How to Design a Home Security System
- 1). How many areas do you want to protect? Figure out how many motion sensors, window/door contacts, glass-breaking sensors and audible alarms are needed. Pick up a basic security system from most any electrical supply store online. Just make sure there are enough zones and contacts to cover the areas (zones) and devices (motion sensors, contacts) to use for protection.
- 2). Run the appropriate wires to each end location where one of the protecting devices will live and get them all hooked up to the main panel. If you want to use wireless devices, the parts will cost you a bit more but you'll save a boatload on labor and construction.
- 3). Make sure to label all wires as they are installed. This makes for a huge advantage when trying to sort out bundles of wires/devices at the panel. Then hook them up to the panel according to the zone layout you'd like. For instance, place all the front-hall devices on contacts within the front-hall zone or contact set. Don't forget to attach the phone line (from the D-mark, not a spare phone jack that can easily be cut) if you plan on subscribing to a monthly call center.
- 4). Lastly, you'll need to program the system. This is where you'll appreciate staying with simpler systems. If it is apparent that this system will be morphing into a home automation project, then the best thing you can do is to keep it simple.
- 5). Of course you can always give those ADT guys a call for a free design and installation. They only ask that you're monthly bill be doubled for the call-center service.
