ELK-M1 GOLD INSTALLATION

The description from Elk is:

Provides 3 zones of amplified speaker outputs with adjustable volume, along with 3 zones of microphone inputs. The M1TWA can be used to add two way listen-in to the M1 Control or to just add amplified speakers at keypads and other locations in a building. Each of the 3 amplified speaker zones can drive a maximum combined impedance range of ~4 to 32 Ohms, permitting multiple speakers to be connected. Each zone includes a mute option that is triggered via an output from the control. The 3 microphone zones can handle up to 4 individual microphones each.

A two way listen-in kit was designed so that in case of an alarm in the premises the central station (or whoever may be monitoring your house) can listen in via the microphones to what is going on in your house. There is also the ability for them to speak to whomever is in the house through the speakers, hence two way audio. Check with your monitoring company to insure they support two way audio.
 
The description from Elk is:

Provides 3 zones of amplified speaker outputs with adjustable volume, along with 3 zones of microphone inputs. The M1TWA can be used to add two way listen-in to the M1 Control or to just add amplified speakers at keypads and other locations in a building. Each of the 3 amplified speaker zones can drive a maximum combined impedance range of ~4 to 32 Ohms, permitting multiple speakers to be connected. Each zone includes a mute option that is triggered via an output from the control. The 3 microphone zones can handle up to 4 individual microphones each.

A two way listen-in kit was designed so that in case of an alarm in the premises the central station (or whoever may be monitoring your house) can listen in via the microphones to what is going on in your house. There is also the ability for them to speak to whomever is in the house through the speakers, hence two way audio. Check with your monitoring company to insure they support two way audio.


Dang steve! you are the best. Thanks for your quick response. So now, do I install this speaker microphone all over the house or just in one place. Or the microphone/speaker will be installed next to the keypads?
 
So now, do I install this speaker microphone all over the house or just in one place. Or the microphone/speaker will be installed next to the keypads?
It depends what you want to accomplish. There are a few different 2 way listen in kits. Look at them here and read thru the manuals. My personal opinion is that if you want to use it in case of the alarm going off then you probably want at least a mic in several key locations throughout the house to perhaps give you the best coverage for listening.

what devices goes on ELK-M1XOVR and ELK-M1RB.
Those are relay/output boards essentially designed to switch things on/off. Some of the more common uses are things like controlling sprinkler valves, toggling the garage door, etc. Anywhere you need an open/close contact/relay would be a good use.
 
I was just wondering if it is okay to use 22/4 to connect 8 smoke detectors and 22/4 to connect 8 motion detector without experiencing voltage drop? Also, is it legal and is it in accordance to the rules that I can use the same wire I used for motion detectors for smoke detector? Is fire wire the same thing as the wire used for security sensors? Thanks
 
I was just wondering if it is okay to use 22/4 to connect 8 smoke detectors and 22/4 to connect 8 motion detector without experiencing voltage drop? Also, is it legal and is it in accordance to the rules that I can use the same wire I used for motion detectors for smoke detector? Is fire wire the same thing as the wire used for security sensors? Thanks

Fire wire is typically 18/4 I think. You don't connect them serially, you have to home run each wire to each motion detector.
 
I was just wondering if it is okay to use 22/4 to connect 8 smoke detectors and 22/4 to connect 8 motion detector without experiencing voltage drop? Also, is it legal and is it in accordance to the rules that I can use the same wire I used for motion detectors for smoke detector? Is fire wire the same thing as the wire used for security sensors? Thanks

Fire wire is typically 18/4 I think. You don't connect them serially, you have to home run each wire to each motion detector.
Yes, firewire is nothing special, just 18 gauge solid wire with a red jacket. Electrically the 24 gauge security wire will work and many installers do use it for smokes but I believe for life safety devices use whats right/the best. There is also 18/2 firewire and the connection strategy depends on whether you use 2 wire or 4 wire smokes. 2 wire is serial and connects to one special zone. 4 wire is homerun to individual regular zones. Lots of info here on 2 wire vs 4 wire if you search.
 
Thanks guys for the contribution. really appreciate it. I got couple of dome cameras from monoprice http://www.monoprice.com/products/product....=1&format=2. Theses are hardwire camera's. What type of wire would anyone recommend me to use to connect these to my ELK-M1 GOLD. Also, is there a way I can divide all five cameras into zone so that I will know which is which on my monitor? thanks
 
Also, just from anyone personal view, would you recommend using solid core or stranded. I was thinking of using stranded wire as it is easy to move and bend around corners. Anybody's recommendation?
 
I absolutely don't want to discourage you from asking questions but I do want to encourage you to search a bit :P Many of these basic questions are answered at length and in depth in many different threads. Solid vs Stranded is a perfect example. There are several pros/cons depending on your situation, how/where they will terminated, etc. Look around a bit and see if your question is answered - I bet you find more than you can imagine. If you still need additional clarification or have a unique scenario then PLEASE ask. The great thing about a forum like CocoonTech is that its been around for a while and can serve as a huge knowledgebase of info due to the many that have walked before you. There is some really great data out there to read. If regular search doesn't seem to help (bad for short generic words) try the Google search.
 
