Elk - PIR Wiring pics

[BassTeQ]

Hello,

Since the Elk doesn't have many options for sourcing power to the PIR's I'd be interested to see some pics of what methods people have used.

What I was thinking was just adding a terminal strip to the Elks 12v Aux, then connecting all the PIR's to this?

Any better ideas?

Thanks

 

[wuench]

I use terminal strips and PD9s (which are probably overkill).

 

[Del91574]

I've piggybacked under the terminals (no foul as long as you're not mixing AWG's) and also PD9's. Terminal strips would end up being overkill IMO.

 

[tmbrown97]

I just pigtail them if there's not a huge number... run a 16awg wire or so into the terminal block, then use a wirenut to tie the pigtail to all the individual wires where there's more room to work.

 

[BassTeQ]

Thanks all for the info, might just get some terminal strips for now and run them back into the Elk's AUX power.

wuench : Thanks for the pics, do you have higher res versions, those are just a little small.
Also how did you tag your wires, looks like heat shrink with printed text, id be interested to know how you did this.

Cheers

 

[tmbrown97]

The Dymo Rhino labelers support printing on heat shrink, or a nice wrap option. There are different tape types too - including a fabric style that adheres well and holds up well.

 

[BassTeQ]

The Dymo Rhino labelers support printing on heat shrink, or a nice wrap option. There are different tape types too - including a fabric style that adheres well and holds up well.

Thanks will check these out!

 

[BassTeQ]

Just a thought, if I get the PD9, will that be sufficient to power my 8 PIR's as well as the XEP, from the Elks AUX power?

 

[Del91574]

Depends on what your overall current draw is, but the PD9 is generally just a distribution board, with PTC's installed in line so each output is protected, however you could use a wall wart for power.

The XEP draws 300 mA and then you have 8X your motions. The panel puts out 2.5 A split between the KP bus and the aux power (1.25A each) however appendix F states a UL max of 1A total continous load across all the terminals and points listed.

 

[wuench]

Those are the biggest pics I have. I have one terminal strip dedicated to power the other is to break out my speaker connections. The PD9's are wired to the terminal strip. Then I wire my PIRs to the XIN above and PD9 below. My M1XEP is on its own power supply, not off the Elk. Like I mentioned, PD9's are probably overkill. If I had it to do over again

I used the dymo heat shrink labels mentioned above to label my wires.

 

[BassTeQ]

Thanks again all for the replies

I'm sure the PIR's would probably draw not much more then 10mA ea, so thats under 100mA for 8 + the 300mA for the XEP, seems well below the 1A limit.
For the small price of the PD9's I think it would be useful as its add protection to the circuitry.

Cheers

 

[Del91574]

Make sure you're figuring on alarm/relay active condition for the PIR's and not standby/idle current draw.

 

[BassTeQ]

Make sure you're figuring on alarm/relay active condition for the PIR's and not standby/idle current draw.

That's interesting, I didn't think there would be any difference in current draw from the PIR during "alarm" condition.
I understand the sensors that have been triggered when illuminated will obviously be drawing a little more current, but not a huge difference?

Thank you

 

[tmbrown97]

Actually, DEL's advice there is critical... many people size their systems for when they're at rest - but during an alarm state, the siren driver is going, the amplifier is going off; any strobes might be going off (including any such relays), the modem kicks on; if you have a 3G dialer, it'll be dialing drawing juice... it can be quite a spike.

You must test your system under load/alarm, or you could find that in the moment of need, it'll overload, shut down, and not alert anyone.

 

[video321]

Correct....even keypads will use more power during an alarm state.
You can find a "Current Draw Worksheet" on Elk's site. It'll include everything, such as the panel itself, keypads, in/out expanders, etc. You must include everything; even the panel itself draws something like 140mA. Elk's rated limit is 1A total before needing an aux. power supply.