keypads data bus hub sp12f and elk-73 cat6

[ELEKTPO]

Hi guys I finally decided to install the M1 and I was browsing the forums to see some tips. I found that you can connect multiple sp12f in parallel and connect them to the output 1 (voice/siren)on the ELK. I'm going to use multiple keypads with sp12f behind them connected with cat6 homeruns to the data bus hub. I saw that I only need 3 pairs of wire for the keypads connection to the hub using RJ45. Since I will have one pair left I was wondering if I can use it to connect the sp12f speakers, and if I can how to do that? Can I just connect the 3 pairs of wire to the RJ45 and extend the 1 pair so I can screw it to the output 1 on the ELK? I will use 3 SP12F speakers and 1 ELK-73 speaker. So can I connect all 4 speakers in parallel to the output 1? Sorry for the lots of questions I just don't want to mess up something.

Thank you

 

[standon]

Assuming you're using 22awg cat5/6 cable (which is best case scenario) you could only go about 48 feet with a 32ohm speaker like the SP12F. You'd be better off running speaker wire separately. Not sure what the specs on the Elk-73 is, but you'd have to do some calculations to figure out how many ohms, I think Elk can only handle 6 or 4 ohms at maximum. You could have some communication problems or humming with the speaker if you use the cat5/6 as well.

I've been going through this debate in my head as well, a) put a speaker in the bedroom area or B) use my automation software to announce critical events through the whole house audio system. I pretty much came to the conclusion to do both, but I need at least 200ft of wire for each Elk SP12F speaker, so I'll have to run speaker wire to each location.

 

[ELEKTPO]

Thanks for the tip standon.I will see what will happen in couple days when I finish the installation. I connected the speakers with 22/4 wire.

 

[tmbrown97]

It's always ideal to have a dedicated wire for the speaker... I use 18/2 for the SP12's. That said, over the years plenty of people have chimed in stating that they used that last pair out of necessity for running the keypad speaker; or even for getting the keypad's inputs/outputs back to the panel - and they've all said it worked fine; nobody has chimed in talking about melting wires or anything; maybe a little lower volume... but since the speaker only runs for short periods it's not long enough to do damage generally.

In fact, I believe there's a way you can break out that last pair at the DBH without having to split the wires out of the RJ45 - but I'm pretty sure it puts them all in parallel (and make sure you don't connect anything else to that pair!).

 

[Photon]

I installed quite a few Cat-5e runs around the house which are terminated at the wiring center on a patch panel and at the wall plate with the usual RJ45 jack. Most are patched to the network, some for telephone, some are unused. When we decided we wanted a speaker in the kitchen to better hear the Elk anouncements, it was a simple matter to run a patch cable from the patch panel to the 66-block for the Elk audio. For the kitchen end I gutted an old PC speaker enclosure and installed an Elk-SP12F speaker. I cut a patch cable in half and soldered the blue pair to the SP12F. It just sits on the kitchen counter next to the TV. It worked so well that I later did the same thing in another room where I didn't want to put another plate on the wall for the speaker. The PC speaker enclosure sits out of sight on the floor under an end table. If we are outdoors on the patio expecting guests, it is a simple matter to move one of these speakers back there and move the patch cable at the panel.

I found the Cat-5e cable handles the audio as well as the 18 gauge wire I ran behind the keypads for those SP12F speakers.

 

[wuench]

While it may work, I bet while you are trying to terminate it in the elk cabinet you are wishing you would've gone with a separate wire for the speakers...

 

[Del91574]

It can be done, however you'll need to check your impedence and loading you're doing on the M1 and also possibly modify your max alarm volume, depending on your total load on the amp on the board.