How to Replace Batteries for Cox Homelife Devices

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Replacing batteries is a critical action that must be done properly to avoid damaging equipment and thereby compromising the security system.

This Guide will provide you with instructions on how to replace the batteries in all the Cox Homelife Automation devices.

Before you begin:

  • Ensure that the customer Disarms their Cox Homelife system prior to changing the battery in any of the devices 
  • The customers need to place the touchscreen into Alarm Test Mode to prevent an alarm/tamper condition 
  • Customers can call the Central Monitoring Station at 1-800-633-2677 to put the system into test mode

2. Steps for assisting customers

Follow the steps below to assist customers who needs to replace batteries. 

1. Verify low / dead battery messages in the management portal. 

2. Check the voltage level for all device batteries installed on the account. 

3. Review with the customer each device that needs battery replacement and which type of battery should be used.

4. Now go ahead and follow the instructions to replace the batteries for the required devices.

3. Choose the device

Select the Device for which the battery has to be replaced:

CO2 Detector

A carbon monoxide detector is a device that is used to detect the presence of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. The device is designed to measure levels of carbon monoxide in an environment over time, and to sound an alarm if the level reaches a critical level. Some detectors also automatically contact a monitoring service.

SMC Brand 

1. The customer needs to slide the alarm body off of the mounting plate.     

2. Then, they need to remove the old batteries and dispose them properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

3. When replacing batteries, they need to use one of the following approved brands, which can be purchased at their local hardware store 

  • Energizer E91 
  • Duracell MN1500 or MX1500

 AA Batteries 

4. Now, they need to replace with three new batteries by observing the correct polarity.

5. And finally, they need to slide the alarm body back onto the mounting plate.

  • Using a different battery can affect the alarm operation detrimentally
  • The mounting plate will not close if all three batteries are not installed

 

Smoke Detector

A smoke detector is a sensor that detects smoke as a primary indication of fire. It provides a signal to a fire alarm system in a large building or produces an audible and visual signal locally in a room or a home. Smoke detectors are usually housed in a small, round-shaped plastic case, and placed at the roof where there are risks of fire or fire hazards.

   

SMC Brand Smoke Detector

1. First, the customer needs to remove the smoke detector from the mounting base by turning the cover counterclockwise, approximately 15 degrees.

 

2. On the back of the sensor, they need to slide the battery compartment cover away from the smoke detector to unsnap it and lift it off.

3. Next, they need to remove and dispose the batteries appropriately as recommended by the battery manufacturer. 

CR123A Battery 

4. Then, they need to observe the correct polarity and replace with two new 3V lithium batteries into the battery compartment and replace the cover. 

 

5. When the batteries are inserted correctly, a red indicator light will illuminate.

6. Finally, they need to reattach the cover to the mounting base and test the system. 

 

Visonic Brand Smoke Detector

1. First, the customer needs to separate the detector from its bracket by rotating the detector counterclockwise and pull it from the bracket.

  

2. Then, they need to lift the battery cover located on the back of the sensor.

3. Next, they need to remove the old batteries and dispose them properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

4. Then, they need to replace with a new battery.

CR123A Battery

        

 5. And they need to connect the battery to its terminals by observing the correct polarity.

 

6. Now, they need to replace the cover.

7. Finally, they need to turn the cover clockwise until it snaps into place and then press the test button to ensure proper installation.

 

When the battery first makes contact, the alarm horn may sound for one second. This indicates that the battery is connected properly. 

 

Door and/or Window Sensor

Door and window sensors make up the backbone of any home security system and monitor which doors and windows are opened and closed. Door security devices and window security devices are often very similar. Most systems come with a set number of sensors, and then it can be added more depending on how many the home might need. Ideally, the sensors get placed on every door and window in the home. If a door or window gets opened or breached when the alarm is on, the sensor sends a signal to the main control panel, and immediately triggers the main alarm monitoring service.

    

  

Sercomm SZ-DWS08 Door and Window Sensor

1. First, While pressing down, the customer needs to slide the cover to the side to remove the sensor cover.

2. Next, they need to remove the battery from the sensor and dispose the old battery properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

CR2450 Battery 

3. Then, they need to replace with a new battery by observing the correct polarity.

4. Finally, they need to replace the sensor cover.  

Visonic MCT-320 Door and Window Sensor

1. The customer needs to Insert a small flathead screwdriver into one of the small notches located on the same side as the magnet.

