is to take it part "carefully". Worse case scenario you can always spackle and paint the old hole. Once you remove any old sensors you have to do that anyway.
Currently removing the ADT system in my house. I have all the sensors removed. I’m also removing the sensors in the doors and filling the holes with wooden dowels that I’ll paint back over. I’m going a step further and getting into the attic to pull all the cords out. Which is… fun. Where is the power supply? I know the back up batteries are in the box. But does this system tie into the breaker box? I took the cover off my breaker box and didn’t see any abnormal wires going to it.
Good job going above and beyond! "Which is ...fun". I didn't have the power supply going directly to the breaker box. It was just the ADT plug shown in the video. Without seeing your setup It's hard for me to guide you. I would first check for that plug type that is shown in the video in a garage outlet or an outlet near the furnace if you have a basement. The techs usually would plug it into an outlet that is not in direct view. If you can't find it I would call an electrician for an estimate and see what they say.
@@scottmaasmedia I ended up tracing the power wires from the control box into my attic and then down into my hvac closet. It was plugged into a power strip 👌🏽
@@rekazu Great trace job! Good to hear!
awesome work sir
Thanks Kac K!
Scott. I have been told that the reason the wires do not need removal up to the junction, or plated as another option if on a wall, because they are low voltage. True?
HI Marajan, Thank you for your comment.
You bring up a good point. When I checked with my local code enforcement office I was told, if there is "no electricity" flowing through the low voltage wire, they don't need removal from inside the wall. (As long as you disconnect your power source from the outlet you should be fine). And for that reason, I covered it up with some Drydex spackle, sanded and painted it. With that said code enforcement can vary from state to state and town to town. It wouldn't hurt to give them or a local electrician (who knows the code) a call. Just to be sure. Hope this helped.
Thanks Scott. Just now looking at the video .. so there's no chance of the alarm going off while unhooking everything assuming the power supply is unplugged? We moved into a house with an older ADT system similar to the one in the video.
Hi Carl, No chance! As long as its unplugged and your battery back up is removed. You're basically killing all power. :)
Once it is unplugged you are good to go. For future readers I also had an old ADT system on a house I purchased. About a year later I am now getting to the point I am looking to remove the everything. I don't even think the current system would work now, know little about these but they say the 3G systems have been turned off. I think this system is pre 2010.
Thank you!
Your welcome Cindy!
Wired systems do not need battery changes and are mostly maintenance free I have heard. Is there a way to 'take over' your wired system and do self monitoring?
Great question batmore! Check this link out. ring.com/products/retrofit-alarm-kit
This was so helpful thank you!!
Thanks Amber that's great to hear! :)
For the motion sensor, how did you deactivate the power to that wire? Or was that a live wire you cut?
The motion sensor was deactivated once the power supply was unplugged. Not live. Safety first!
Fabulous video Scott! My old system is almost identical to yours in the video except it has voice control. The control panel has a phone connection wired inside. Following your video, I've removed everything except the control panel for fear of cutting my phone line. Should I cross my fingers, disconnect (not cut) those phone wires and hope I don't lose my landline phone?
Hi Elizabeth sorry for the late response. You won't lose your landline phone. I used to work for Verizon. :) Let me know your progress. You've got this!
When you cut the sensor wires, is it safe to just push the exposed wire into the wall? Asking in case of electrical fire.
The power is cut off when you unplug the power supply so yes it is. If there is a way to pull it out depends on how it was installed (with or without cable staples). If you're unsure call a licensed electrician for guidance.
So unplugging it will cut the power...I don't need to do anything at the breaker box right?
100% Correct! The plug is your power source. Once unplugged, the only power you have is the backup battery in the panel. Hope that helps.
What can I use if I don't have that precision tool for the bottom of the box?
Hi Ginny, I'm pretty sure you are talking about the small screwdriver precision tool. Any small screwdriver should do the job. Hope this helps!
Thanks! I called the guy that installed it, but he never came by.
Got disconnected. Thank you so much.
Awesome to hear Joy good job! I knew you could do it! 😊👍
At minute 9:30, right under the main box you see a grayish little box with a tied wire hanging out. For me, the box part is going through the small hole on the big box. It’s the only wire still connected and I’m afraid to cut it and mess something up. Is it safe to cut? Thanks!
That's just the old phone jack and line connected to it. Its dead and your safe! Thanks for your question.
