Part No. 4801-1201 Rev. 1-20 Alert Alarm III 3
other devices which would cause false readings. If a sensor is to be run from one building to
another, it is recommended that the connection be made with underground-rated wire buried
between the two structures. This process is to reduce the effects of lightning.
4.8 Power Out
The Power Out alarm indicates that there has been no electricity present on the alarm cordset for at
least one minute. If it is found that there is power at the electrical outlet, the 2 Amp fuse located at
the bottom of the box and nearest the back could be blown.
4.9 Battery Low
The Battery Low alarm source indicates that the battery voltage has dropped below about 11 volts.
If this situation occurs, the operator should set all controls so that the siren will not activate, and that
leave the machine plugged in with the Power ON/OFF switch in the On position for about four
hours. This should recharge the battery. If this doesn’t work the battery is probably bad. In this
case, contact your Cumberland dealer for a replacement. Note that it is common for the Battery Low
indicator to be lit if the alarm has sounded for a long time.
4.10 Auxiliary Inputs
The Alert Alarm III is equipped with two auxiliary inputs. These inputs are a closed loop circuit.
On the circuit board located on the door of the alarm enclosure there is a terminal block. Four of the
positions of this terminal block are labeled aux 1, gnd and sig, aux 2, gnd and sig. If at any time, the
connection between the gnd and sig positions are broken, the alarm will sound. When auxiliary
devices are connected to the Auxiliary inputs, the jumper across the sig and gnd terminals must be
removed.
There are many devices on the market that could be used with these inputs. For instance, water
pressure switches, light meters, and thermostats could all be used. In the future, Cumberland will
offer several options for these inputs. Section 8 shows how the Farm Hand family of controllers may
be connected to the Alert Alarm III auxiliary inputs.
4.11 Recommendations
Once, again, the temperature sensors should be dropped as low in the house as possible while still
being out of reach of the livestock or poultry. And, as discussed earlier, it is recommended that the
operator press the test button for ten to fifteen seconds at least twice a week to verify the operation
of the alarm as well as to condition the livestock or poultry to the sound of the siren.
Many operators want to mount the siren a long distance from the controller. Sometimes, this is
desirable in order to locate the siren closer to their dwelling, sometimes to get it away from their
animals. The siren which is sent with the alarm uses about one ampere of current and with thin wire
this causes a great deal of voltage drop. This voltage drop, in turn, can cause the siren to become
inoperative as it requires 12 volts. Because of this, if the operator wants to mount the siren more
than 50 feet from the controller, he should use a relay with a 12VDC rated coil to switch current to
his siren. When this is done, the operator must provide a separate battery and charger for his siren.
5. Trouble-Shooting Your Alarm
5.1 Battery Low
If the battery in the Alert Alarm III gets down to around 11 volts, the battery low alarm condition
will be active. This is very common if the Alarm has sounded for some time. If this situation exists,
the Alarm should be set so that no alarm condition exists, and the battery allowed to recharge. This
may require the operator to disconnect the siren to allow the battery to build back up. If recharging
doesn’t fix the problem, then the battery must be replaced. Contact your nearest Cumberland dealer
for a replacement.
