ELK M1 Gold install location

Does it need to be installed in the metal case or can it just be installed to a open panel? I am contemplating installing it in the ceiling. The ceiling (in a hallway) is on the first floor of our 2 story house. It would be behind an access panel with an air gap of around 6" to the ceiling joists.

The Elk manual states, "Do not mount the control board outdoors or in a damp location or where the environmental conditions are unsuitable for electronic based equipment. Do not mount in an unconditioned attic. Use common sense and good installation practice. A suitable location would be inside a secure dry location where the ambient temperature inside the control box can remain at 32-120F."
 
Having said that, can it [physically] be installed in the ceiling? Sure.
 
Would I recommend it? No. The reason I say this is simply due to the difficulty in servicing the system.

drvnbysound said:

The Elk manual states, "Do not mount the control board outdoors or in a damp location or where the environmental conditions are unsuitable for electronic based equipment. Do not mount in an unconditioned attic. Use common sense and good installation practice. A suitable location would be inside a secure dry location where the ambient temperature inside the control box can remain at 32-120F."
 
Having said that, can it [physically] be installed in the ceiling? Sure.
 
Would I recommend it? No. The reason I say this is simply due to the difficulty in servicing the system.

Click to expand...

Thanks, the reason I wanted to do it in this location is it is just above the top of the door for access and the room is extremely well insulated. The room has never gotten over 75F even without the a/c.

Besides the enviromental reasons...
 
It's not legal and code compliant.
 
Does not meet the "readily accesible" portion of code, nor the "free and clear" portion of code and working space requirements. I could go on and on of why installing inside a cubby in the ceiling is a no-no. Commercial building and drop ceiling where there is no choice and compliance can be maintained is another story.
 
The M1 and related components are intended to be installed within a suitable electrical enclosure. Covered within the NEC and the installation documents.
 
Put it this way, while the LV cabling and wiring is considered "safe" due to the low voltage and current the system puts out, the metal enclosure is there to enclose any sparks, overheating and in the case of the battery, which is unfused and capable of quite a bit of energy, let alone split, leak, heat up, etc. Yes, it is a stretch and pushing for the enclosure to help with sparks and fire, however I have seen panels and other components catch on fire, and specifically in the case of alarm panels, I've seen RJ jacks and other system components catch on fire after a surge/lightning strike.

Thanks, i will install it in the closet then... In its enclosure.