I have two security systems installed by previous owners, how can I be sure of all the pieces that are a part of the system/s
Hi Allison, great question! You have to confirm and isolate each system first. Then go from there. There is a lot more specifics needed. Without seeing it in person, I would suggest calling a licensed electrician to give you an in home evaluation/estimate and/or help you isolate each system first. It's really important to know where the lines are running and if there are any risks you should be aware of.
Hello , what do you do with the old wires hanging from old box
Hello, Cut and discard. (The wires and the box if you could). It doesn't serve a purpose anymore. Hope this helps sir.
Helpful. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for the comment!
Can you pull the wires through if you don’t want to push them back into the wall?
That's a great question. Answer: If the wires were loosely installed than yes. If they were installed with staples in a basement or attic than it would be much more difficult. Hope that helped. Thank you for your comment.
So at my moms she has a red wire that comes from the floor board to a black plug thay goes into the outlet i assume this is the power supply
I would want to test those wires first with a meter, and then go from there. With electricity, you never want to assume anything. From the floor board? That's a new one. Have not seen that before.
So theres all these wires behind the wall, even on the motion sensor? I always thought it was mostly wireless?
I need to remove my old ADT system that was installed in 2010, but I’m not so sure if I want to do that if wires are gonna be hanging out. Are they energized? I would think so…
Hi JT. Motion sensors today are 90 percent wireless. Back at the time ADT made this model it was wired. Thanks for stopping by. 👍
What about doors? I just had a door replaced and have to get the old sensor out of the top to put in the new door. It is shaped like a dowel and is in a 1/2 inch hole in the top of the door. The old sensor is in there pretty tight and I cannot seem to get it out.
Hi Rob, I had the same problem and ended up leaving the front and back door sensors in. Even though I disconnected them and they were not functional, they still were flush with the door jam to assure a tight seal.
Mine is a bit older version. Need to figure out where power supply is connected.
Keep looking in not so obvious spaces. Closets, garages, basements, attics etc. You've got this! If no luck call an electrician.
Thanks for the video. So we just leave the wires in the walls?
Hi HL, you can remove the wires, however some sensors are connected within the door jams and you would have to take the sensors out of the door jams first, cut the wires, and then fish the wires back out through the walls and/or basement to the control box. At some points the installer sometimes groups the wires together with zip ties or other means. So this isn't always the easiest of tasks. Installation does vary with each household. Also, now you have to wood fill, plug and paint any sensor you remove. Hope this helps.
@@scottmaasmedia Thank you!
Hey Scott... after I unplug power source, can I cut these wires near the power supply?
100 % Joy. So sorry for the late response. Once you "unplug the power source" you are good!
I have Vivint stuff in my house I want to get rid of. I cancelled my contract with them a while ago and they wouldn't uninstall it for me. How similar is is this removal to that?
Hi Jerald, as long as you disconnect your power supply from your old system. It's safe to remove your alarm box and sensors. Regardless of the unit installed. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Is there a point in pulling wires out of wall and completely removing them? Do you think it would work?
You know what? It really depends on the installer. I would rather pull the wires out myself but many times the installer will double staple the wires in place (like my installer did) which makes it extremely difficult to pull out. Give it a shot if it's too much? As long as the power is disconnected your fine with leaving them in. But I still would check your local code rules just in case or with a local electrician who usually knows the code. Good luck! 👍
@@scottmaasmedia Hey! thanks for the video! I have a wired motion detector in the upper corner of our living room. We just bought this house and they didn't leave any information on who they used for their security system. There's a keypad in another room but also doesn't have a company on it. Is it safe to cut the wire and leave or pull it out - Im just not sure where or what it is connected to. TIA :)
@@Georgiatyler94 Hi Georgia. I would first try to find the power source and unplug the unit first before cutting any wires. The last thing you want is to cut live wires and stick them in the wall. If you can't find the power source I would recommend asking an electrician to disconnect. But take a look at all the outlets in the house first and see if you can find a plug or powersource. Enjoy the new home. Stay safe!
Thansk
Your welcome!
My power supply has wires connected. Once it is unplugged, is it okay to remove the wiring?
Hi Amber YES! Okay to remove the wiring.
Greay video!
Thank you MP much appreciated, happy to help!
LOL or you could do it like the 3 Stooges in their house wiring video here on YT, and just grab a wire and start ripping it through the plaster and leave some nice ventilation tracks in your walls HEHE KDNG! 🤣
Nice 3 stooges reference Jimbo! Ventilation is very important. Ha!
