How to Wire a Home Security System

Home security systems can be expensive, but if you are able to do most of the installation work yourself, you can save money in that area. You can then use the money you would have had to pay for someone to do the wiring to buy a more expensive, better working home security system.The wiring is connected after the components—the sounder, and door and window switches—have been installed. This must be done first.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wire
• Knife or other wire-stripping tool
• Staples
• Wire clips
• Hammer

1. Locate the part of the room that is farthest away from the sounder.

2. Locate the two-wire cord that is used for the entry-detection switch loop. Using the knife or wire stripping tool, expose about three-fourths inch of wire ends (there should be two).

3. Attach each wire end to its own terminal screw—one that is located on either the switch or door cord.

4. Route the cord to whatever device may be next in line (such as a magnet switch). DO NOT CUT THE CORD!

5. At the next thing that you are going to be connecting wires to, cut the side-by-side conductors (this is the copper-colored wire) just a few inches down. Remember, you only want to cut the copper-colored wire.

6. Expose about three-fourths inch of these wires (the copper-colored ones) and then connect to the terminal screws on the switch.

7. Repeat Steps 2 to 6 for the remaining entry-detecting switches and fire sensors.

8. Run the two-wire cord to where the sounder back plate is located.

Tips & Warnings

• Most alarm systems come in a “kit”, which has all necessary parts and components, including wire. If you need more wire than what has been supplied, simply take a piece of the original wire with you to any retail outlet that sells wire, and match it with the new wire.
• Fastening devices can be used to keep the wire neat looking and out of the way while working. Just make sure the fasteners used DO NOT penetrate any of the wires.
• The components should be receiving no electric current while being worked with. Make sure the power has been turned off in and at the area where you are working.
• Use care when stripping and cutting wires. Not only are the stripping/cutting tools sharp, but exposed ends of wires can also be very sharp.