new construction

[video321]

Yup... wasn't thinking.

 

[Del91574]

So DELInstallations, do you favor surface mounted contacts over the recessed ones? Unfortunately, i bought the 'cheap' ones, not the screw terminal contacts. Wish i had read this. I am using the ELK gel contact crimps tough, that should help with corrosion over time. Any advice on using these? There is little literature with them. The recommend folding wires back and stuffing them in, but they did not fit, unless you strip the wires first? Any other crimp recommendations?

In a typical install, contacts are chosen specifically for their application and installation methods, with warranty concerns considered. I have approximately 3 "standard" surface contacts I install, and 1 pushbutton style and 3 recessed magnetic styles, application specific (steel door, standard, and standard 3/8") with the main differences being the magnet.

B connectors (chicklets) were originally designed for solid conductors, unstripped and then crimped with a special tool.

The main thing is to use a proper crimp tool, designed for insulated terminals,so the teeth inside aren't peened over. In the alarm industry, since they're used to insulate only, stripping and twisting the wires, leaving about 3/8" to 1/2", then placing over the copper and crimping is standard. I prefer 2 crimps per cap.

As far as field wiring to terminals, if stripping the jacket and conductors are done carefully on the field cabling, the inner conductors are not visible, and provided the outer jacket is asthetically pleasing compared to the base materials, no foul.

 

[gizzmo]

For windows I recommend some of the slim surface mount transmitters that are out now. I know, I know, Hard wire can be better and I have drilled more windows with a diverse-a-bit than I care to count but here are my reasons:

• Window warranty - I don't have the time to research every window warranty.
• Mold - My insurance company issued a rider that states "if a water leak causes mold you are not covered"
• Replacement windows - It is like putting in the system twice but the transmitter can be moved.
• Lightning - It often damages wired contacts by rarely wireless ones.
• Wire damage - Rats Squirrels and mice along with pinched wires from settling.
• Coverage - monitors both top and bottom sash if placed on top where the lock is.
• Speed of installation
• I wont drill through water pipes, wires or Ming dynasty vases
• Point ID zoning
• Ease of troubleshooting.

On the downside you have added hardware expense and batteries but most of the newer transmitters will last about 5 years on a battery now.

 

[Del91574]

In addition to the above:
Only other item to consider is the obsolescence of the transmitter or frequency the transmitter uses when installing RF.

May not be as great an issue with some, however I can cite about 5 different manufacturers and panel series that started changing protocols while maintaining the same frequency or changing frequencies and unable to support older devices (DSC 900 Mhz vs 433 Mhz is a huge example of this).

On a plus, the Honeywell 5800 series has been out for eons, works well, and they're offering some OEM integration with Andersen.