Removing a circuit with security alarm - help?

[BrennaBoy]

Hi,

I have just moved into a new house and there is a security alarm that doesn't work properly and the trip switch of the circuit that it is on is just permanently down.

I want to rip out the alarm and get rid of it as it is old and no good.

Can I just remove the circuit from the Consumer Unit if I put the main switches down? Once the circuit is removed, can I then just rip out the alarm as there will be no power going to it?

Is this safe? Do I need to go to the expense of hiring an electrician just to remove it?

Can anyone advise?

Many thanks,

BrennaBoy.

 

[westward10]

As long as you are 100% sure it is isolated I don't see why not.

 

[Spoon]

Do you not need the circuit for the new alarm?

 

[littlespark]

Does the supply go through a fused connection unit before the alarm? Isolate the circuit and change it to a socket. Might be useful in the future.

Some alarms have a battery backup... remove that after isolating the mains power. Also may have a tamper circuit- it might set off the alarm if you take the cover off.

Finally, once everything is removed, take it to your council recycling depot rather than general waste.

 

[BrennaBoy]

Yes, It does have a fused unit box by the alarm control box, both of which are located in a cupboard in the upstairs bedroom.

I am not going to get a new alarm.

The reason that I want to remove it is it is in a cupboard in the upstairs bedroom which I want to renovate and rip it out as it is just in the way.

 

[Spoon]

How long has the alarm been switched off at the consumer unit?
As mentioned in post #4, some alarms have battery backup. Also the bell may have a battery in it and if you remove the wires going to the bell the bell may go off.
If you want to remove the alarm completely, start with the bell. Then see post #2.

 

[pirate]

I get a bit fed up with the expression "rip it out"...

I hear this all the time...oh, I like the house but I'm going to rip out that kitchen/bathroom/ whatever...

In a former life, I used to reply..."why not remove it gently, it'll take less time and make less mess?"


All I got was blank stares...

 

[buzzlightyear]

Just rip it out ,if you want too .
i bet now somebody will now screaming at the screen now .

 

[BrennaBoy]

You have too much time on your hands Pirate to write such a pointless reply. The alarm broken and is so old it is worthless, there are wires trailing everywhere and it is just in the way. So yes, I will be "ripping the stupid thing out" and with as much force as is needed.

Thanks everyone else for the helpful replies, much appriciated.

 

[pirate]

Glad I have contributed to your resolve! It gives me a warm glow!

 

[HappyHippyDad]

Glad I have contributed to your resolve! It gives me a warm glow!

I agree, I don't like 'rip it out' either.

 

[snowhead]

In a former life, I used to reply..."why not remove it gently, it'll take less time and make less mess?"
All I got was blank stares...

But when some people remove it gently, it looks like it's been ripped out.

 

[buzzlightyear]

I agree, I don't like 'rip it out' either.

what about ripping the guts out then .

 

[TJ Anderson]

You have too much time on your hands Pirate to write such a pointless reply. The alarm broken and is so old it is worthless, there are wires trailing everywhere and it is just in the way. So yes, I will be "ripping the stupid thing out" and with as much force as is needed.



Thanks everyone else for the helpful replies, much appriciated.

Is a bit of a waste as all the wiring is in place. Panel wiring could be extended to a new position , pirs and door contacts are likely still fine, a new panel and bellbox and you'd have a functioning intruder alarm again.

 

[Spoon]

Is a bit of a waste as all the wiring is in place. Panel wiring could be extended to a new position , pirs and door contacts are likely still fine, a new panel and bellbox and you'd have a functioning intruder alarm again.

I asked the question in post #3. The OP is not getting a new alarm.
Maybe in the future, if he wants an alarm and doesn't want to put wired back in he could go for one of the wireless alarms.

 

[TJ Anderson]

I asked the question in post #3. The OP is not getting a new alarm.
Maybe in the future, if he wants an alarm and doesn't want to put wired back in he could go for one of the wireless alarms.

Yeah, waste though innit. Wireless is very 2nd rate compared to wired. Easy to install and equally effective, but forever needing batteries

 

[Spoon]

Yeah, waste though innit. Wireless is very 2nd rate compared to wired. Easy to install and equally effective, but forever needing batteries

Very true mate. I much prefer wired.
OP want to rip it out, let him rip it out...

 

[telectrix]

Yeah, waste though innit. Wireless is very 2nd rate compared to wired. Easy to install and equally effective, but forever needing batteries

batteries require replacing every 2 -3 years. not a huge problem and a nice little earner for future.

 

[TJ Anderson]

I asked the question in post #3. The OP is not getting a new alarm.
Maybe in the future, if he wants an alarm and doesn't want to put wired back in he could go for one of the wireless alarms.

Yeah, waste though innit. Wireless is very 2nd rate compared to wired. Easy to install and equally effective, but forever needing batteries

batteries require replacing every 2 -3 years. not a huge problem and a nice little earner for future.

Oh yeah, they are great for installers. ADT and Chubb love wireless systems. Kerching!! ££££
I wouldn't want one though. Quite happy with my good old Accenta G4

 

[littlespark]

I fitted a battery powered alarm in my own gaff when we went on an extended holiday last year. Just as a deterant.
When we got home 5 weeks later,I had forgotten the code.

My wife, helpful as ever reminded me that we had decided to use the dogs birthday as the code.

How the hell am I supposed to know that? Bad enough remembering her birthday

 

[gnuuser]

to the OP as long as the power is removed and battery is disconnected there should be no problem removing the system. as a locksmith I installed a lot of alarm systems and no 2 installs were alike.
the level of security is what determines the complexity of it.
but the best alarm system is the one that's difficult or impossible to detect.
all too often some alarm companies will put up their brag signs in the yard advertising there is an active alarm system there.
to a savvy intruder that just tells them the list of things to look for.

 

[chris gray]

Be careful to not rip your phone line out at the same time ‍

 

[MJPD29]

Just disconnect it at the fcu after removing the fuse (and also turned off st the board) and remove the alarm and it should be fine. If it's been off for any period the battery will be dead anyway

 

[MG201]

Rip the heed off it