Dummy Alarm Project

Dummy Alarm A 555 astable circuit makes an LED flash briefly once every 5 seconds to imitate the indicator light of a real alarm. The circuit is designed to use very little current to prolong battery life so that it can be left on permanently. An on/off switch is not included, but could be added if you wish.


Parts Required

Parts from Rapid Electronics

Most parts are supplied in packs but the extras are likely to be useful for other projects. Also see advice for building up a starter kit of parts.


Stripboard Layout

Stripboard layout for Dummy Alarm project

Circuit diagram

Circuit diagram for Dummy Alarm project

How it works

The circuit uses a 7555 timer IC, this is a low power version of the standard 555 timer. A 'superbright' red LED is used because this provides a bright flash with a low current. The LED is off for most of the time so the average total current for the circuit is less than 0.2mA. With this very low current a set of 3 alkaline AA cells should last for several months, maybe as long as a year.

The circuit will work with a standard 555 timer IC (such as the popular NE555) but this will increase the average current to about 2mA and the battery life will be much shorter. You can use a greater supply voltage (15V maximum) for this circuit but the 1k resistor for the LED should be increased to keep the LED current low at about 3mA. For example to use a 9V PP3 battery change the 1k resistor to 3k3. Note that AA cells will last longer than a 9V PP3 battery.