For electrical wire, the greater the number, the more minute the conductor. The standard for security system wiring is 22 AWG, either solid or stranded, with two conductors (black and red) or four conductors (black, white, green, and red) ( black, red, green and yellow or white).
Unlike stranded wire, solid copper wire cannot be bent, hence there is no risk of a short due to a stray strand of wire. If your gadget just has a single jack for an external cable, you can still use 22/4.
Some security alarms can operate on a single two-conductor wire, while others need four.
Doors and windows, which don’t use electricity, just need two cables each. In addition to bells and strobes, the AC transformer for the system will need two cables. Some sirens have the capability of using all three colours (red, black, and yellow), while most only utilise two.
In order to power devices like keypads, motion detectors, glass break sensors, hardwire zone expanders, wireless receivers, and relay modules, a four-conductor wire is needed. Telephone line seizure likewise necessitates the use of four wires in order to be implemented.
If you want thorough guidance on setting up your equipment, you should always consult the handbook. Only two of the conductors in a 22/4 wire are needed to power devices that only employ two wires.
It is unsafe to provide smoke detectors or the control panel’s AC power with 22-gauge cable. The wires in your home’s smoke alarms and AC transformer need to be at least 18 AWG in diameter.
When installing smoke detectors, be sure to read both the user handbook and the local fire codes.
Each window and door switch should be hardwired as a separate zone if at all practicable. Heavy use of doors, as opposed to light use of windows, might create connection wear and eventually result in false alarms.
When doors and windows are wired independently, it’s considerably simpler to identify and fix problems like these.
As each wire is plugged into the control panel box, it should be labelled and tagged with a permanent marker to prevent any misunderstandings in the future.
Elements of a Hardwired Security System
Now that we know what kinds of wire are needed for various parts of a wired alarm system, let’s go over the basics.
Keypad
Most wired alarm systems can only be controlled via a keypad. Its primary function is to allow the user to securely arm and disarm the system with the press of a button, making it essential that it always function properly. The main panel should be linked to a 22/4 security wire in order to maintain a constant power supply. Two of the cables are for command and the other two are for data. There is no need to run an extra wire to the panel if you want to add more keypads; simply link them to the existing one.
Central Processing Unit
It serves as the nerve centre of any safety network. It not only logs and analyses data from the rest of the system, but also allows you to talk to your phone company and hook up your house to your computer or other smart home automation system. Cat5e or Cat6 cabling is utilised because of its flexibility and because it ensures the system may be easily expanded in the future.
Indicators of Motion
are wired components that need to be constantly powered and have two wires to transmit data. However, home security systems rarely contain the additional connectors found on more complex systems to prevent tampering. All you need is a decent quality 22 AWG security wire with four conductors.
Sensors For Both Smoke And CO
Similar to motion detectors, these sensors require a single cable from each device, however multiple units can be connected via daisy chain for simplified wiring.
Sensors for Doors and Windows
Because of their passive nature, door and window sensors don’t need their own power supply. They need to be hardwired into the main control panel using a 22 AWG security wire with two conductors. Simply verify once more that your sensor is passive. Use four-conductor cables if there is current.
Siren
The two conductors of an 18 AWG security wire are recommended since sirens require more power than other parts of home security systems. A pair of 22 AWG wires, twisted together, could work, but there’s no use in taking the easy way out when you can do it properly with the right wire.
If Cat 5/6 Cable is so Great, Why Not Use it Everywhere?
It’s no surprise that many individuals are thinking about switching to Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable for all of their home security needs now that laptops and advanced home-networking systems are so widely used. While this strategy is not impossible, it is important to understand the potential drawbacks before committing to it.
All security devices, aside from the main control panel, can use the extra wire strands in Cat 5 and Cat 6 cable. Both the price and the appearance of the installation are negatively impacted. The resistance is higher than that of standard 22 AWG security wire, which makes repairs and upgrades more time consuming.
We advise only using Cat5e or Cat6 cables when absolutely necessary, and installing the proper security wire for each part of your home security system.
Comparing Cat 5e And Cat 6
The only viable options are Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables. There is probably still some Cat5 cable laying around your house, but you should not use it because it is now deemed to be obsolete. We can go far better than Cat 5’s 100 Mbps throughput and 100 MHz bandwidth cap. So dry your eyes and take a look at the bright side.
Since interference between individual wires inside the line is undesirable in any alarm wire, Cat5e cables were designed to enable speeds of up to 1000 Mbps while greatly decreasing such interference. If cat 6 cables did not exist, you would use this one.
Cat6 improves upon the superiority of Cat5e cable. With its internal wire separator and individual wire shielding for crosstalk reduction, this cable is ready for whatever the future may bring, supporting speeds of up to 10 Gbps @ 250 MHz. Though it won’t affect the hovercraft itself, it will serve your security and networking needs for years to come. The sole drawback of Cat 6 cable is the added bulk and weight caused by the shielding.
