Looking to go Elk ... currently DSC ... adding fire / heat / CO / motion

[vandi]

I currently have a DSC1832.  Eventually I'll be putting an Elk in to handle automation and security.  In the interim I would like to put in CO / heat / Fire / motions that will be forward compatible with the Elk.  Any recommendations on which brand / model sensors to put in place (sticking with 4 wire so I can zone things).
 
Thanks!
 
Vandi

 

[rexwilson]

with 4 wire, it's pretty hard to go wrong.
I recently did a similar switchover to what you're doing, and some of my considerations were:
- whether the devices have built in end-of-line relays;
- current draw;
- built in sounders and the possible need for polarity-reversing relays;
- whether the smokes have a "cleanme";
I wound up going with GE smokes (541NCXTE, as i wanted each on its own zone with its own EOLR, and these have them built in; do not have "clean me", and I decided I didn't need it), and GE CO as well (CO250, also with built in EOLR). For heat I used system Sensor 5601P.
For motions, I am fond of Visonic, as they seem well designed, small, low current draw, dual technology (PIR and MW).