White box heating up

[larkymarky]

Hi,

In a cupboard under my stairs there's this white box. I've not paid much attention to it until today when I noticed it's warm. I don't remember it ever heating up.

Before i call an electrician, any ideas what it is and if it should heat up?

Thanks

Larky

 

[robinbanks]

Undo that screw on the right, take the front cover off and take us a picture of the contents.

Don't lick anything inside it, btw

 

[darkknight]

Most likely something to do with an alarm.
Not necessarily the main CPU but could house a 12v battery and charger.

 

[Taylortwocities]

It is the intruder alarm. if you

Undo that screw on the right, take the front cover off

Then be prepared for all sorts of bells and strobe lights to start up.
You’ll need the reset code afterwards too.

 

[larkymarky]

Ok, great so its most likely something to do with the alarm. I guess it shouldn't heat up. The alarm hasn't been serviced since we moved in, so it might be worth getting an alarm specialist in.

Thanks everyone.

 

[securespark]

If there's a transformer in there it may get warm.

 

[JohnD]

I expect there will be standby battery, and a charger for it.

 

[big-all]

my thoughts
if it warms up in a small to largish area but just a bit warm then not a problem iff it warms to say body temperature all over then think about a reason but will tend to be ok if it warms to a too hot to touch then worry a lot

 

[larkymarky]

Yeah, ive opened the box and the alarm went off. Battery is now disconnected, which was getting warm.
Photo below if anyone is still interested in what was in the mystery box...

 

[Taylortwocities]

If you need the alarm then best to get the system serviced, and they can supply a new battery, if it is needed.

 

[JohnD]

Mine are replaced on contract every 5 years.

 

[pcaouolte]

If it is still connected to mains power, which seems likely, then don't let the disconnected battery leads touch each other or the metal box. Wrap a bit of tape round them if you are going to leave them like that for a while. They will still be receiving 12 volts from the charging circuit.

 

[Taylortwocities]

If it is still connected to mains power, which seems likely, then don't let the disconnected battery leads touch each other or the metal box. Wrap a bit of tape round them if you are going to leave them like that for a while. They will still be receiving 12 volts from the charging circuit.

There is a fuse in the FCU underneath the box. Remove that fuse!