Certainly Wireless, But be Aware That Wireless Networks Are Not as Dependable
Wireless networks offer a number of advantages, including mobility and ease of use, but only if the signal from the router is reliable. In the middle of the night, if you hear glass shattering or doors rattling and want to check on what’s going on outside your home, you may be at the whim of dropped signals unless your network is robust and you have a very solid (and likely expensive) camera to go with it. Assume for the moment that not all low-priced IP cameras on the market are completely mature and ready for use.
Wired security systems have been available for quite some time, therefore their reliability is well-established. Many different companies all across the world have worked to refine the technology, making it more widely available and cheaper than ever before.
However, wireless systems have not been lagging behind. They’re so common and advanced that some people are starting to see them as a replacement for traditional wired infrastructure. However, many wireless systems still need an external power supply, so users should know that they aren’t fully worry-free.
Unlike wireless security systems, wired alarms can go longer between battery swaps. With the option of installing backup batteries for all active components, however, they are equally as reliable during blackouts as wireless systems.
Think about how much more expensive wireless systems are if the added maintenance costs aren’t enough to sway you. For the price of a few inexpensive wireless sensors, you can have a full wired security system installed.
One advantage is the portability of wireless systems, but that’s about it. A reliable wireless system could be a smart short-term solution if you rent and expect to move shortly.
Main Control Panel Wiring in an Alarm System
In order for the main panel of a hardwired home security system to work properly, some basic alarm system wiring is required. A charged backup battery, the ability to turn the system on and off, the ability to set off alarms, and two-way communication with the monitoring facility can all be achieved in this fashion. While prewiring for a home security system is ideal, installing one in an existing structure is also possible.
If you’re installing a home safety system on your own or working with a professional, the first thing they’ll ask you is where you want the main control panel installed. The master suite closet, the laundry, or some other similarly out-of-the-way location is usually where one can find a supply of options.
Installation of Electrical Wiring
Home security systems have a low-voltage transformer that charges the system’s battery pack. The battery will keep the system running for several hours in the event of a power outage. If you want to connect the alarm system’s transformer to the control panel, you should use 22-gauge firewire with four conductors.
Connect the wire to an empty wall socket as close toward the panel as possible. An 18-gauge wire is recommended for any run longer than 50 feet. Some circuit boards are extremely sensitive, and will report a low battery condition if the power supply drops below a certain threshold during prolonged use.
Telecommunications Cabling
It is a good idea to connect telephone wire for the security column even if you do not plan to use home alarm system monitoring for some time. In terms of safety, a professional prewire that includes a working phone line is always a good idea.
Phone wiring should run from the entrance point to the main control panel. A typical location for this is in the backyard, close to the main electrical service panel.
Installation of a Wireless Keypad for an Alarm System
The security system can be armed and disarmed and the status of individual zones and the entire system seen using keypads. They also serve as the source of the system’s alert and danger tones.
The following locations are recommended for 4-conductor alarm system wiring in every standard prewire:
- Access to the House: The Front Door
- The Door to the Garage’s Interior
- Luxury suite
Wind two or three feet of wire in a coil above each light switch. Beginning at the garage door, coil the wire around all of the light switches within the house and garage. Given the close proximity of these areas, a single wiring coil should be sufficient. In this way, a keypad can be placed either there or elsewhere.
It’s possible that, depending on the layout of your home, you’ll need to run extra 4-conductor cabling to any potential keypad locations. Possibly, you have a secondary master suite or a side entrance to your home. It’s possible to instal a keypad in a detached structure, like a carport, guesthouse, as well as workshop.
Tones and Alarms
The most efficient way to alert a potential intruder that he is being watched is with the use of sirens. If you instal a loud alarm, most intruders will be scared away before you even have a chance to bump into them.
Indoor sirens can be used as both a security and fire alarm when paired with smoke detectors.
Pre-wiring exterior sirens may seem unnecessary given their declining use, but they can be invaluable in an emergency. An outdoor siren won’t do much good if no one is around to hear it if there’s a break-in.
It would be wiser to spend your money on a smoke alarm, a new keypad and motion sensor, or whatever other upgrade you’ve been debating getting.
When installing a siren inside, use firewire with two conductors. When installing outdoor sirens, professionals advise using 4-conductor firewire for connections. Two of the wires can power the siren, while the other two can activate a tamper switch.
Accessory Equipment Wiring
An alarm is just the beginning of what a modern security panel can do. There are usually programmable relays as well as triggers for extra outputs in security systems. These outputs allow the board to control any device with a simple on/off switch. These devices can be set to activate in response to an alert or other condition being detected by the panel, or at predetermined time intervals.
The wiring for your alarm system’s auxiliary devices will need to be configured differently depending on the type of lighting, instruments, and tasks you intend to perform. Get in touch with your alarm system’s monitoring service if you’re curious about your wiring options and potential upgrades.
Electrical Grounding
Adding a lightning protection panel to the ground wire of an alarm system increases the panel’s efficacy in protecting against lightning strikes. However, in order to avoid causing more damage than good, a stable basis is essential. To properly ground the alarm system, the ground wire must be attached to the grounding terminal.
Always use 12 gauge copper wire or larger for ground connections. Connect the wire to a grounding rod or a copper cold water pipe using the appropriate grounding clamp.
