‎Warning - Hope this doesn't happen to you - SimpliSafe put WRONG batteries in Base Station! | SimpliSafe Support Home
 
jausdemore's profile

Thursday, February 9th, 2023 7:13 PM

Warning - Hope this doesn't happen to you - SimpliSafe put WRONG batteries in Base Station!

I learned this week that a base station that SimpliSafe sent me over a year ago contained regular Yellow Amazon double AA batteries.  I only found out because we were getting an error message that the batteries in the base station were not charging.  I didn't know the base station even had batteries.

When I called a service representative, he had me remove the power cord and remove the screw to get at the batteries. I then discovered they were NOT rechargeable NiMH batteries, but just regular old double AAs. When I read on this board that those can damage the base station or even cause a fire I became very upset. I bought these devices from SimpliSafe to improve the security of my family. Instead, due to SimpliSafe's negligence, I put them at greater risk.

The CSR told me they are sending out the correct batteries and my base station has not been damaged.  I hope that is the case, but at this point I have a serious problem trusting SimpliSafe due to their prior negligence.  I think they should have replaced the base station with a new one, but apparently their priority is COST over SECURITY.  I may have to go with a different security company.  It's really too bad because I bought the system based on all the positive reviews.  

I hope SimpliSafe Management takes my concerns to heart. I would not want their actions to put other customers at risk!

Community Admin

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3.4K Messages

2 years ago

Hi @jausdemore, 

I'm sorry to hear this! I've forwarded your case to our Support team; a Senior Specialist will reach out to you soon to discuss this further. 

6 Messages

@emily_s​ Thank you!

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Follow-up: I spoke with Matt Fransen in Customer Support and was initially impressed when he told me he would give me a free month of monitoring and Fedex the batteries out so I received them by Saturday. It is now almost Thursday and no batteries. I emailed Matt on two different days with NO response. So I broke down and ordered them from Amazon and am out of pocket $21. 

I can no longer go without the backup for my base station. It is my understanding that this puts me and my family at risk. So much for SimpliSafe's customer service. I am very disappointed but it seems that's the way things tend to go these days.  I very much doubt I will even see the FREE month of monitoring I was promised!

I wish the rest of you better luck with customer support. I have lost faith.

(edited)

1 Message

2 years ago

I was searching to see if anyone else was having this notification come up. We were also unaware of that the base station required rechargeable batteries. We've used SimpliSafe for at least 2.5 years, and I'm fairly certain we've been using standard AA batteries with no notification issues.

Is this a new notice because it's only come to their attention that the standard AA batteries might cause a fire?

I've ordered NIMH batteries myself to be safe, but I'm more concerned that instead of sending an email notice regarding the battery issue, they thought a notice from the base station was more effective.

Community Admin

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5.7K Messages

@knharris0006​ the batteries that come with your Base Station should already be rechargeable NiMH, and under normal circumstances, you shouldn't actually have to replace them at all. That's why they're not as easy to get to, and the battery compartment is locked in with a screw.

However, we do list the correct type of batteries to use in the Owner's Guide that comes with your system.

As part of firmware update 2.10, we added important features for better compliance with the UL985 Standard. One of those features is that the system now checks for potential issues with the battery circuit. And it just so happens that if the wrong battery type is installed, it can detect that too.

If you have discovered that you have alkaline batteries instead of NiMH, it's very important that you remove them from your system and replace with the correct batteries ASAP! The system can run without the batteries in the meantime, and our Support team can send you a new set free of charge. You can reach them through this page.

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I also discovered regular alkaline batteries in my base station. I've had nothing but problems with the system since purchasing, bad batteries for wireless cameras, etc. Should be noted on my account.  Took getting the right person to listen to me to resolve that battery issue, she was in Florida and was awesome to work with.  All others didn't seem concerned.  Please advise on my base station. 

Community Admin

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3.4K Messages

@jimholton11​ If your Base Station has alkaline batteries in it, I would remove the batteries, wipe off the metal contacts in the Base Station, and insert new rechargeable NiMH batteries.

If you do not have any NiMH batteries, our Support team can send you some for free! While waiting for these to be shipped, the Base Station can run without batteries as long as it is plugged in.

2 Messages

1 year ago

I just discovered the same issue with my base station; we have had the system for almost 4 years and never opened the battery (didn't know it had one, tbh). Started getting error messages which I ignored for a bit, then got an email from Simplisafe that I should change the 'rechargeable' batteries. Opened the compartment to find 4 very corroded, yellow alkaline batteries in there. I've cleaned the corrosion with vinegar and alcohol (Googled that instruction)- but there is still rust. I'm waiting for everything to dry thoroughly before trying rechargeable ones--  but why were those yellow Amazon alkaline batteries in there, as the original poster above also noted-? 

Community Admin

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3.4K Messages

@saralgrube​ Since you noticed that your Base Station had incorrect, alkaline batteries in it and they have since corroded, I would highly recommend contacting our Support team for a replacement. The Base Station is able to run without batteries, so you can keep it plugged in and active while they send you a new one.

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@emily_s​  I bought my own batteries, and they work, but I would like for you to send my comment to your Quality Control dept. It sounds to me like you may have someone pocketing expensive batteries and putting in cheaper ones, somewhere in your assembly line. That's of greater concern to me than $10 in batteries - SimpliSafe may want to send out a notice to all customers to check their battery compartment, or risk getting sued for causing a fire hazard. 

Community Admin

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3.4K Messages

@saralgrube​ I will certainly send your feedback along to our internal teams.

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1 year ago

Still waiting on someone to contact me about the problems I've had since installing their system. They're sending me rechargeable batteries but wanted me to pay shipping.   Not a happy customer.  Thankfully my house didn't catch fire. 

Community Admin

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3.4K Messages

@jimholton11​ I just checked in with our escalated Support team - a senior specialist will be in touch ASAP!

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1 year ago

I'm over here trying to figure out how regular alkaline batteries got put in the base stations from the factory in the first place. I know the rechargeable ones are in mine but how long they last I don't know as mine have been in there for almost 8 years.

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3 months ago

I just had this same issue. Never even knew there were batteries in there but started getting a notice. Opened the bottom to find regular alkaline batteries that had started to corrode. Called support and they said it is out of warranty (only had this for like 3-4 years). They told me my only option was to buy a new base station for $139!! What the heck?!? This company definitely lost my trust!

Community Admin

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3.4K Messages

@slowerre​ I'm sorry to hear this, we certainly should have replaced that Base Station for you. I've gone ahead and requested a callback from our escalated Support team to help. A senior agent will contact you soon, so keep an ear out for their call!

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2 months ago

 Nimh batteries come in different strengths. What do you recommend?

Community Admin

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742 Messages

@taxguy We recommend 1.2 volt NiMH batteries for the Base Station.

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