2. Then, they need to twist the screwdriver to pop off the sensor cover and set it aside.

3. Next, they need to remove the old battery and dispose it properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

CR2 Battery

4. Now, they need to replace with a new battery by observing the correct polarity.

5. Finally, they need to push the cover back on the sensor until it clicks into place.

Visonic MCT-350 Door and Window Sensor

1. First, the customer needs to press down on the battery cover.

2. While pressing down, they need to slide the cover to the side to open it.

3. Then, they need to push against the clip and lift the old battery from the slot below it.

4. And they need to dispose the old battery properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

CR2450 Battery

 

5. Next, they need to replace with a new battery by observing the correct polarity.

6. Now, they need to align the small tab on the cover with the slot in the track on the Sensor body and press the cover down onto the Sensor.

7. Finally, they need to slide the cover back on the sensor until it clicks into place.

8. When the battery is inserted correctly and the cover is reattached, the green light on the front of the Sensor illuminates.

This model is not available in Arizona, Las Vegas, or California. 

SMC Brand Door and Window Sensor

1. First, the customer needs to find the locking mechanism tab located on the narrow side of the sensor with the LED light pointing towards it.

2. Then, they need to press the locking mechanism using a screwdriver until the back cover pops off.

3. Now, they need to remove the old battery and dispose it properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

CR2 Battery 

4. Next, they need to replace with a new battery by observing the correct polarity..

5. Finally, they need to replace the back cover by sliding the locking tab back into place on the sensor.

 

Sercomm SZ-DWS04 Door and Window Sensor

1. First, the customer needs to find the notch located on the sensor.

2. Using fingers, they need to pry the cover from the base.

3. Then, they need to remove the old battery and dispose it properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

CR2023 Battery 

4. Now, they need to replace with a new battery, the (+) should be facing the them.

5. Finally, they need to push the cover back on the sensor until it clicks into place.

Visonic Brand (Auxiliary) 

1. First, the customer needs to remove the cover-securing screw with a Phillips screwdriver and set it aside.

2. Then, they need to Pry the base from the cover and set it aside.

3. Next, they need to remove the old battery and dispose it properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

CR2 Battery 

4. Now, they need to replace with a new battery and tab-like base until it catches with the cover into the base’s tab openings by observing the correct polarity..

5. Finally, they need to close the sensor and replace the screw. 

Glass Break Sensor 

Glass break detectors are also referred to as glass break sensors. A glass break detector is a type of intruder alarm that senses unauthorised entry into a site, building or room. The signals from these sensors are sent back to a central control unit that may be located in a remote facility where staff members can monitor activities, mobilise security personnel or contact the police in an emergency.Intruder systems may also emit an audible alarm. This serves two purposes: it draws attention to the break-in and makes it unpleasant for the intruder to remain onsite. Many glass break sensors can detect broken glass within six to eight metres.This type of security technology can be effective when used around glass doors or glass storefront windows. These devices can be particularly useful in areas where motion detectors are not used.

SMC Brand Glass Break Sensor

1. First, the customer needs to separate the cover from the base by removing the front screw at the bottom of the sensor.

2. Then, they need to pry off the cover using their hand or a flathead screwdriver and set it aside.

3. Next, they need to remove the old battery and dispose it properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

CR123A Battery 

4. Now, they need to replace with a new battery by observing the correct polarity..

5. Finally, they need to replace the cover by gently pushing it back onto the sensor until it clicks into place.

Visonic Brand Glass Break Sensor

1. The customer first needs to unfasten the base screw and press in the snap button to separate the cover from the base.

2. Then, they need to remove the old battery and dispose it properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

CR123A Battery 

3. Now, they need to replace with a new battery by observing the correct polarity.

4. Finally, they need to replace the cover on the base and fasten with the screw.

Motion Sensor

A motion sensor (or motion detector) is an electronic device that is designed to detect and measure movement. Motion sensors are used primarily in home and business security systems, but they can also be found in phones, paper towel dispensers, game consoles, and virtual reality systems. Unlike many other types of sensors (which can be handheld and isolated), motion sensors are typically embedded systems with three major components: a sensor unit, an embedded computer, and hardware (or the mechanical component). These three parts vary in size and configuration, as motion sensors can be customized to perform highly specific functions.

     

 

Visonic MP-841 Motion Sensor

1. The customer first needs to press upward on the motion sensor to separate the motion sensor from the bracket. This procedure is used when the motion sensor is mounted on the wall. 

  

2. Next, they need to remove and dispose the batteries appropriately as recommended by the battery manufacturer. 

CR123A Battery

3. Then, they need to replace with two new Lithium batteries by observing the correct polarity.

4. Now, they need to put the motion sensor back on the bracket using the same instructions after mounting the bracket.

5. Finally, they need to push down until a click is heard and when the batteries are inserted correctly, the red indicator light on the front of the sensor will illuminate.

 

Bosch 1st Generation - Model #ISW-ZDL1-WP11G

 

1. To open the sensor, first the customer needs to unlock it by inserting a small screwdriver into the locking notch located on the bottom of the sensor and turn it to the unlock position.

