"Another Anonymous" wrote in message
. ..
There (of course) are a couple of different types of systems on the market.
You
should know which type you want to go with prior to pre-wiring your new house.
One type are two-wire (addressable) systems which only use 2 wires for power,
signal, etc. and are read by their addresses on the circuit. These systems
install in that somewhat of a daisy chain so you can run a wire to one device,
from there to another, etc etc. Also there are standard devices which are
addressed by which terminal they are installed to in the panel. Personally, I
prefer this type of system as if one device fails, atleast the rest of your
property will be covered. So depending on the type of system that interests
you
most, I would go with 22/2 wire for the addressable and 22/4 or 22/6 wire for
the standard or more common system type.
I'd suggest using quad (22/4) for addressable systems as well. Typically the
sensors are more expensive and require larger holes for concealed contacts in
doors and windows. If you're going to do the prewire then use a good quality
concealed contact with terminals like the GRI 20RS-T. Order them in "wide gap".
(
http://www.grisk.com/recessed/20rs.htm). Tell us what kind of windows you've
got so we can make some suggestions on installing them (or an alternative). I'd
suggest two quads for every keypad drop. This allows you more flexibility in
the type of system you can install.
As for a suggested control... Unless you decide on one that's hybrid or has an
addressable loop (or zone expanders), I'd suggest home running all the wires to
a secure central location (like a wiring closet). You can also run all your
cable TV wires from here to the various rooms that need it... Run two runs of
RG-6 to the cable company's termination point at the outside of the house from
this closet. While you're at it, install your telco and network cables as
well...
Then again, there is always wireless
(no one tell paul I said that).
GASP!!!
As far as what and where you will need as far as
devices, I would have to see the place to make this decision. To start, I
would
place door contacts on all entryways and a smoke/carbon monoxide detector in
the
utility and garage areas. Instead of wiring all of your windows with contacts,
place a motion detector in each room where a lot of windows will be installed
aimed towards the windows.
I beg to differ... never aim a motion sensor at a window. Always corner mount
them on the same wall so that an intruder will walk through the protected
curtain rather than directly toward the sensor. Aiming a PIR at a window (no
matter how good it is) is askin' for trouble as well. The other thing about
using motion sensors instead of contacts and glass break detectors in the rooms
with accessible windows is that you'll have to bypass the motions if the
homeowner wants to walk around inside the home with the system armed. Perimeter
protection can't be beat. For rooms with a single opening window that may be
used as a point of entry, contact the window and ensure it's covered by either a
good quality glass break detector or an alarmed screen.
Have a look at the FAQS page at
http://www.yoursecuritysource.com.
Roughly, I think a 500ft box of 22ga. wire runs about
$2-300 depending on where you get it.
Go to a cable wholesaler. You shouldn't be paying more than about $30 - $40 for
a 1000 ft box of quad... Quit buying from Bass... :-))
--
Frank Olson
http://www.yoursecuritysource.com
Free listings for qualified alarm professionals!