I just installed a DSC 1684 security system. It won't power up and I can't tell if the problem is with the transformer or the main board.

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Hi Michael,

Hello and welcome to ExpertHelp.com! Before going to the mainboard as the problem, the first thing that you need to check is to make sure there is power from the power source of the device, you can also test the battery of the unit if it is working. If the device totally has no power and does not turn on the power source or the battery may be the fault. 

Is this a new unit? Please let me know by replying to this message I will be waiting for your response. Thank you.

Thanks for replying. By the way are you referring to the adapter when saying transformer? If there is no light on the transformer when attached to the board, you might have wired the unit incorrectly the reason the unit does not turn on. Please double check your wiring diagram, one of them might have been wired incorrectly which affects the polarity.

Hi Michael,

Try to plug in the transformer and then get a voltage meter and check for AC power on the AC inputs. I would also check for DC power on the AUX inputs to confirm that your powered devices are getting power. 

NOTE: Red + Black - 

The Plug in transformer usually have 4 wires R/B/Y/G you can Connect it to AC terminal by R/G + and B/Y - pair. Also check the back of all your devices and keypads to confirm they are wired properly. Also confirm that they are wired correctly and properly at the panel. Once they are properly connected, this should fix the problem.

Please let me know if you are already satisfied with the answer or have additional questions by replying to this message. I will be waiting for your response. Thanks.

Hi Michael,

I'm here to do a follow up on your posted question. Has the problem been fixed after following the steps on my last message below? Please let me know if you are already satisfied with the answer or have additional questions by replying to this message. I will be waiting for your response.

I am signing off for now, and will be back online at around 11am onwards Eastern Time (ET)  to offer you continued support. I look forward to continuing our discussion and help you reach the most accurate and helpful answer at the earliest. Thank you

Thanks for replying. The only thing that reminds me of that symptom is a reversed wire; The polarity of the wires on the transformer is opposite to the panel. Have you try reversing those wires or testing their polarity which one is positive and which one is negative? I experienced this on a 12V where the light on the adapter turns of when plugged to a unit. Found out that the wires were incorrectly connected and reversing them corrected the problem. I hope this helps.

Please let me know if you are already satisfied with the answer or have additional questions by replying to this message. I will be waiting for your response. Thanks.

Hi Michael,

I'm here to do a follow up on your posted question. Has the problem been fixed after following the steps on my last message below? Please let me know if you are already satisfied with the answer or have additional questions by replying to this message. I am signing off for now, and will be back online at around 11am onwards Eastern Time (ET) just in case you need continued support. I will be waiting for your response. Thank you

Please take your time, just let me know once you got the new voltmeter and run some tests. Thanks for replying.

Thank you.

Hello Michael,

I'm here to do a follow up on your posted question. Has the problem been fixed? If you are already satisfied with the answer or still need help please let me know once you are already available by replying to this message. I will be waiting for your response. Thanks.

I understand please take your time and let me know once you are ready. Thanks.