Security Systems - How To Set Up

[toddwulf]

Great post going on on Security Systems. I opted to start a new thread on best practices since I'm ready to wire the house before the sheetrock goes up. I want to monitor Fire and Intrusion. I've got a long driveway and a dog. Two story, 3700 Sq. Ft., # Car Garage.

What wire do I pull for doors, windows, perimeter. Would'nt it also be easy for the thief to shut off the power switch as well?

I'm going to home run all wiring to a wiring closet where telephone, net, satellite and alarm will be able to be patched anyway I need. So what do I need to put in the walls while I sort out what system to get in.

Todd in Placerville.

 

[MossRoad]

Two wire would work for simple switches. Some motion sensors and other devices need more than 6. As far as power, most good alarms have a sealed battery that is always charged and will backup the alarm for several days if power goes out.

 

[JoeR]

Todd,

Don't forget to put a 120v power receptacle in the closet near the alarm panel. You will need that for the panel!!! I almost forgot when I did my alarm system...

Joe

 

[Anonymous Poster]

First thing, move it out of the dam closet. When you need to work on it, and you will, coosets are miserable places to work.
2, decide what type of equipment you will be using.
3, the cost difference between 2 wire and 4 wire is very little, so use all 4 wire, even to door switches.
4, Run your siren in the heaviest wire you can afford if it will be over 10 feet from the control. use # 14 romex for the siren run if it's more than 10 feet.
5, If you will be using PIR detectors, 4 conductor wire from each PIR to the control.
PIR is the most often used detector
6, run 4 wire from the telephone entry point to the control
7, Run #12 wire from the water meter to the control
8, Depending on the equipment used, at least 4 wire from the keypad(s) to the control
9, Wiring the fire side is a lot like wiring wall recepticals, you wire from the control to the first detector, and then to the next, then to the next ~~~. For smoke detectors, you need 4 wires. If putting heat detectors between the smoke detectors, you will still need 4 wires because you have to carry the power to the last smoke.
}} Do NOT use ionization type smoke detectors, unless you like false alarms{{ }} Also, do NOT locate smoke detectors in kitchen areas{{
10, If you have a sump pump, run 2 wires to the sump crock area from the control, so you can monitor for sump pump failure.
11, If you are in an area where your home could freeze in winter, run 2 wires to the same location as the house thermostat, so you can monitor for heat failure too.