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What power transformer do I need to use to connect to the DC12V 1A input on the alarm panel?

5 min. readlast update: 12.11.2025

If you have an older alarm panel that you want to remove from your wall and connect the Gen 2 alarm panel to the existing power wires from your previous system, please note that you will need to replace your previous power transformer with one rated at DC 12 volts, 1 amp. This is very important — using the incorrect or original transformer will damage the circuit board on the Gen 2 alarm panel.

We recommend using a 12V 1A (12W) transformer. You may also find a transformer with the same power rating at your local electronics store.

Amazon.ca - Tonton 12V 10ft Power Supply Adapter - AC 100-240V to DC 12V 1A, 12W
Amazon.com - Tonton 12V 1A Power Supply Adapter 10ft Cord 12W DC 

 

  
🔌 Powering the Gen 2 Alarm Panel Using a 12V 1A Transformer

This guide explains how to power your Gen 2 Alarm Panel using a 12-volt transformer — especially when connecting to wiring from a previous alarm panel (such as Honeywell or DSC).

⚠️ Important:
Always turn off electricity before making or adjusting any wiring connections.

1️⃣ Understanding Power Options

Your Gen 2 Alarm Panel normally uses a 5 V 2 A adapter (plug-in type).
However, you can also power it with a 12 V 1 A transformer by using the adapter cable included in your kit.

  • Option 1: Plug directly with 5V/2A adapter (standard wall plug).

      

  • Option 2: Use the 12V/1A input and adapter cable to connect to a 12V 1 Amp transformer.




    Important: Only use one interface, DO NOT CONNECT and use the DC12V/1A and Type-C 5V/2A power interfaces at the same time.  Use only one or the other.

2️⃣ Identifying Wires from a Previous Alarm System

If you’re reusing existing wall wiring:

Old Alarm Type Typical Transformer Voltage Notes
Honeywell 9 V Not compatible with Gen 2
DSC 16.5 V Too high — do not connect directly

:

🧠Locate the Existing Alarm Power Transformer

Before installing the new transformer, you’ll need to trace the existing alarm panel power wires back to the transformer that was previously powering the old system:

  1. Turn off power at the breaker for safety before inspecting any wiring.

  2. From the alarm panel, follow the low-voltage wires back through the wall or conduit. In many homes these wires run to a basement, storage room, utility closet, or near the original alarm panel location where the old transformer was mounted.

  3. The transformer is typically plugged into a standard 120 V outlet and will be a small rectangular or “brick”-style unit that steps down to low-voltage DC for the panel.

  4. Once you find the transformer and the wiring pair that supplied power, disconnect it and remove it.

  5. Replace it with the recommended DC 12 V 1 A transformer — this is the correct power source for the Gen 2 alarm panel and using a transformer with the wrong voltage can damage the panel.

Important: If the old wiring has four wires, you must use all four.
Why? Because the wires are thinner, you need to double up the pairs:
Red/Green (+) and Black/Yellow (−).

Use a voltage meter to find the pair that delivers the 12 V DC power and mark them clearly.

3️⃣ Setting Up the 12 V Transformer

You’ll need:

  • 12 V 1 A power adapter (transformer)

  • Adapter cable (red = positive +, black = negative –)

  • Wire connectors (orange caps or similar)

  • Electrical tape

Steps:

  1. Plug your 120 V wall outlet into a short white extension plug or socket (as shown in the photo).

  2. Plug the 12 V 1 A transformer into that socket.

  3. Attach the black and red adapter wires to the two output terminals of the transformer:

    • Red → positive (+)

    • Black → negative (–)

  4. Use wire connectors and secure them with electrical tape.

    How To Connect or Splice Wires Together - 10 Methods

4️⃣ Connecting to the Alarm Panel

  1. Temporarily turn off the Back up battery switch on the back of the alarm panel.

  2. The other end of your adapter cable plugs directly into the 12 V input port of your Gen 2 panel.

  3. Turn power on and check that the panel lights up.

  4. If the panel doesn’t power on:

    • Turn power off again.

    • Swap the two wires (reverse polarity) — sometimes reversing them fixes the issue.

5️⃣ Testing the Connection

Before final installation:

  1. Confirm that the panel turns on.

  2. Test key functions (arming/disarming, sensors, and SOS).

  3. Once verified, secure all wiring neatly in the wall box or enclosure.

⚡ Quick Troubleshooting

Issue Possible Cause Solution
Panel won’t power on Polarity reversed Swap the red/black wire connections
Flickering or unstable power Loose wire cap or low-quality transformer Re-tighten connections or use a new 12 V 1 A transformer
Still no power Old wiring voltage mismatch Use a voltage meter to confirm 12 V DC is present

🧠 Notes for Installers

  • Never connect to a 9 V Honeywell or 16.5 V DSC transformer — these can damage the Gen 2 panel.

  • If unsure, always measure voltage first with a multimeter.

  • Keep all connections insulated with tape or heat-shrink tubing.

I you have any questions please contact our support dept: Technical Support

 

 

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