I don't have a continuity tester at my disposal, but I have plenty of spare parts lying around. I was thinking about wiring up a quick battery/led circuit to test my alarm contacts. When magnet is on, led lights up, take magnet off, led turns off. Just a simple continuity test. I used the Tane Mini recessed mags. Does anyone have any experience with the contacts and are there any pitfalls you can think of testing this way? I want to get these tested before drywall goes up in two weeks to make sure they all work.
testing security contacts
- Thread starter lewisjd
- Start date
Neurorad
Senior Member
You say contacts are installed - is the alarm control/panel installed?
Did you choose an alarm control yet? You may want to consider adding resistors at the last contact position, in each zone, per the alarm manufacturer's recomendation. Search for 'end of line resistor' or EOLR for some discussion of their benefit.
Elk EOLR use is selectable by zone.
HAI is not selectable by zone - all EOLR or none. EOLR REQUIRED for contacts run to an 'Expansion Enclosure'.
Did you choose an alarm control yet? You may want to consider adding resistors at the last contact position, in each zone, per the alarm manufacturer's recomendation. Search for 'end of line resistor' or EOLR for some discussion of their benefit.
Elk EOLR use is selectable by zone.
HAI is not selectable by zone - all EOLR or none. EOLR REQUIRED for contacts run to an 'Expansion Enclosure'.
BraveSirRobbin
Moderator
If you are going through the trouble, you should really use a meter. There are some inexpensive ones at Fry's and Radio Shack.
This way you will test for both leakage and continuity in your cables. Look at my How To Install A Home Security System How-To for details.
This way you will test for both leakage and continuity in your cables. Look at my How To Install A Home Security System How-To for details.
Even Home Depot has a fairly decent model for $20 or so. It's not like you won't get $20 worth of use out of it. Plus, if you're using EOL resistors, they come in handy for measuring voltage and resistance.
If you want one with ALL the bells and whistles and don't want to spend a fortune (as compared to a Fluke), check out the stuff made by Metex. I had one of these and it was awesome... until the plastic tote that it was residing in filled with water when the garage roof started leaking.
The one I had has been discontinued, but this one is similar:
http://www.tequipment.net/MetexM-3890D.html
I have installed TONs of door contacts over the last 10 years. I can't remember when I have ever tested one before they were installed. I would also suggest using a meter instead of a homemade tester. We use Sentrol/GE units.
It would also be helpful to have a meter to also be able to test current and voltage on devices especially when having a problem.
It would also be helpful to have a meter to also be able to test current and voltage on devices especially when having a problem.
BraveSirRobbin
Moderator
Wow, you know what, when I read the OP's post I assumed he wanted to test the contacts that were already installed with the wire end dangling in his security closet. I re-read the original post after seeing yours above and am now wondering if the OP ONLY wants to test the contacts!
Hopefully the OP will chime in with some more details. But yes, I meant to test the security contacts that were already installed with the wiring already run (so you test the entire wiring/contacts as one unit).
Yes, let me clarify. I have the contacts installed/terminated and the 22/4 run to my home run location. I don't have my Elk yet. I wanted to test to make sure the wiring hasn't been fubar'd by the insulation guys, other workers, or by me ... I used those little gel filled telco crimps (which were a mess to work with btw) and just want to double check! I'll look into buying a unit today. Thanks guys!
... I used those little gel filled telco crimps (which were a mess to work with btw) and just want to double check! I'll look into buying a unit today. Thanks guys!Similar threads
