Diy Wiring, Professional Configuration?

[NyseriA]

Hello all,

I am trying to lower the cost of a good installation and I would like to run the following past your learned ears (or eyes, as may be the case).

Is it likely to be cheaper sourcing the gizmos and PIRs that you want, rather than simply taking the engineers choice or supply? I am rather interested in either the Siemens Sintony60 or the Bosch Abacus Evolution - would one be able to specify an engineer to install these? Are these worth installing in what will essentially be a relatively compact installation (5 or 6 zones max)?

Furthermore, following a quote from a reputably engineers, it was suggested to go half wireless due to the woodenfloors upstairs. However, I am currently laying wooden downstairs as well so would it be a good idea to cable up with 8 core cable to areas that I think would need a PIR/device? I would rather have a wired system, but do not really want to pay for someone to wire up my house when I could do that for them and then they just connect everything. However, are there any good wireless systems of note? The Homelink75 *looks* nice, but is it any good?

I suppose that it would probably be a good idea to have asked said engineer this, but I had a bit of a crisis on my hands at the time and didn't really concentrate during the survey!

Summary

[*]Is it OK to pre-wire an installation for the engineer to connect the panel/devices/bell box?

[*]Is the Homelink75 worth the money, or is it not?

[*]Are the Siemens and Bosch Abacus worthwhile or should I just stick to the engineer supplied unit (presumably a galaxy).

[*]How difficult would it be for an enthusiastic amateur with a modicum of electronics experience (mainly IT) to fully install the system?

[*]Would it be more cost effective to get the engineer to do that last bit, don't fancy setting a new box on fire etc

[*]I appreciate that

[Guest Dave the alarm man]

Is it likely to be cheaper sourcing the gizmos and PIRs that you want, rather than simply taking the engineers choice or supply?

a proper firm is unlikey to have any interest in using anything but their own kit

Is it likely to be cheaper sourcing the gizmos and PIRs that you want, rather than simply taking the engineers choice or supply? I am rather interested in either the Siemens Sintony60 or the Bosch Abacus Evolution - would one be able to specify an engineer to install these? Are these worth installing in what will essentially be a relatively compact installation (5 or 6 zones max)?

the later would be the choice of the two

I am currently laying wooden downstairs as well so would it be a good idea to cable up with 8 core cable to areas that I think would need a PIR/device?

I would normally expect all the wiring to be under the boards of the 1st floor

but do not really want to pay for someone to wire up my house when I could do that for them and then they just connect everything.

big no for most proper firms either the full job or nothing, I don't want to come back to find my system does not work because your cables have been damaged by the heat from the central heating pipes ect....

[*]I appreciate that

[NyseriA]

True, but the alarm isn't going to stop it being stolen when a patio chair comes through the window unfortunately, it merely alerts the neighbours to the predicament. Even monitored alarms, when you live in an urban area, are limited unless you have patrols nearby.

Thanks for the reply though, in essence, a professional installer wouldn't want the hassle of trying to troubleshoot an installation that wasn't wholly conducted by themselves. I can see that as being sensible, considering the DIY wiring in this house when I moved in

[nikko]

Just out of interest, what made those choices of panel attractive to you?

[NyseriA]

Reputable companies (had a fair few Siemens and Bosch products in the past), alleged ease of use, functionality and, if I am honest, aesthetics!

If people were to state they were rubbish, difficult to use or there were better alternatives on the market, rest assured the aesthetics would go out of the window

With the upstairs floors being covered in non-removable wooden flooring, is it probably going to be a better idea to use a completely wireless system or would it be an option to use the loft space and work down from there? There is already trunking up from the front of the house containing mains wires.

[alterEGO]

[arfur mo]

Reputable companies (had a fair few Siemens and Bosch products in the past), alleged ease of use, functionality and, if I am honest, aesthetics!

If people were to state they were rubbish, difficult to use or there were better alternatives on the market, rest assured the aesthetics would go out of the window

With the upstairs floors being covered in non-removable wooden flooring, is it probably going to be a better idea to use a completely wireless system or would it be an option to use the loft space and work down from there? There is already trunking up from the front of the house containing mains wires.

tbh

not trying to be rude to you in anyway. from the underlined is why most pro engineers express deep concerns and fear's with DIY cable runs, but then again being a fickle lot we will happily connect a new kit onto an old system, often assuming (hoping) all is well when we can't actually investigate cables due to polished floors.

but if you really want aesthetics and a decor sympathetic installation this is what you pay a decent pro engineer for hopefully, so as with anything get sound recommendations first from people's opinion who you respect, as a badge or time served is not always the guarantee you will be happy.

modern radio kits are extremely reliable, an installer should be able to test his equipment will work fine in your home, where as you pick something based on aesthetics might not be the case. you may succesful fit your own system, after all we have no extra heads or arms than you (despite what others say about me ), but this is where you need to ask yourself very seriously before you install anything yourself, what are you going to do if it won't work or it false alarms?

regs

alan

[NyseriA]

[Guest Dave the alarm man]

When I moved in, the wiring in the bathroom had been "DIYed" and the 30 amp wire had been screwed into the wall by accident. The plug hole was also earthed. That would have made for a stimulating shower, I can tell you

did you put it right, or did you have a chap in?

[alterEGO]

Protex (www.protexalarms.com) - heard good things about them from a few colleagues and on forums. After the above advice and seeing how fickle you professionals are () I might give the guy a ring and see what we can sort out. I quite fancy the challenge, but as with most things these days, when you can earn enough at work doing overtime to pay for work done at home that would take you twice as long, it's a false economy trying to bodge your way through yourself.

Chris, hes a mate of mine and a member on here. thats a very good price then mate. you will not get it any cheaper then that.