Telecare and pendant alarms in a power cut

What actually fails

When the power goes, the broadband hub switches off. The alarm unit may still be on, but it has no line to call out on unless it uses a mobile (SIM) connection.

What to do

1. Tell your phone provider you have a telecare alarm; you may qualify for a free backup solution.

2. Ask your alarm provider whether your unit is digital-ready.

3. Add hub backup power so the line stays up for 4+ hours.

4. Test the alarm with your alarm provider after fitting.

LineKeeper™ Hub Battery Backup

4+ hours of backup · fits in 60 seconds · free UK delivery · 90-day money-back

From £89

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Questions to ask your alarm provider

Is my alarm unit digital-ready? Does it have a mobile (SIM) backup? How long does its own battery last? Can you run a test call after my line is switched to digital?

How long will the backup last?

LineKeeper has a 74 Wh battery. A typical UK broadband hub uses roughly 10 to 15 watts, which gives 4 hours or more. Powering a separate fibre box as well, or an older hub that uses more power, shortens that. Fewer connected devices make it last longer.

For comparison, providers only have to offer a solution that lasts at least 1 hour. Many UK power cuts, especially in storms, last longer than that.

Is LineKeeper right for your home?

It's a good fit if: your phone now plugs into your broadband hub; someone at home relies on the landline or a pendant alarm; mobile signal is weak where you live; or you buy for a parent who lives alone.

It's not the right fit if: your hub's plug label doesn't say 12V; you need to power a computer, TV or fridge (LineKeeper is made only for hubs and fibre boxes); or your alarm already has its own mobile (SIM) connection and you don't use the landline.

Not sure? Try it for up to 90 days. If it doesn't suit you, send it back for a full refund.

How to fit it, step by step

1. Charge it. Plug LineKeeper into the mains and let it charge fully. It stays plugged in from then on.
2. Check the plug label. Look at the label on your hub's power plug. If it says 12V, LineKeeper fits.
3. Connect the hub. Unplug the hub's power lead from the hub, plug it into LineKeeper, then plug LineKeeper's output lead into the hub.
4. Add the fibre box if you have one. If a separate white Openreach box on the wall also has a power lead, use the splitter lead in the box to power both.
5. Plug in a corded phone. Keep 1 corded phone plugged into the hub's phone socket. Cordless bases need mains power, corded phones don't.
6. Test it. Switch the socket off at the wall. The hub lights should stay on and you should still get a dial tone.