running wires to the headend

[Digger]

I agree with Steve. Sometimes the retrofit hub is the best fit even for new construction. I have one and its very stable etc.

I think we are back to where we were about 3 days ago????

Again there is more than one correct way of doing most of this. It comes down to what people are more comfortable with and what fits their budget etc.

 

[v1rtu0s1ty]

I agree with Steve. Sometimes the retrofit hub is the best fit even for new construction. I have one and its very stable etc.

I think we are back to where we were about 3 days ago????

Again there is more than one correct way of doing most of this. It comes down to what people are more comfortable with and what fits their budget etc.

Yes, that's what I recall too. But someone also mentioned somewhere on this thread that M1DBHR is used if you have an existing system and not for new construction.

Why do you guys prefer using M1DBHR over M1DBH or vice versa? What advantage do you gain with the other that you can't with using the other? I know it's personal preference but I would like to hear them.

I will search for that post here which talks about the retrofit on the new house.

 

[toymaster458]

I personaly like using the DBH for the following reason.

1) Can use multiple on an install (I beleave the DBHR has a limit of 2)
2) Provides a cleaner looking install
3) Less termination to worry about
4) Easy to add and remove devices
5) Easier Troubleshooting

 

[v1rtu0s1ty]

Here is my new drawing. Please comment on it.

 

[rfdesq]

Ok guys, assuming I change my mind tonight regarding the smoke sensor connectivity(going from 2wire smoke sensor to 4wire smoke sensors), and digger's suggestion previously using SAUX, this is how I understand the connections. Please comment.

If Neil decides to go with a four wire smoke on individual zones doesn't he need a supervisory relay and EOL combo on each detector?

 

[Digger]

I mentioned that in a previous post. That in itself could be a whole new thread. I reccomend that he use the supervisory relay.

The detector installation instructions I beleive have that information (I will try and dig up a copy and verify later).

 

[toymaster458]

The supervisory relay is only required in comercial installs. At least in this area. It will work with out it.

 

[v1rtu0s1ty]

I think the question now is, do I get the same functionality from a 4wire smoke detector without this supervisory relay such as M1 being able to detect which one tripped? Is the functionality I will be missing a critical part of residential monitoring?

 

[v1rtu0s1ty]

Here is my new drawing. Please comment on it.

Going back to my drawing, in my real setup, I'm going to have 6 smoke detectors to install. If you see, we only have 1 SAUX interface in M1. How am I to short all the smoke sensors so that it looks professional? Is there any board that you guys use so termination is really neat?

Thanks,

Ronneil

 

[Digger]

The smokes will work without the relay, however, if power to teh smokes is lost you will not know it without the supervisory relay (meaning you have no protection and you wont know it).

You can use a terminal block to connect the multiple runs together as one option.

 

[v1rtu0s1ty]

The smokes will work without the relay, however, if power to teh smokes is lost you will not know it without the supervisory relay (meaning you have no protection and you wont know it).

When you said, power to the smokes is lost, I'm assuming the wire that you used to connect the smoke to the SAUX encountered issue such as accidental wire cut or are you referring to the battery on a 4 wire smoke detector? I also don't know if 4 wire smoke detectors use battery.

You can use a terminal block to connect the multiple runs together as one option.

Does home depot electrical folks know these terminal blocks?

Thanks guys!

 

[Digger]

If the wiring from the SAUX to the detector was damaged and you lost power to teh detector it will not function (obviously) so you supervise the power with a relay and an EOL Resistor.

Try Radio Shack as well for a terminal block. Usually people in H.D. and Rad Shack dont know much about components etc. There are some exceptions.

 

[v1rtu0s1ty]

Digger, about terminal blocks, this is what I'm going to do so I can save more 18/4 runs. I will install the terminal block on second floor rather than near the M1. Terminate all the smoke detectors to that terminal block and only run 1 18/4 wire from terminal block to SAUX. I will save 180 ft of 18/4 wire. That's a lot of savings. Will there be any issues though in regards to lenght and power?

 

[Digger]

Works for me...... (its what I did) and now you are starting to see the benifets of having expanders etc on each floor.

I think when all is said and done you will save some money, time, and have more flexibility.

Once again it is not the only way of doing it but it has its advanteges.

 

[v1rtu0s1ty]

Works for me...... (its what I did) and now you are starting to see the benifets of having expanders etc on each floor.

I think when all is said and done you will save some money, time, and have more flexibility.

Once again it is not the only way of doing it but it has its advanteges.

I'm actually printing my new drawings now and I will recalculate everything so I can start ordering the wires