Suppliers for Elk and System Sensor devices, and what methane detector to use.

[ecborgoyn]

Maybe it's somewhere on the CT site, or maybe I'm not permitted to ask the question....

But what are folks preferred online vendors for Elk and System Sensor devices? Elk lists authorized dealers. Are there authorized SS dealers?

On a related topic, I haven't selected a methane detector for my system upgrade. The Macurco/3M devices look interesting. Are they a good device? Quality? Value? Are there other residential methane detectors that I should be looking at? I'm going with System Sensor smoke and CO detectors.

Thanks.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Maybe it's somewhere on the CT site, or maybe I'm not permitted to ask the question.... But what are folks preferred online vendors for Elk and System Sensor devices? ...

http://www.cocoontech.com/forums/index.php?showforum=59

 

[sic0048]

I use http://www.setnetpro.com/. They happen to be in my local area, but they do a lot of mail order/internet business. They are VERY helpful and knowledgeable. Feel free to call them with any questions. They will be happy to help.

 

[mikei-ma]

I bought a natural gas detector from these guys http://www.gasdetectordepot.com/ and am *in the process* of setting it up on my elk.

 

[zipadyduda]

I see elk products on ebay including M1G kits, but I'm concerned. On Elks website, they say that they only sell to authorized dealers and only warranty stuff purchased from 'authorized dealers' and they have a list. What is interesting is that they also have a list of 'unauthorized dealers' I'm curious how that works. How do the 'unauthorized' dealers get the stuff to sell? Is it counterfeit or something? And why would elk go to the trouble of listing those dealers on their site? Has anyone here purchased an elk kit from an 'unauthorized dealer' ? if so, how was your experience.
 
Thanks

 

[newalarm]

Some of the authorized dealers have very competitive prices so call around. PM me and i will give you my contact info there.
 
I have not yet purchased my gas detector, basically due to cost. they are $100 each for the 3M you mentioned. I wired the house to place two. This is a device you probably don't want to get the cheapest device.
 
For motions, Bosch are really nice. but look at their site, you want to select the motion per the architecture of your space.

 

[tmbrown97]

I see elk products on ebay including M1G kits, but I'm concerned. On Elks website, they say that they only sell to authorized dealers and only warranty stuff purchased from 'authorized dealers' and they have a list. What is interesting is that they also have a list of 'unauthorized dealers' I'm curious how that works. How do the 'unauthorized' dealers get the stuff to sell? Is it counterfeit or something? And why would elk go to the trouble of listing those dealers on their site? Has anyone here purchased an elk kit from an 'unauthorized dealer' ? if so, how was your experience.
 
Thanks

nice thread-jack!  If you want real support, buy from authorized resellers; if you want to risk it all and gamble, buy from ebay.

 

[newalarm]

Actually, I am curious about that too. I bought everything from an authorized dealer. I think spending a little more will remove many headaches when you have problems down the road. Though the dealer, being authorized, was not really helpful with questions and did not seem to know the product well. I would recommend that for people who may end up having lots of questions (novices), they may want to research who they buy from carefully and make sure they will be helpful down the road.
 
But what exactly does an 'unauthorized' dealer mean, and why would elk not support it if they sold them the devices?

 

[RobNJ]

I asked ELK this when I bought my stuff.  If there was a problem with the device, an authorized retailer device would be honored by ELK warranty.  If it was unauthorized, then you would have to deal with that vendor for warranty.  I bought 90% of my stuff from authorized vendor.  I made sure the key components like the M1 and more expensive keypads were done with them.  Some of the smaller things like strobes, speakers, etc, I just got from a somewhat local place that had them very cheap.  To me the risk was lower.  For the M1, no way I would risk losing warranty on that.
 
BTW, I have some old emails saved from some unathorized ebay places stating their warranty was from ELK.  This is what led, me to call ELK and when I found out the real story.  It was very deceptive of the seller.

 

[newalarm]

"I asked ELK this when I bought my stuff.  If there was a problem with the device, an authorized retailer device would be honored by ELK warranty. "
 
That pretty much sums it up. Big advantage.

 

[sda]

I bought the core ELK system (m1g, boards, keypads, cans, etc) from AO.   Most of the authorized vendors have the same pricing structure.  Think of the extra bucks as a technical support contract.
 
Read this:
http://www.elkproducts.com/retail_distributors.html