How difficult is it to install a basic domestic alarm?

[AlF2008]

we've recently bought an old bungalow and are currently in the (slow) process of upgrading it. Lots of work going on and we've taken up all the carpets, moved sockets etc etc and I was considering installing an alarm as this would be the prefect time to do it as it wouldn't be making any more mess than there is already evne if I bury all the wires in the walls.

There are 3 external doors and what I had in mind was simply having a PIR for the hall and contact switches on the external doors. A remote keypad by the main door and possibly an additional one by kitchen door (we use that more than the front door for exiting). I'd also put wiring in for an additional PIR for upstairs should we ever decide to do a conversion.

I'm quite happy around electrics (I'm an electronic engineer) and have looked at various threads which seem to suggest that its reasonably straight forward. Am I missing something or is this a task suitable for a DIYer?

Thanks.

 

[scott1980]

Yes, I would say succesfully installing an alarm is within the scope of most DIY'ers, providing you can use basic hand tools and power tools, and you can follow instructions. An understanding of electronics/alarm terminology will also help.

For DIY installs, I would advise looking at a Texecom control panel as the instructions are generally very easy to follow with lots of diagrams. You may want to go for the Veritas Excel panel, mainly due to the LCD keypads for ease of programming. I would install a PIR detector in every room if you can, with a contact on the two main entry/exit doors.

You may wish to install a vibration detector on each bedroom window. That way, you can have just the bedroom windows set at night, with the PIR's in the lounge and kitchen still active, giving all round protection but still allowing you to go to the bathroom without having to switch the alarm off.

Take a look at the Security Warehouse website for a good range of kit. Don't buy the chepest detectors and bell box you can find as you do get what you pay for.

 

[joe-90]

If you are an engineer then it is a doddle. It's nothing more than an elaborate doorbell.

 

[Microvent]

Why dont you stick in a wireless alarm system. I design systems for a living and there are some good reliable ones around.

 

[breezer]

Why dont you stick in a wireless alarm system. I design systems for a living and there are some good reliable ones around.

because (They are a pain in the butt) you can't deny they need batteries, big (to hold the battery), the batteries cost a lot, and the whole thing costs more than a wired one anyway

 

[joe-90]

...and it's a bungalow so no probs with cabling.

 

[Atilla]

Why dont you stick in a wireless alarm system. I design systems for a living and there are some good reliable ones around.

because (They are a pain in the butt) you can't deny they need batteries, big (to hold the battery), the batteries cost a lot, and the whole thing costs more than a wired one anyway

not really - the costs comparable with a wired system

 

[AlF2008]

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to think about it some more once I've got the current jobs out of the way.

 

[joe-90]

Why dont you stick in a wireless alarm system. I design systems for a living and there are some good reliable ones around.

because (They are a pain in the butt) you can't deny they need batteries, big (to hold the battery), the batteries cost a lot, and the whole thing costs more than a wired one anyway

not really - the costs comparable with a wired system

About £120 then?

 

[breezer]

I wouldn't say that little, Joe-90, but i do agree with your thinking, radio alarms do cost more by their nature, then as i also siad you have the batteries to change.

 

[Atilla]

" little Joe-90 "

the costs comparable, and batteries are cheap as chips nowadays

 

[Gees]

Cheap batteries!!! Where would this be then?
Decent batteries IMO are never cheap, only rubbish batteries..
Better off with a wired system especially as he has the place in a perfect state to install the cables.......

 

[AlF2008]

I have to admit to have an inherent distrust of anything wireless. I would go for a wired install unless there was a large cost difference in favour of wireless or another extremely compelling reason.

 

[Atilla]

Cheap batteries!!! Where would this be then?
Decent batteries IMO are never cheap, only rubbish batteries..
Better off with a wired system especially as he has the place in a perfect state to install the cables.......

agree totally in this case, just the blanket condemnation of radio is outdated now

 

[Handykindabloke]

we've recently bought an old bungalow and are currently in the (slow) process of upgrading it. Lots of work going on and we've taken up all the carpets, moved sockets etc etc and I was considering installing an alarm as this would be the prefect time to do it as it wouldn't be making any more mess than there is already evne if I bury all the wires in the walls.

There are 3 external doors and what I had in mind was simply having a PIR for the hall and contact switches on the external doors. A remote keypad by the main door and possibly an additional one by kitchen door (we use that more than the front door for exiting). I'd also put wiring in for an additional PIR for upstairs should we ever decide to do a conversion.

I'm quite happy around electrics (I'm an electronic engineer) and have looked at various threads which seem to suggest that its reasonably straight forward. Am I missing something or is this a task suitable for a DIYer?

Thanks.

Installing one is pretty straightforward but designing one needs a little more thought. Before you go mad and stick PIR's and Vibration sensors up all over the place consider how you will live with the system. I think your right about the PIR and contacts and two remotes.

Hiding and or protecting cables from damage is also worth thinking about as is making well made and tidy cable connections.

You may need to protect the bell box with some steel mesh if you cant get it up high.