How to Prewire for a Home Security System

Prewiring is the process of running wires through your walls to connect various parts of a home security system. Not only does it serve an aesthetic value by keeping bare wires safely hidden, it makes the system itself more reliable by preventing intruders from easily getting at the wires. The best time to prewire a home is while it is still being constructed, when you have easy access to the interior of your walls. You can prewire your home after you have moved in, however, by exercising a little know-how.

Map or drawing paper
Wiring
Home=security components
Drill and 3/8-inch drill bit
Paint
Tape
Tape measure

Instructions

- 1
  Mark the locations for all of the components of your home security system with tape. This includes the central alarm box, key pads, motion detectors, alarms, and doors and windows that need to be wired. Examine a map or schematic of your house and note the proposed location of each security component there as well.
- 2
  Measure out a length of wiring required to reach from the central control box to each component in the system. Allow at least an additional 10 feet on each end in order to manipulate the wiring more easily.
- 3
  Go into your attic and remove the insulation hiding the top plate. Remove the plate and mark (with a pen or a piece of tape) the spots directly above each of the security-system components. Make sure there are no obstructing pipes or two-by-fours between the spot you have marked and the component spots.
- 4
  Drill a hole in the spot for each security system component, using a 3/8-inch drill bit. Place the hole in the center of each spot, where it can easily be hidden once the component is installed.
- 5
  Slide the wiring down the open top plate in the attic toward the hole you have just drilled. Twist a metal coat hanger into a hook and slide it through the opening. Catch the wiring in the hook and pull it back out through the opening.
- 6
  Run the other end of the wiring along the attic floor or walls, taking care to keep it clear of any other wiring until it reaches the spot closest to its destination component.
- 7
  Slide the wiring down the interior of the wall and pull it through the waiting hole with the coat hanger, as in Step 5.
- 8
  Repeat the process with every component in the security system.
- 9
  Clip any excess length of wire sticking out of the walls. You may want to wait until you are ready to install the security system to do this. Leave an additional foot or so of wiring extending from the walls when you are done.
- 10
  Mount any holding boxes or gang boxes for the security system on their marked points on the walls and secure them in place with screws. Each box should have an opening to let you fit the wiring through.
- 11
  Call the security company and tell them your home is now ready to accept their system.

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