From experience and training, I have amassed a wealth of knowledge with both professional and DIY Intruder alarm systems installation do's and don'ts. Here's a list of some useful DIY installation guidelines. Always read ALL enclosed installation manuals and user guides fully before commencing your installation. Many DIY installations fail to function correctly due to poorly followed instructions.
Wired DIY alarms
* LOCATION
Your first task is to take your time and carefully plan your installation, making sure you have selected suitable routes for your detector locations, detector wire, external sounder and power supply cable routes.
* POWER
When powering your system, you can use a normal wall socket and plug, but this carries the risk of being unplugged or switched off. The best method for an uninterrupted supply is to install a feed from the house consumer fuse panel, either from a spare fuse or low amp line i.e. bell or lighting circuit. If you choose this method, I recommend you add an un-switched fuse spur. (see below image example).
* RELIABILITY
When buying your system, look for a system that has an internal power supply, with a backup battery, do not buy the type of system that uses an external power adapter. They can be easily unplugged making your system vulnerable.
* SAFETY
Check that the unit you are buying has the BS (British safety) standard mark of approval. (UK installations)
* RIGHT SUPPLY
If you intend on buying additional sensors that require power, i.e. PIR sensors, ensure your power supply has adequate amperage to power all additional sensor accessories. One of the main causes for false alarms in DIY installations is under powered budget systems.
* LOCATING SIREN/STROBE
When looking for a suitable location for your external siren housing, remember to locate the unit in a place where the built in strobe unit can be seen from the street.
* Never mount an external siren with the control wires exposed or reachable from the ground floor.
* When mounting the external siren use stronger fixings, often the supplied screws and rawplugs are inadequate for the job of ensuring the unit cannot be easily removed by force.
* PIR LOCATIONS
When mounting internal PIR (passive infra red) movement sensors, do not position the unit aimed at heat sources or doorways that have excessive airflow or directly at a window.
* Most DIY PIR movement sensors do not have a curtain sensor area which means they are less affective at detecting movement directly below the unit, so when mounting the sensor, ensure its at a suitable height so as not to be either tampered with or at an ineffective sensor height. Best average height is approximately 2.5 ~ 3.0 metres from the floor.
* The angle of detection can be changed to suit the detection angle in a high installation, but has less overall distance coverage if mounted too high.
* DOOR CONTACTS
When mounting Magnetic surface mounted door contacts, make sure you do not position them were they can be easily kicked or knocked off the door or frame. Ensuring the gap between the magnet and sensor does not exceed 8mm.
* CONTROL PANEL
When mounting the control panel, pick a suitable spot where you can easily access the panel from the point of entry, but not in a place where the panel is vulnerable to easy attack from an intruder.
* REMOTE KEYPADS
If you have a remote kaypad, the control panel can be mounted in a under-stair cupboard or similar hidden location, and the keypad mounted close to your common point of entry.
* PRESSURE MAT
A good detection device is a pressure mat placed directly under a window, however over time the mats location can become compromised by furniture being placed on the mat. you should avoid this as it can permanently damage the mat.
* DUMMY SIREN
If available, purchase a second (dummy) external siren housing which can be mounted to the rear of your property to act as an effective deterrent.
* AUTO-DIALLER
A very effective device to add to any DIY installation is a stand alone auto-dial communicator, which calls pre-set phone numbe/s and relay a pre-recorded messages. In most cases the Police do not respond to DIY installation activations. A dialler can provide additional peace-of-mind to any DIY installation.
* ADDITIONAL ADVICE
Above all, take your time, and if you're not sure about something, you can find a wealth of useful information and tips from reliable sources online.
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Contributor's Note
A DIY alarm system can offer great peace-of-mind in that your valued possessions and property are effectively protected against unlawful intrusion. However it is only as good as the weakest point of the installation. Take your time when installing your system, and you should expect many years of trouble free performance.
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