Security System Wired, now an issue

15 years ago

I hope someone on here might be able to help us. We used a reputable security system guy to wire our house for an alarm system. It includes wiring for 2 panels (mudroom and master bedroom), glass break alarms, motion detectors, the little buttons on the doors, and outside alarm and the ability for it to be wireless (there might be more, that's what I remember off the top of my head). I recently learned this guy won't be able to finish the system. I don't want to go into it, but something tragic happened making him unavailable.

Am I going to have an issue getting someone to finish this? It all rough wired, but that's it. Any ideas? I don't even have a clue who to call, I got this guy through a friend who has a lot of commercial properties that used him.

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Comments (7)

chisue
15 years ago
Is there a brand name on the controls? The maker may know who else is in your area.
sierraeast
15 years ago
I would seek out someone who is familiar with security systems in general rather than someone who is only familiar with a certain type. Someone reputable that understands most all systems. Like electricians, they have detectors to locate the runs and will tell them what goes to where. Good luck!
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Sure, I've done it in my 60-year old home. I prefer hard wiring because it's concealed and the sensors are much cheaper. If you have an accessible basement or attic the wires can typically be fished through without too much trouble. As for the EMF, that's another issue, and in my opinion, as someone whose career was environmental engineering and risk reduction, your worries are misplaced. Wireless sensors will contribute negligibly to the background EMF you already have. If you are really concerned about the supposed health risks from EMF -- and that's another topic I won't choose to debate here -- you should get rid of electrical devices in your home as they generate EMF: televisions, telephones, battery chargers, lights and lamps, fans and air conditioners, power tools, dishwashers, toasters, clothes washers and driers, hair dryers, clocks, electric ranges and hot water heaters, computers, microwave ovens, clothes irons, baby monitors, etc.,...in fact, anything with a cord that is connected to the electrical system in the house whether the device is on or off. You should also realize that the wiring in your walls produces an EMF field all around you. It's good to be aware of environmental risks, but there are much larger and certifiably more real ones out there than exposure to EMF. So, if you can't put in an alarm system with only hard-wired sensors, don't worry that you are doing something bad to your family by using a few wireless sensors.
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sue36
Original Author
15 years ago
There are no controls, it's only been wired.

I have no idea what he was even planning on for controls. I only know there was to be a panel in the mudroom (the door we always enter the house through) and the master bedroom. Basically, there are a bunch of wires hanging in the basement, some wires hanging in rooms (for motion detectors and glass alarms) and where the panels are to be there are electric outlet boxes with blanks over them (the code inspector required they be covered).
homeagain
15 years ago
Our last house was pre-wired for a security system. All windows and doors on the first floor, a control in the back hall and one in the master, along with a couple of motion detectors, and a siren. We just called up ADT and they came and finished it. So if they could do it then I'm sure any local company could do it also. Running the wires after a house has been finished is the hard part and you're past that. Hooking everything up was just a few hours.
sue36
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks Homeagain. I was afraid I was in a situation where no one would want to touch someone else's work.
lsst
15 years ago
I agree with homeagain.
The guy my builder hired moved his business out of state in the middle of my build.
A new company was hired and after the builder and I discussed with him what was originally planned, he picked it up from there and finished everything.
We only had one wrong connection. It was resolved within 6 months of moving in.
sue36
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks lsst. I have the original contract with the installer (somewhere in the 3 giant boxes of house stuff), so all the details of what was supposed to be done are there. One of our neighbors is an architect, he probably knows someone he can recommend. Thanks again. One less thing to worry about!

Security System Wired, now an issue

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chisue

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Security System Wired, now an issue

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chisue

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