How to Install an ELK Alarm System

Install Alarm Components

• 1

  Mount the ELK control panel to the wall in a closet Make sure the ambient temperature of the location is 32 degrees Fahrenheit to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not install the control panel in unconditioned space. Install the panel close to a grounding source and to an outlet. Insert a screw in the upper center hole at the upper end of the unit. The control panel houses the wiring for the sensors, keypads and sirens.

• 2

  Install the two-piece sensors on the windows. This component consists of a switch and a magnet. Attach the magnet on the window and the switch on the window frame. The separation of the parts automatically activates the alarm.

• 3

  Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the detector's compatibility with the control panel. Wire the detector depending on whether it requires two or four wires. Install motion detectors on walls between rooms and in paths of light traffic. Mount the device about 7 feet from the floor. Follow the local fire codes for the placement of smoke detectors.

• 4

  Place keypads in the master bedroom and near the door commonly used for entry and exit. Position the units away from direct sunlight and 50 inches to 58 inches from the floor. Secure the mounting plate to the wall. Insert head screws to keep from shorting the back of the circuit.

• 5

  Mount the sirens for the alarm on the interior and exterior locations. Remove the cover on the siren and attach the red wire to the positive and black wire to the negative terminals. Some manufacturers may attach short lengths of wire to the siren in the factory.

Wiring Devices

• 6

  Follow the instructions for wiring the devices. Most devices require “series wiring,” which entails connecting positive-to-positive and negative-to-negative. Conceal the wire behind walls and ceilings or route along the woodwork. Attach wire nuts and wrap in electrical tape when splicing wires together. Use wire clips to secure wires in place.

• 7

  Determine the zone layout for the sensors on windows and doors. The ELK has 16 zones on the main board, but can be expand to more than 200 zones. Typically, a zone covers sensors in a particular area or adjoining rooms, such as the family room and adjoining dining room connect to zone two. Follow the ELK wiring diagram to connect the sensors, motion detector, and smoke detector and sirens keypads to the terminals corresponding with the zones.

• 8

  Wire a telephone line to the control panel. Use Category 5 communication wire or the standard green, red, yellow and black telephone cable. Follow the direction for programming the telephone numbers in the system.

• 9

  Connect 18-gauge wire to the transformer, which reduces the house’s electrical power to the requirements of the control panel. Attached the standby battery to the panel.

• 10

  Refer to the manufacturer’s installation instruction for programming the alarm system. Include in the programming the personal codes for arming and disarming the panel. Attach a ground wire as instructed. Test the new alarm system.