2. Then, they need to hold the base and slide the unit body down to remove it from the base.

3. Next, they need to remove the old batteries and dispose them properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

AA batteries 

4. Now, they need to replace with six new batteries by observing the correct polarity.

5. To close the sensor, they need to slide the detector back onto the base and lock the detector this time.

Bosch 2nd Generation - Model #RFDL-ZB-MS

1. Using a small flathead screwdriver, the customer needs to turn the slotted switch at the base of the sensor one-half turn clockwise.

2. Then, they need to remove the cover from the base.

3. Using their finger, they need to carefully pull the battery compartment from the cover.

4. Next, they need to remove the old batteries and dispose them properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

CR123A Battery 

5. Now, they need to replace with two new batteries, by observing the correct polarity. 

6. Finally, they need to replace the self-locking cover onto the base.

 

7. When the batteries have been inserted correctly, the keypad buttons and indicator lights will illuminate.

Visonic Brand

1. First, the customer needs to loosen the bottom screw on the motion sensor with a Phillips screwdriver until the cover pops off. 

2. Then a green board is held at the top by a catch tab, they need to Gently pull this tab up.

3. And then remove the board from the case by pulling the section closest to the catch tab first, again they need to gently remove the board from the sensor and set it aside. 

4. Next, they need to remove the old battery and dispose it properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

CR123 Battery 

5. Now, they need to replace with a new battery by observing the correct polarity.

6. When the battery is inserted correctly, the red light on the circuit board will illuminate.

 

7. Then, they need to re-insert the board’s tab-like bottom back into the cover.

8. Now, they need to lean the board forward until the tab clicks into place.

9. Finally, they need to reconnect the base and cover, and tighten the screw base. 

SMC Brand

1. First, the customer needs to loosen the screw at the bottom of the sensor with a Phillips screwdriver.

2. Then, they need to insert a flathead screwdriver under the cover by the screw and twist to remove and set the cover aside.

3. Next, they need to remove the old batteries and dispose them properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

CR123 Battery

4. Now, they need to replace with three new batteries by observing the correct polarity.

 

5. Finally, they need to slip the cover back on until they hear it snap into place and then tighten the screw.

 

 

6. And when the batteries have been inserted and the cover is reattached correctly, the red indicator light on the front of the Motion Sensor will illuminate.

 

Water Sensor

Water sensors detect the presence of water and, when placed in locations where water should not be present, a leak. When Wi-Fi is enabled, the sensor can send out a notification to the homeowner through a smartphone app. If the homeowner will be out of town, family members, friends or other caretakers can be designated to receive notification of a leak, so they can act quickly to help prevent further damage.

   

Visonic Brand

1. First, the customer needs to remove the cover-removing screw with a Phillips screwdriver and set it aside.

2. Then, they need to pry the base from the cover and set it aside.

3. Next, they need to remove the old battery and dispose it properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

CR2 Battery 

4. And they need to replace with a new battery by observing the correct polarity.

 

5. Now, they need to insert the tab-like base until it catches with the cover into the base’s tab openings.

6. Finally, they need to close the sensor and replace the screw.

Sercomm Brand

1. The customer first needs to remove the sensor's cover. 

2. Then, they need to remove the old battery and dispose it properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

CR2 Battery 

3. Now, they need to replace with a new battery by observing the correct polarity. 

   

4. And finally, they need to replace the cover by gently snapping it back into place.     

Thermostat

A thermostat is a regulating device component which senses the temperature of a physical system and performs actions so that the system's temperature is maintained near a desired setpoint.Thermostats are used in any device or system that heats or cools to a setpoint temperature.A thermostat operates as a "closed loop" control device, as it seeks to reduce the error between the desired and measured temperatures.

 

Zen Brand

 

1. The customer first needs to remove the faceplate of the thermostat by gripping the sides and pulling away from the wall. 

2. Then, they need to remove the old batteries and dispose them properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

AA Alkaline Batteries 

3. Now, they need to replace with four batteries by observing the correct polarity.

4. Finally, they need to replace the faceplate onto the base.

  

Centralite Brand

1. First, the customer needs to remove the front cover by pulling the outer edges of the thermostat towards them.

  

2. Then, they need to remove the old batteries and dispose them properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

AA Lithium Battery

3. Next, they need to replace with four new batteries by observing the polarity.

  

4. Now, they need to replace the cover by gently snapping it back into place.

Radio Thermostats of America Brand

 

1. The customer first needs to slip off the bottom white panel of the front cover by pulling it towards them from the right side.

