Security system extentions to remote buildings?

Bob_Skurka · May 31, 2005

Help. I'm building a new garage/workshop and there is only 1 window from my house that looks toward the new shop. Even then, trees obsure the view. My home a security system that is expandable, I'd like to secure the garage with my home alarm system. The electrician is coming out tomorrow to pull his electric lines to the new shop, I'm also going to have him pull some computer and video cable over there, but I have no idea what type of wire to pull for the alarm system (Ademco brand), does anyone have a clue what type of wire to pull for an alarm system?

ducati996 · May 31, 2005

Ademco makes a wireless setup called the 5800 series. You can (should be able- depending on panel model number) attach a high gain receiver, along with adding a wireless PIR, Smoke detector, Glass break, keypad real easily....its good for 200-500 ft range (maybe more). Mount inside on the nearest wall closest to the garage. You can always test to see if all works without much effort before installing. Hardwired is another option as long as the panel can be expanded with extra zones. You can use 22 guage 4 to 6 conductor stranded wire, or CAT5e if the distance isnt to bad. If the panel is old, then updating to new wireless capable panel would be advisable. I can go into as much specific detail as needed but maybe your installer will suggest these things as well. Dont want to step on anyones toes, however I have many advantages ( Ademco being in my back yard for one) along with access to these products (and more) beyond the average installer.....

Let me know if more info is needed

Ducati

Bob_Skurka · May 31, 2005

Duc . . . I can't recall the panel model number at the house, but I know I have several zones available to add into it. I've got several sub panels in the house and just figured the new garage/shop could be run off its own sub-panel. My attached garage is set up with a wireless arming device and can be armed even if the house is not armed or visa-versa. I was hoping to do the same with the freestanding garage/shop so it would have 24/hour fire protection and be able to be armed completely independantly regardless of the status of the alarm at the house.

getut · May 31, 2005

Heheh.. I would love to see an alarm system guarding my tractor. It would be very difficult to not have false alarms considering there is a racoon that has chewed a hole in the masonite siding on my tractor shed/workshop and likes to sleep in the seat of an old murray lawn mower that I have in there. He's gotten so used to me coming out to get my tractor fix (seat time) that he doesn't even rush getting out anymore, he just seems to give me the stink eye (not NEARLY as scary coming from a racoon as it is coming from wifey) for waking him up in the daytime and bobbles out through the hole.

Maybe I can install a keypad out there and just teach him to just set the thing when he steps out.

Bob_Skurka · May 31, 2005

Robert, what you need is a high resolution B&W camera with an IR flood. They have come way down in price, are line powered, allow you to see in total darkness and you can even wire them into your TV system so you just select the proper channel to see if the little critter is resting comfortably in your tractor seat or if he is having a party in the wiring loom.

Inspector507 · May 31, 2005

Then you should be able to replicate the same set-up in the garage/shop if Ademco still offers the parts. I am not up on the systems that use separate arming for different zones/panels. I have been out of the alarm installing business for years.

Bob_Skurka · May 31, 2005

It took all day for me to get an answer from the technical guy at the alarm service, but it seems that all I need to do is get a dozen pairs of phone cables run over there and all will be good to go and will be controlled by the main system, with or without a sub panel, at my choice. Wednesday my electrical sub contractor will pull all the electrical, data and alarm wires for me. I thought about having a video feed, but figured that was over kill.

khd · Jun 1, 2005

If you thought of video and the electrician is pulling then put it in now. Fishing it or wishing you had done it later certainly makes it worth it to do it. RG is cheap and your already paying the labor.

Regards,
Kevin