Electric is out battery too, is it possible this is connected to anything important? Smoke detectors etc? I'm afraid to just cut wires.
HI Jamie I understand. One thing that I want to explain to you is before an alarm unit is installed in the house, smoke detectors need to be existing per code and are known as a local alarm. Any additional unit installed with an alarm system is primarily a back up to the local system that notifys an alarm directly to the fire department. Two separate systems. If your unsure of your setup and still hesitant, I would recommend you call an alarm professional to explain your existing system to you in detail. #safetyfirst
We CANNOT FIND THE PLUG to cut the power. We were told that if we cut the wires that supply power to the panel (will know we did this if the lights go out on the alarm pads) that there is no longer power going anywhere. Is this true? Therefore, if we cut all the other wires in the panel said wires are safe. Make sense?
Hi Deb, Thanks for your comment. Without seeing your setup it's kind of hard to answer that question. You can always call an electrician for an estimate to remove and ask how they are going to cut the power supply. He may be able to point to the plug. Stay safe!
haha if your system is like the video get a screwdriver and remove the wire from terminal 1(first from the left) and then remove wires that lead to the large battery and the system will be powered down. you can wrap the end of the wire in electrical tape until you find the transformer and unplug it. if the wire touches the metal it will spark. sometimes these systems have the transformer(plug) in the attic. terminal 1 and 2 are power to the board.
My alarm box is nothing like yours; it is a glob of wires going (I think) to all the sensors and internet cables. I do see the black battery and the connected power box. Frankly , I’ll call an electrician and let them do it. Great video though.
Thank you. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful RV. Any update?
I can’t just cut wires to remove the control panel can I? Do I need to disconnect something from my homes breaker box?
Hi Kasen. The main power supply comes from the plug. The other wires just go to the window and fire sensors. Once you get rid of the plug you've cut the power. So to answer your question, yes you can cut the wires at the control panel once the plug is removed. Hope this helps. 😊👍
@@scottmaasmedia what if the plug has a cover on the outlet with wires coming out of it? Once I unscrew the cover, what do I do next?
@@leannhanna3521 Without seeing what exactly your looking at its not possible to give you an answer. Safest recommendation is to call an electrician for a free quote. And ask him some questions while he's there. That's the safest option.
I see in your video, you only disconnected ONE smoke detector. Is there ONE SPECIFIC wired smoke detector (differs from all others in the house) that needs to be removed?
Hi RKL. Yes the removed detector was a original smoke detector installed with the old ADT system 20 years ago. The house by code (before the ADT detector was installed) had the wired smoke detectors throughout the house already in place. The other detectors were not effected by the ADT smoke detector installed after. Hope that helped.
I found everything except the alarm panel.
Don't give up Betty it's in there somewhere. Check places in a not so common area. Garage/Basement/Utility room. You've got this!
@@scottmaasmedia Thank you.
Extremely helpful! I also have the same old system and I was stuck on removing the keypad. Very helpful. Thank you.
So happy to help Rick, thank you for your comment!
I have no alarm box I looked all through the house.
Oh nooooo Tina! There has to be a box somewhere. Don't give up. It's probably well hidden. If you need to, and electrician should be able to find it very quickly.
How in the world am I supposed to find this alarm box?
Keep looking in not so obvious spaces. Closets, garages, basements, attics etc. You've got this! If no luck call an electrician.
Dumb question: why would I want to remove a wired security system? Isn't a wired system far more reliable than a wireless system? I don't trust a sensor to run out of battery or fail to connect to the hub when you need to rely on it the most i.e. when your house is being intruded
Cost seems like the biggest reason.
Hi Kris, sorry for the late response. There's never a stupid question if someone is learning from it. Thank you for asking. The system I had was over 20 years old. I had a giant box in the closet that just needed to be updated. Decided on the wireless Ring System after a lot of research and reading reviews. There are still very good wired systems out there. I listed the pros and cons of each, and then made a decision to get this one with no regrets. Still very happy with it.
Why would you remove and destroy a wired system? For a more "modern", wireless system? 😂
Wired will always be more secure and more reliable. Wireless is a lazier way of doing things thats why installers will push that on you
It's actually a personal preference. For me it was the age of the existing system and specific issues I had with it. I never said wired systems are bad. Everyone who reads this knows they have a choice in their decision. This video was only made to assist people who are removing an old system.