How often should you check your alarm system and its batteries?
Give your alarm system a full check at least once a year and check the batteries at the same time. If the system reports ‘battery low’ in between, replace that battery straight away.
In Belgium, you as the user are responsible for an annual maintenance of your alarm system. You can do it yourself or have it done by a security company: an approved company is not mandatory. How long batteries last depends on your device, so follow the manual. A sensor with a flat battery reports nothing, and a system that gives false alarms disturbs your neighbours and the emergency services.
- Check the battery status of the sensors and control unit in the app or on the control panel, as the manual indicates
- Replace batteries with a low status
- Test that the system gives the right alarm signal on opening or movement and doesn’t cause a false alarm
- If a security company does the maintenance, keep the maintenance certificate
- Not connected to an alarm monitoring centre? Check and confirm your details annually via policeonweb.be
15 to 30 minutes.
- new batteries if needed
- the system’s test procedure
In Belgium: under the Royal Decree of 25 April 2007 (art. 8), you as the user ensure annual maintenance. You check that the system still complies with the rules, doesn’t give false alarms and gives the right alarm signal in case of a break-in. If a company does this for you, you get a certificate. If you’re not connected to an alarm monitoring centre, you also confirm your details every year on policeonweb.be. There is no separate legal deadline for replacing batteries.
This is a federal rule for the whole of Belgium. It doesn’t apply to an alarm without an outdoor siren, outdoor light or external notification (such as a message on your mobile phone); even then, an annual check is sensible.
Your routine is only saved once you confirm. No account, on this device.
Work safely and follow the manual. If in doubt, or if it involves gas, combustion or working at height, leave it to a qualified professional.
Source
- FOD Binnenlandse Zaken / Belgisch Staatsblad (Justel) — KB 25 april 2007 tot vaststelling van de voorwaarden voor installatie, onderhoud en gebruik van alarmsystemen en beheer van alarmcentrales (geconsolideerd)
- Verisure België — Jaarlijks onderhoud van het alarmsysteem
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