Running New Alarm Cable

[effortless]

Hello,
I have a question about running new alarm cables,
My parents live in quite an old house (not too sure when it was built) but it currently has an old Logic 4 keyswitch alarm which I would like to replace with a nice new panel, either Honeywell Galaxy or Menvier M series. I may also be replacing the PIRs (not sure what make/model they are, they've been there since they bought the house, same with the panel) but I think I may need to run new cable from the panel to the PIRs (if I replace them) Because I don't want to start tearing walls apart (Mother would kill me for the mess), is there a simple way to replace the cable if needed? Or will the current cable do? I need to check out how many core cabling it is but I just want the general jist of it.

 

And.. There's always wireless

 

I will be installing:
2 PIRs (One front room, one dining room, maybe 3 if I put one on the landing. Leaving the kitchen out as that's where the dog resides. Internal door already has a lock on it but back door will have an door contact fitted)
2 Door contacts (front and back door)

Keypad near front door

Main Panel under the stairs where the current one is

 

,
Jack

[PeterJames]

In my experience the cables are normally the only thing that you wont need to replace. There is very little to go wrong with cable it is not made up of electronic components its just wire

[effortless]

I know that, but it's just if I need to use more core cabling (as I said, I'll need to pull a PIR to see what core cable it is) as if I get new PIRs that may need to use cabling with more wires. I installed a system and ran alarm cabling in my own house but it's a newer house and I had already wired it for ethernet so I just used the same routes as my ethernet cables.

for the reply
Jack

[datadiffusion]

Hello,

I have a question about running new alarm cables,

My parents live in quite an old house (not too sure when it was built) but it currently has an old Logic 4 keyswitch alarm which I would like to replace with a nice new panel, either Honeywell Galaxy or Menvier M series. I may also be replacing the PIRs (not sure what make/model they are, they've been there since they bought the house, same with the panel)

 

>>> Not sure exactly which year Logic 4 was NLS but if the PIRs are the same age, I'd replace

 

but I think I may need to run new cable from the panel to the PIRs (if I replace them) Because I don't want to start tearing walls apart (Mother would kill me for the mess), is there a simple way to replace the cable if needed? Or will the current cable do? I need to check out how many core cabling it is but I just want the general jist of it.

 

And.. There's always wireless

 

I will be installing:

2 PIRs (One front room, one dining room, maybe 3 if I put one on the landing.

 

>>> Obviously I can't see your house. But if it's the typical 'run through the door and up the stairs' scenario, I'd PIR the landing as minimum

 

Leaving the kitchen out as that's where the dog resides. Internal door already has a lock on it but back door will have an door contact fitted)

 

>>> You can get Pet PIRs, so no need to worry about doggy

2 Door contacts (front and back door)

Keypad near front door

Main Panel under the stairs where the current one is

 

,

Jack

 

>>> Good luck!

[arfur mo]

old house and what younger but still old cables that might have rodent or prior damage issues from previous works, possible bad joints or damaged caused like carpets or plumping etc.

but being positive, if those cables are sound (i'm not just old school @ 64 being possibly he oldest in here) nothing beats.good physical inspection using a very bright lamp before you start.

Modern more complex panels such as Gardtec 600 can support two detectors on a single zone 'loop', or you can fit zone expanders which allow attaching more detection without running new cables.

we just meed a clearer idea of what you want to achieve to be able advise better.

[PeterJames]

I know that, but it's just if I need to use more core cabling (as I said, I'll need to pull a PIR to see what core cable it is) as if I get new PIRs that may need to use cabling with more wires. I installed a system and ran alarm cabling in my own house but it's a newer house and I had already wired it for ethernet so I just used the same routes as my ethernet cables.

for the reply

Jack

Older systems needed more cores newer systems need less so most likely you will have enough cores

[datadiffusion]

Usually - changed out a '2 zone' 1980s panel once - was 12 core to every huge Racal PIR!

[Scotmod]

If it's a galaxy you'll only need 4 cores to the pirs anyway which most will have. What else is on the system? do you have any final contacts? an external bell? 

[Alarm Protection]

Take the old panel out and measure the cables before the new install. You should be fine.

[PeterJames]

Take the old panel out and measure the cables before the new install. You should be fine.

Just for clarity AP means measure them using a multimeter set to ohms