Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Installing New Home Alarm System
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wdntexas
04-24-07, 07:45 PM
My apologies if this has been covered before – I couldn’t find a post on it...
I’m remodeling my townhome which involves replacing most of the windows, etc. I was curious what is involved in installing the wiring needed for an alarm system that just used magnetic switches (reed switches?). I don’t need motion, smoke or any other kind of alarm sensors.
Can anyone recommend an online source for putting together an alarm system? It looks like I need a master control module, a user keypad, small gauge wire and enough reed switches for each window/door... can anyone impart some words of advice, or better yet, direct me to a general “how to” of setting up a home alarm system. It looks like programming home alarms can be tricky – I don’t mind paying a professional to connect the wires, program the master module, etc. I just don’t to pay big bucks for running wires, etc. I can do that...
I assume Step #1 is to run small gauge wire from each window/door to a place where a master control module can be mounted? :)
Thanks in advance for any advice or recommendations...
-Bill
I’m remodeling my townhome which involves replacing most of the windows, etc. I was curious what is involved in installing the wiring needed for an alarm system that just used magnetic switches (reed switches?). I don’t need motion, smoke or any other kind of alarm sensors.
Can anyone recommend an online source for putting together an alarm system? It looks like I need a master control module, a user keypad, small gauge wire and enough reed switches for each window/door... can anyone impart some words of advice, or better yet, direct me to a general “how to” of setting up a home alarm system. It looks like programming home alarms can be tricky – I don’t mind paying a professional to connect the wires, program the master module, etc. I just don’t to pay big bucks for running wires, etc. I can do that...
I assume Step #1 is to run small gauge wire from each window/door to a place where a master control module can be mounted? :)
Thanks in advance for any advice or recommendations...
-Bill
sonijp
04-25-07, 12:24 PM
Yes, the first step is to run 22/4 or 22/2 wire from each window to the control panel location before you install the new windows, and make sure that the wires come out through the window sill.
You can also loop couple of window together in series.
You can also loop couple of window together in series.
HotinOKC
04-25-07, 03:22 PM
There is a lot more involved then what sonijp is talking about.
You will most likely need a system capable of wireless (GE, Ademco, DSC, etc).
You will not have enough hardwired terminals on your alarm panel for all your windows most likely.
Wiring and installing the devices is the easy part, programming them all into the system is a whole other realm.
You will most likely need a system capable of wireless (GE, Ademco, DSC, etc).
You will not have enough hardwired terminals on your alarm panel for all your windows most likely.
Wiring and installing the devices is the easy part, programming them all into the system is a whole other realm.
MrRonFL
04-25-07, 06:11 PM
Since it sounds like you are doing a lot of tear out in your remodel, you are in an ideal situation for doing a proper hardwire system.
The basic gist is correct. Homerun the wires for each opening, keypad location, motion detector, glassbreak, or smoke detector location. Go with minimum 22-4 wire, it's easier than trying to keep track of which wire to drop to which location. You may find yourself happy to have the spare conductors.
It is rare to put each opening on an individual zone (as much as it is the ideal), but grouping openings into zone groups is pretty easy to do.
The basic gist is correct. Homerun the wires for each opening, keypad location, motion detector, glassbreak, or smoke detector location. Go with minimum 22-4 wire, it's easier than trying to keep track of which wire to drop to which location. You may find yourself happy to have the spare conductors.
It is rare to put each opening on an individual zone (as much as it is the ideal), but grouping openings into zone groups is pretty easy to do.