On 1/9/2014 6:09 PM, MaryL wrote:

~~~~~~~
That happened to me several years ago. In my case, I needed a new
battery for the backup system. That might be worth checking when
maintenance comes to check yours. I change batteries in various
appliances, but I could not change the big batteries in the security
system. That required a technician. Fortunately, those batteries last
a long time.

MaryL

Oh, I forgot to say, when the guard was here the first time Wednesday
morning he tested the battery. He said it was fine. Besides, I would
recognize the periodic beep it makes when the battery is running low.
I've had to replace it once.

This wasn't at all like a battery warning beep. It was a full scale
alarm. It's extremely loud. There is a horn.

Jill

~~~~~~~~~
The backup batteries that come with my security system do not make a
beeping sound (quite unlike the batteries with ordinary smoke alarms).
The time mine were activated was when we lost power for 7 days following
one of the hurricanes. Then the batteries caused an unrelenting,
piercing screech. It was almost unbearable, and it was probably much
worse for the cats since they have such sensitive hearing. Luckily, I
was able to get someone to come in and disconnect it until we had power
again. As I said earlier, I can change batteries in most appliances,
but these are very large batteries and require special tools.

MaryL

Wow, I'll bet that was annoying! I'm familiar with the beep noise of
low battery in the security system. Similar, as you said, to a smoke
alarm battery warning. It beeps often enough and loud enough to get on
your nerves.

One time when I was cat-sitting the neighbor's alarm started emitting
that battery beeping sound. It was annoying ME and I wasn't even there
for very long every day. I could only imagine the cats couldn't be
enjoying it much when they were inside, either.

I called the gate and explained she's out of town. They set a time and
I met the guard over there and he swapped out the battery. We *do* have
to pay for the alarm batteries but since it wasn't my house they didn't
ask me to pay for it. I don't think she ever got a bill for the
battery, which, IIRC is about $140.

I could change the battery myself, it's just a couple of plugs in the
control panel, no special tools required. The battery is about 6 inches
square. But since they send a guard over to deliver the battery I
figure they may as well install it, too.

No resolution (or appointment) with the alarm system guy yet. Persia
and I did enjoy a blissful, uninterrupted sleep last night.

Jill