Also, just from anyone personal view, would you recommend using solid core or stranded. I was thinking of using stranded wire as it is easy to move and bend around corners. Anybody's recommendation?

That's a matter of personal taste. Stranded is easier to manipulate, solid is easier to terminate. I use stranded...
 
22/2 for Non-powered sensors (Door/Window Contacts, water contacts, etc)
22/4 for Sensors requiring power (Motion detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, etc)
Firewire for fire related sensors (Smoke/Heat detectors)
CAT5 for Keypad Locations
18/2 for Alarm speaker locations

While you may think it is a good idea to just run something like CAT5 in place of the 22/2,22/4 and are willing to accept the additional expense, but it can be an issue when you try to cram all that big wire into the can at the alarm panel end. You'll be happy you ran 22/x instead of CAT5 when you get ready to terminate.

As mentioned above you can install speakers behind your keypads. You can either run a CAT5 + Speaker wire 18/2, or you can try to use an extra pair off your CAT5 for the speakers. I recommend running the addition speaker wire.

You also may need to use relays in various places (irrigation, garage door opener, etc) You will need to size the wire for the voltage/amperage being carried on those wires. If it is minimal CAT5, 22/2 or 18/2 will probably suffice. If your not sure run larger wire. You can also move your relay card closer out to where you need the relays. Then you just run CAT5 to the M1 relay card.

If you plan to control your thermostat via the M1, you will need to wire according to whatever thermostat you choose. Some require you to run extra wire to the thermostat location itself (CAT5), RCS can take regular thermostat wire to a control module you mount by your furnace then run CAT5 to the control module. Check the M1XSP manual for options.


Hey wuench, you said I need 18/4 for smoke detector and 22/4 for CO detector or motion sensor. The smoke detector that I have also has a CO detector added to it. so is the 18/4 still good for the combo. Also, for cost sake, is it advisable to buy 1000' of the 18/4 and use it for all devices that require 4 conductor such as the motion detector. Thanks for your previous response.
 
you said I need 18/4 for smoke detector and 22/4 for CO detector or motion sensor. The smoke detector that I have also has a CO detector added to it. so is the 18/4 still good for the combo.

It depends on the detector. You only need 18/2 for a 2 wire detector and 18/4 for a wire detector. Assuming you are using 4 wire detectors typically 2 wires are for power and 2 for the zone. So, it depends on how your detector is designed - is there one 'zone' for both smoke and CO or are smoke and CO separate. If its all together 18/4 should be sufficient, if they are separate you will need probably 18/6 or and 18/4 AND and 18/2.

Also, for cost sake, is it advisable to buy 1000' of the 18/4 and use it for all devices that require 4 conductor such as the motion detector.
18/4 'firewire' is overkill for motions and besides that IMHO should only be used for life safety devices (and sometimes for keypads). I would use the firewire for all Smoke/CO/Heat only and regular 22/4 for motions.

Thats just my opinion - electrically the 18/4 will work for all of it but it is both overkill and could be confusing having red wire all over the place. 18/4 solid is also harder to run and terminate. Usually you can get a 250' or 500' spool.
 
I was just wondering if it is okay to use 22/4 to connect 8 smoke detectors and 22/4 to connect 8 motion detector without experiencing voltage drop? Also, is it legal and is it in accordance to the rules that I can use the same wire I used for motion detectors for smoke detector? Is fire wire the same thing as the wire used for security sensors? Thanks

Fire wire is typically 18/4 I think. You don't connect them serially, you have to home run each wire to each motion detector.
Yes, firewire is nothing special, just 18 gauge solid wire with a red jacket. Electrically the 24 gauge security wire will work and many installers do use it for smokes but I believe for life safety devices use whats right/the best. There is also 18/2 firewire and the connection strategy depends on whether you use 2 wire or 4 wire smokes. 2 wire is serial and connects to one special zone. 4 wire is homerun to individual regular zones. Lots of info here on 2 wire vs 4 wire if you search.


Fire wire is special. The jacket has been evaluated to last a specific minimum amount of time in a fire and also handle certain mechanical abuse that regular jacketed wire has not been evaluated for (and may or may not meet the requirements of fire wire). NFPA 2010 edition added more requirements for survivability of initiating circuits (fire zones). I am not fully up to speed on them yet so I am not going to quote them etc.
but the local code authority might hold someone to them.

Not all red jaclketed wire is fire wire either. It must be UL Listed fire wire to be accepted by some local code authorities.

Personally I think anyone installing a fire device in their home should consult with the local code authority for guidance. Most usually appreciate being asked first.
 
Yes, you are right Digger. I was speaking 'special' from an electrical/will it work perspective.
 
Back
Top