RAL said:With the two M1XINs, you're just a bit over the limit, but that's a worst case number when everything is drawing power at once. That wouldn't be the normal state. but could happen in an alarm condition if every component was drawing its maximum power. You might be able to squeak by without an aux power supply.
Good design practice (and my preference) is not to push things right to the limit, but to leave some head room. I usually try and keep the loads to around 80 to 90% of the maximum allowed. It requires more work and a bit more cost up front, but avoids headaches when things don't work as they should.
A multi-output power distribution board isn't required, but makes things a bit neater and easier to wire up. One advantage is that each output has it's own fuse, so if a short develops somewhere down the line, it will take down part of your system, but not all of it.
4, 8 , or 16 outputs is up to you. On my system, I divided things up by the type of load. One output for motion detectors, another for glass break sensors, etc. 8 outputs was sufficient for my system.
If you find a real bargain on a 4-output Altronix power supply, you can always swap the distribution board for a larger one later. The boards are often on eBay for $10-$20.
There's a choice of fuses or PTCs on the distribution boards. Fuses are usually the better choice for a residential installation.
RAL,
I agree and thanks for the advice. The power supplies usually have efficiency rating so 80% is a good place to be in. I went ahead and ordered an Altronix AL400UXPD16 for $35 off of ebay. The item is new without batteries and the panel/box has some damage. I can live with that. I will order 2x 12Ah batteries to use with it. The batteries are going for $30 a piece in eBay.. decent price?!
Now I need to get couple of zone expanders and M1XEP. This will set me back another $250-$300 I guess.
I have another problem, .t was self made though. When I wired my new house, I ran 3 wires to most of the rooms (motion, glass breaker and window sensors. Two 22/4 and one 22/2 wires. I have identified all of the window sensors as they are 22/2 but I am having trouble tracing the 22/4 wires now as the house has already been foam insulated. Any tips on how to identify the wires before/after connecting the devices?
I'd like to label them like BR1WIN, BR1MOT, BR01GB etc. It's a single story home so I don't bother using Floor # in the labels.
Thanks for all the help.