Intruder alarm installation

Danielwareham · Jun 10, 2011

Hi

Been asked to install a wired intruder alarm as the client doesn't want to change the batteries in the PIR of a wireless system. I have access to the floor boards but not quite sure if it's going to be too much hassle runnung the cables? If the panel is based downstairs what would be the best way to run the cables for three door detectors and two PIR sensors at ceiling height. Been working for myself for four months and find running/routing cable one of the biggest hassles and this just seems like a lot of cable to be running all round the house!

Thanks

telectrix · Jun 10, 2011

wireless systems need batteries changed only every 2 years. this is usually done on an annual service by you as the installer.

Paul.M · Jun 10, 2011

Fitting a hard wired alarm is all about cable routes and correct positioning of PIR's.

Fastest way is to clip the cable all over the house which most people point blank refuse. 2nd option is trunking. 3rd option (the most time consuming) chase out walls, lift up boards and do it correctly.

Choose the best position for the panel for access by the home owner and where you're getting your supply from. Customer may agree with you using trunking from the panel to the ceiling above to save time, money and mess. From the ceiling above run your cable to each point the same as any other cable apart from keeping the alarm cable away from any 230V cables. Drop the cable from the ceiling to the pirs and door switch. Explain to customer that the door switch wire will be clipped from the ceiling to the top of the door, saves complaints later when they see a white wire coming from above. Also think about your bell box cable run, some times its easier (if you have a good channel) to run it into the loft and drill out or drop down from the eve in a short piece of conduit (saves a bit of time in some cases). Good luck with it. Ps you haven't mentioned a PA button, guess their not having one? Don't forget to sign up for an annual check up, but don't charge too much like the big alarm companies do.

telectrix · Jun 10, 2011

i find, for ground floor door contacts, trhe best way is inder the carpet, on the near side of the gripper, cutting away 1/4" of the underlay and drilling from the 20mm contact hole down to floor level so cables are completely hidden. ( the co. i worked for in the 80's had a major selling point " you won't see any cables". as re. panel location, this can be in the loft, under the stairs, in a cupboard, as long as it's accessible to the installer. and fit the remote keypad/s where convenient for the end user.

Danielwareham · Jun 10, 2011

Thanks. Quite involved as I imagined. Will adjust my price accordingley.

telectrix · Jun 10, 2011

a realistic price for the installation is £400-£500 IMO.

topquark · Jun 10, 2011

You can often hide alarm (and speaker cables) behind coving, and it's easily repaired afterwards.

telectrix · Jun 10, 2011

for pir's i have often drilled up in the corner ( someimes had to be a couple of inches or 3 if a joist in the corner) with a 8mm long bit, shoved a load of alarm cable up, then fished under the upstairs floor. if unable to get floor up e.g. weetabix sheet flooring, then drilled a 1" hole in the floor above pir location and fishe up to run under the carpet.

Paul.M · Jun 10, 2011

I started out at 17 doing alarms (and other small house electrics) haven't done one for years but Telectrix has just brought it all back to me lol.

Always made me frustrated when you finished the job and wanted to clear off and it takes the customer an hour to understand how to use it

.

alarm man · Jun 10, 2011

good wireless systems now only need batteries changing every 3-4 yrs,its probably your best route till you get more experience in fishing cables,which is the hardest part of an installation..start with wireless detection and wired bell/rkp then your not taking too much on hiding one or two cables,then work your way towards full wired systems..

Danielwareham · Jun 10, 2011

Tried to explain that batteries can last 3 - 4 years but the client was insistant on a wired system. Great advice above. Pretty clear where I'm going with this now. £500 is the price I've given the client now and they seemed pretty happy but would have preferred the wireless system install.

telectrix · Jun 10, 2011

good quote. you can easily install it in 2 days without having to rush things. your materials cost will be around £120 inc vat. there are several decent panels around fot under £50 inc rkp. some have a feature on the keypad whereby you can program keys 1&3 to be a panic alarm when preseed simultaneously, thus eliminating the need for a separate PAB. Veritas, Accenta, Gardtec595, amongst others are popular and user friendly. where possible, position PIRs so they are not "looking at " a window. if the client has pets, you can obtain pet friendly PIRs which require a minimum body weight to activate them. feel free to ask any advice from myself and others on the forum if you need .