Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Suggestions for alarm system

My wife and I generally spend much of our time on the second floor of our home, leaving the basement and 1st floor vacant most of the time, and so we're looking for an alarm system.

I hear that the major companies that will give you "Everything for free" are rip-offs, will gouge you with add-ons, and will take you to the cleaners in the long run. I'm willing to go DIY if need be.

I'd like advice on the Pro vs. DIY debate, and -- if allowed -- if anyone has any recommendations of some places to get the equipment so that I can get some quotes.

Thanks much!

Home Security Kits - Wireless Kits (http://www.watchdogsuperstore.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=79)

take a look

Well, thanks, but I was hoping for a little more than that. There are a million places on the net to buy a home security system -- leading me to one of them doesn't help me at all.

Security systems are very customizable, and there are many ways to design the system. Here are some rules that I follow:


Mount panel control box where it van be serviced but not easily found.
Utilize a wireless backup for the land line
Hardwire everything you can
Wire each device to it's own zone
Contact all windows and doors on the basement level
Contact all doors and windows on the first floor
Install glass breakage detectors to protect large areas of glass
utilize motion detectors to supplement for interior protection--use a dual-tech model.
Contact the overhead doors--have you ever forgotten to close them?
Install keypads at main entrys (Garage entry, front entry)
Consider a keypad for the Master bedroom
install a heat detector in the utility room and garage
install atleast 1 smoke detector on each floor and 1 outside of all sleeping areas
Program a hostage code


As far as DIY vs. Professional install? Well, it is up to you and your abilities. If you have alot of time to read up on the process and the knowledge of basic wiring, then give it a shot. If you want a pro, chose someone that uses non-proprietary equipment, has references and doesn't propose "2 doors and a motion". Expect to pay $800-$2500+ for installation and $30+ for monitoring and cellular backup.

If you DIY, there are several online stores, expect to pay $500-$1500 for equipment.


Good luck. :cool:

Thanks for the tips. As far as my abilities go, I'm fine with the basic wiring and programming. My concern is the time & headache of actually running the wires. While I know that's safer, that's not really something we wanted to get involved in.

With a wireless, however, they seem to be self-contained. What's to stop someone from just smashing the box with a crowbar after breaking in? Isn't this a little silly? You can't hide the panel, because it has the keypad in it. While I like the convenience of a wireless, I can't help but get the feeling that this is a toy that any theif over the age of 12 would laugh at.

You can hide the panel, and use wireless keypads to operate the system. Silence the panel, use remote sirens, cellular systems in case the phone line is cut. There are solutions to every scenario you can come up with. The bottom line is, how much do you want to spend to make it happen?

You can use a hybrid alarm system (Hardwired system with wireless receiver).

Hide panel, hardwire keypads and sirens and use wireless for sensors.

GE and Ademco both make good wireless products, I just prefer hardwiring. It is a pet-peeve of mine to see a wireless transmitter when a hardwired, concealed contact would have been easy to install.

Although hard wiring will take a little longer the cost savings is eneormous if you DIY.

Hard wired door contact and 100' of wire= $8.00
Wireless surface mount contact= $45

My home had an installation of dozens of wireless contacts and I have replaced nearly all with hard wired contacts.