Hardwired Home Security Systems - Can I do it Myself?

Installing a hardwired home security system can be very difficult or strait forward, depending on your experience. When installing a hardwired home security system there are 4 separate phases - Planning, Pre-Wire, sensor installation and programming. Each phase must be done properly for the system to function properly or as you desire.

Planning Phase.

Understanding the security sensor limits and requirements is very important in the planning stage. Unlike a wireless system, that will allow you to move a sensor if there are issues with a chosen location for a sensor - A hardwired system is not forgiving. Drilling a door or window sensor into the wrong location, placing a motion sensor in an ineffective are very common mistakes that can cause a huge headache on sensor installation. Most of our sensors will have the specifications listed, if you have additional questions make sure you contact one of our system designers to assist you.

Pre-Wire Phase.

Once you have planned out your entire home security system - It is time to pre-wire for each sensor. The pre-wire phase is done just before your drywall is installed. At this point your doors and windows may already be in place. Non powered sensors require a 2 conductor wire (Door / window sensors) while powered sensors typically require a 4 conductor wire (Motions, Glass Sensors). if you plan to use any sensor tamper features you will need to add an additional pair of wire to each, for the tamper zone. Homerun each wire from the sensor back to the main control box. The only sensors that should be "Looped" from sensor-to-sensor are Smoke detectors. Label each home run wire with the zone number, and name of the location for future reference.

Sensor Installation.

Once your home is complete and walls are painted, you will want to install your sensors & keypads. Connect each sensor to the pre-wired cables and connect your end-of-line resistor that should have come with the alarm panel. Then connect each sensor to its proper zone connection at the alarm panel. Each sensor (Except Smoke Detectors) should have its own zone.

Programming / Testing

Assuming all wiring is done properly - You can now begin programming each zone of the alarm system. This is when you tell the system what type of sensor it is (Door, motion...ect) and name each zone (Front Door, Master Bedroom Window..ect). When each sensor is setup, you should do a walk-through test. All system instruction manuals should explain how to properly do a walk-through test. If you are using a professional home security monitoring company, you should also enter the account information provided and contact their customer service to ensure they are receiving the alarm signals.

Wireless - Do it yourself Home Security

If you have no experience, or limited experience in wiring and setting up a hardwired home security system or if the steps above sound beyond your limits - We recommend looking at our wireless home security systems. These units can be installed in new construction, or existing homes. Installation is much more flexible and can typically be done in an afternoon, instead of multiple days.

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