Can I cut these wires without becoming dead?

1,767 Views | 17 Replies | Last: 1 hr ago by Whoop Delecto
bam02
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11:58a, 10/18/26
AG
I want to remove this ADT alarm panel that is in our closet. I will never use the alarm system and this is an eyesore and in the way. Can I safely cut all the wires coming out of the wall?
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Luckass96
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12:07p, 10/18/26
AG
Try using a wire tester to make sure none are hot. I don't know about alarm systems but I sought the battery was the main power source.
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bam02
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In reply to Luckass96 • 12:17p, 10/18/26
AG
Good call. It was also plugged into an outlet so I'm guessing that was the main power source.
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RoyVal
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12:54p, 10/18/26
AG
yeah you can cut on those. they are just low voltage DC. I'd disconnect the little battery first.
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jt2hunt
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In reply to bam02 • 2:05p, 10/18/26
AG
the transformer is plugged into an outlet. pull it and disconnect the battery and cut away.
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coppellag82
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2:23p, 10/18/26
AG
Never say never.

Spend the 5 minutes and loosen the screws and disconnect them. Roll them up and put in the wall behind a blank plate. You or perhaps a future home owner may want to hook up the alarm system and it would be nice to still have plenty of wire there to make the connections.
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Claude!
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3:06p, 10/18/26
I have an identical useless ADT box in one of my closets. Let me know how it goes.
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bam02
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In reply to Claude! • 4:46p, 10/18/26
AG
Got it done. Now I have a 4"x4" hole I have to patch but I'll be happy to be rid of that crap in the wall. It was easy.
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bam02
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In reply to coppellag82 • 4:48p, 10/18/26
AG
True. I did go ahead and loosen the set screws and put the wires inside the wall without cutting them.

I can say 99.9% we won't use it but I agree with leaving them.
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bam02
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4:48p, 10/18/26
AG
I looked closer and realized they were all low voltage wires so I disconnected the battery and then proceeded without issue.

Thanks y'all!
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Average Joe
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8:55p, 10/21/26
AG
For future reference, alarm systems like this will be powered by the white power plug that is hanging down at the bottom of the image, and the battery will be for backup power. That's so someone can't cut the power to your house and then break in. Unplug it from the wall and disconnect the battery and you will be good to unplug the rest. Nothing should need to be cut. You should be able to loosen terminals and pull cables away as needed.
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cena05
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8:47a, 10/22/26
AG
Have the same one, but I kept it to hear the beep when the doors open and close.
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bam02
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In reply to cena05 • 9:05a, 10/22/26
AG
Ha ha that was the first thing we disabled.
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Tormentos
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9:07p, 10/24/26
AG
Any reason to keep these old school ADT alarm systems, what about all the door/windows sensors.
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Dill-Ag13
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In reply to Tormentos • 3:25p, 10/26/26
AG
Tormentos said:
Any reason to keep these old school ADT alarm systems, what about all the door/windows sensors.

The only useful part I have found is to use the existing wiring and keypad mount locations to enable powered ring keypad panels at the same locations. I have retrofitted two homes using the wiring from the transformer in the panel and converting to 5V usb. All the sensor wires I ripped out of the wall and left the sensors to die in the doors and windows with prejudice
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DeLaHonta
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In reply to Dill-Ag13 • 8:40p, 10/30/26
AG
Why wouldn't you use the Ring Retrofit Kit to utilize all the existing hardwire sensors as part of your Ring security system? Not having to change batteries on all the sensors is nice.
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Dill-Ag13
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8:48p, 10/30/26
AG
Didn't know that was a thing!
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Whoop Delecto
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7:59a
AG
https://ring.com/products/retrofit-alarm-kit
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