Grounding copper water systems in newer buildings may only extend a short distance before being replaced by plastic.
Put differently, use a good area if you’ve access to one. If not otherwise stated, your concern is unwarranted. Most modern alarm systems are more expensive than a grounding rod was even a decade ago.
Numerous Cables for Fire Detection and Warning Systems
There are many different types of buildings that require fire alarm systems, including businesses, schools, facilities, homes, and more. When alarms go off, they keep us safe by warning us of any imminent danger. Our previous articles have covered the basics of fire detection systems, including how they operate and the key distinctions between traditional and addressable fire alarms.
Fire Alarm Cables With a Power Restriction
The National Electrical Code (NEC) recognises power-limited fire alarm riser cable (FPL) as the simplest and hence least expensive type of fire alarm cable (National Electric Code). Vertical runs of FPLR cables are possible from one floor to the next, or into a shaft.
A power-limited fire alarm shielded cable, FPLR Shielded consists of the same parts as regular FPLR but adds an aluminium polyester foil shield and drain wire for extra noise immunity.
Power limited plenum (FPLP) cables are approved by the NEC for use in air ducts, plenums, and other areas where outside air is circulated. Due to their superior engineering and protection, these cables typically cost more. FPLP cables are recognised for their reduced smoke production and high fire resistance.
FPLP To prevent any more interference from occuring inside the cable, shielded cables use an aluminium polyester foil shield and drain wire.
Cables for Fire Alarm Systems That Do Not Rely on Electrical Power
The NEC approves the NPLF (non-power limited) fire alarm cables for use in any application requiring a fire alarm cable. However, unless properly built within a conduit, they cannot be used in riser, ducts, or plenum spaces used for environmental airflow.
Non-power limited fire alarm cables (NPLFP) are acceptable by the NEC for use in ducts, plenums, and other areas where environmental air moves.
Conclusion
Solid or stranded 22 AWG wire is the norm in the electrical industry. Since solid copper wire cannot be coiled or kinked, it eliminates the possibility of a short circuit caused by a loose strand of copper. Different security alarms require different numbers of conductors; some can function with just two, while others need four. The keypad is the standard method of operation for wired alarm systems. To ensure reliable power, the main panel must be connected to a 22/4 security wire.
If you want to add more keypads, you can do so without having to run any new wires to the control panel. Only Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables offer sufficient protection for the average home. Using Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable increases the cost and detracts from the aesthetic value of the installation. When compared to regular 22 AWG security wire, the increased resistance causes repairs to take longer. The portability and convenience of a wireless security system depend on the stability of the router’s signal.
They are being considered by some as an alternative to the more commonplace wired networks. If you rent and plan to move in the near future, a dependable wireless system may be a good short-term solution. A low-voltage transformer is used to charge the battery pack in home security systems. Please plug the wire into an available wall outlet as close to the control panel as possible. If you need a wire that will go further than 50 feet, go with 18 gauge.
If you want to instal keypads in different parts of your home, you may need to run additional 4-conductor cabling. Most would-be burglars will be scared off by a blaring alarm before you even have a chance to walk into them. For ground connections, nothing smaller than a 12-gauge copper wire should ever be used. The grounding clamp must be used to attach the wire to a grounding rod or a copper cold water pipe. The most common and affordable fire alarm cable is the power-limited fire alarm riser cable (FPL).
Content Summary
- In addition to bells and strobes, the AC transformer for the system will need two cables.
- The wires in your home’s smoke alarms and AC transformer need to be at least 18 AWG in diameter.
- Most wired alarm systems can only be controlled via a keypad.
- They need to be hardwired into the main control panel using a 22 AWG security wire with two conductors.
- We advise only using Cat5e or Cat6 cables when absolutely necessary, and installing the proper security wire for each part of your home security system.
- The only viable options are Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables.
- The sole drawback of Cat 6 cable is the added bulk and weight caused by the shielding.
- Unlike wireless security systems, wired alarms can go longer between battery swaps.
- Think about how much more expensive wireless systems are if the added maintenance costs aren’t enough to sway you.
- For the price of a few inexpensive wireless sensors, you can have a full wired security system installed.
- One advantage is the portability of wireless systems, but that’s about it.
- In order for the main panel of a hardwired home security system to work properly, some basic alarm system wiring is required.
- While prewiring for a home security system is ideal, installing one in an existing structure is also possible.
- If you’re installing a home safety system on your own or working with a professional, the first thing they’ll ask you is where you want the main control panel installed.
- If you want to connect the alarm system’s transformer to the control panel, you should use 22-gauge firewire with four conductors.
- It’s possible that, depending on the layout of your home, you’ll need to run extra 4-conductor cabling to any potential keypad locations.
- Indoor sirens can be used as both a security and fire alarm when paired with smoke detectors.
- The wiring for your alarm system’s auxiliary devices will need to be configured differently depending on the type of lighting, instruments, and tasks you intend to perform.
- Connect the wire to a grounding rod or a copper cold water pipe using the appropriate grounding clamp.
- There are many different types of buildings that require fire alarm systems, including businesses, schools, facilities, homes, and more.
