DIY Honeywell Home Alarm System

Considerations

• Choose between wireless or hardwired home alarm systems. Wireless is a popular choice because it can be set up quickly and easily because much of the wiring is eliminated except for the keypad, siren, phone line and power source. Fewer necessary wires make wireless alarm systems perfectly suited for apartments, condominiums or rental units. There are battery-operated alarms and electric-powered systems. A battery-operated system may not be sophisticated enough to meet your requirements
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  The basic Honeywell home alarm system is a mixture of basic components including control panel, keypad, magnetic contacts and PIR. Additional feature include pet-friendly or passive infrared motion detector (PIR) and smoke and carbon monoxide protectors.

Installation Tips

• Decide where you will place the control panel. Common locations are the basement or a closet of the home. The control panel is the center of the home alarm system. It receives signals from sensors located throughout the home. When a signal is broken the panel can sound the alarm and automatically. The control panel can be programmed to dial a central monitoring service. Protect the "brains" of your system by installing transmitter or motion sensor.

  Keep as much of the wires as possible within the protected area of the residence. For example, you can route wires from the control panel to a bedroom closet directly above the panel and then to the sensors or transmitters. Decide where you want to locate the keypad. Usually this device is situated at entry doors and allows you to operate the alarm system by entering the proper code.

  Install magnetic contacts on the windows and doors that can be accessed from the outside or from a balcony or porch. The transmitters work by attaching part of device on the door or window jamb. The other part of the transmitter is mounted on the door or window. When the circuit is broken, meaning a window or door is opened, the alarm sounds. Install PIRs, which senses body heat. Passive infrared motion detectors are usually set when the family is away from home. You can also connect smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to the system.