Questions about Elk M1

[mcnutter1]

I am about to order an Elk M1 Gold with the ISY 99i package. A couple questions I had were

Should I go with closed/open contacts for doors and windows? is there any pros/cons?

What kind of wire should I get to wire up the contacts?

I am also thinking of using Motion Sensors... I have 2 small dogs (30lbs) and a cat, can someone recommend a good one?

I want to tie smoke/co detectors in, do I need specific detectors or can standard ones integrate?

I currently have about 9 Insteon switches, can anyone elaborate if they have something similar set up?

My house is a split level, I can access all the windows/doors via drilling through the bottom plate/top plate in either the attic or basement. Is there any best practices on this?

Also, I welcome any other comments/suggestions...

Thanks for the input.

 

[Del91574]

1. Yes, contact the entire perimeter and add interior protection as backup.
2. Personally, I'd run a 22/2 or 22/4 to each contact as a homerun. Cost is sometimes a factor, as is the total # of wires involved.
3. I like Bosch DS 835I's personally.
4. I don't care to start this argument, but my response is they should be kept separate and appropriate to the system, LV units connected to the system itself and HV units should be left as standalone.
5. Depends on how you're using the Insteon.
6. Fishing wire is an artform upon itself, but wire route determines how to fish, usually.