2. Then, they need to remove the old batteries and dispose them properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

AA Alkaline Batteries 

3. Next, they need to replace with three new batteries by observing the correct polarity.

  

4. Finally, they need to replace the cover by snapping it into place.

 Door Lock

A smart door lock is an electromechanical lock which is designed to perform locking and unlocking operations on a door when it receives such instructions from an authorized device using a wireless protocol and a cryptographic key to execute the authorization process. It also monitors access and sends alerts for the different events it monitors and some other critical events related to the status of the device. Smart locks can be considered part of a smart home.

   Kwikset Brand 

1. First, the customer needs to locate the battery pack which is housed on the interior side of the lock, under the interior cover.

2. Then, using the 3/32 hex key that they were provided at the time of installation, they need to remove the three screws that hold the interior cover in place.

3. Next, they need to remove the interior cover and the battery pack.

  

4. And then, they need to remove the old batteries and dispose them properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

AA Alkaline Battery 

5. Now, they need to replace with four new alkaline batteries by observing the correct polarity.

6. Finally, they need to reinstall the battery pack and make sure the arrows on the DOOR indicator are pointing towards the door.

  

Wireless Key Fob

A security key fob is a wireless remote control device nearly identical to those clickers you get with your car. In fact, they perform basically the same function.The wireless remote for your car locks and unlocks the car doors and initializes the built-in security system.   

      

  

Follow the instructions below to replace batteries in the Cox Homelife Wireless Key Fob:

Hitron Brand

CR2032 Battery  

1. First, the customer needs to slide the battery cover to the left to open as shown.

2. Then, they need to remove the old battery and dispose it properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

3. And they need to replace with a new battery by observing the correct polarity, such that the (+) sign should be facing them.

 

4. When the batteries have been inserted correctly, the keypad buttons and indicator lights will illuminate.

5. Now, they need to slide the battery cover back and test operation.

SMC Brand

1. First, the customer needs to place the head of a small flathead screwdriver between the front and back cover of the keychain remote and twist to separate the covers.

2. Then, they need to place the keychain remote face down on a flat surface and remove the back cover.

3. Next, they need to lift the small circuit board that holds the disk battery from the keychain remote.

4. Then using the head of the screwdriver, the customer needs to push the disk battery out of its holster on the circuit board.

5. And they need to remove the old battery and dispose it properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer.

CR2032 Battery 

6. Now, they need to replace with a new battery by observing the correct polarity and place the circuit board back into the keychain remote.

7. At last, they need to reconnect the front and back covers of the keychain remote.

Wireless Keypad

A keypad, or alarm panel, is the home base for the security system.It's an interface between user and the security devices installed throughout the home. The keypad gives an overview of the entire home security system, and gives access to arm or disarm the alarm. It receives signals from all the installed equipment: motion sensor, door and window contact sensors,flood sensors, security cameras, or other devices that might have been installed. These security devices communicate with the keypad, sending updates and alerts on the condition of the home's security status.

 

     

Follow the instructions below to replace batteries in the Cox Homelife Wireless Keypads:

SMC Brand

 

1. The customer first needs to open the battery compartment. 

2. And the, they need to remove the old batteries and dispose them properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer. 

CR2 Lithium-ion Batteries 

3. Now, they need to replace with two new lithium-ion batteries.

4. They need to make sure that the batteries are positioned correctly in line with the 2 positive (+) polarity signs that display above the battery compartment. 

  • Both batteries must be installed with the positive (+) side pointing upward

5. Next, they need to snap the battery cover closed. 

6. If tape was used to install the keypad on the wall, they need to take extra care that the polarity markings are clear and visible before installing new batteries.

  • In addition, they need to make sure that the tape does not cover the batteries or the polarity markings upon reinstalling

It is important that the customer do not mix old and new batteries and use only new CR2 lithium-ion batteries.  

If batteries are installed incorrectly, the keypad may be damaged by a short circuit or by the battery overheating.   

Centralite Brand

1. The customer first needs to remove the keypad from the wall by sliding it upwards until it is free of the mounting bracket. 

2. Then, they need to remove the battery compartment cover. 

3. Next, they need to remove the old batteries and dispose them properly, as recommended by the battery manufacturer. 

CR123A Lithium Battery 

                  

4. And now, they need to replace with two new lithium-ion batteries.

5. They need to make sure that the batteries are positioned correctly, following the battery diagram located inside the battery compartment. 

6. Next, they need to replace the battery cover and slide the cover until it snaps into place and is closed.

7. When the batteries have been inserted correctly, the keypad buttons and indicator lights will illuminate.

8. At last, they need to reattach the keypad to the wall by sliding it into the mounting bracket until secure. 

It is important that the customer do not mix old and new batteries and use only new CR2 lithium-ion batteries.