Structured Home Wiring

DIY Security System / Burglar Alarm

Information on wiring your own security alarm with keypads, door/window sensors, motion detectors, glass break sensors and the wiring panel. Save money on both home owners insurance and alarm monitoring by installing it yourself.

This section of the Structured Home Wiring site covers everything you need to know to setup your own security system. Follow the links below for more information.

• Alarm Components - Details each part of the security system
• Planning an Alarm System - Determine how to layout the system so that your home is protected before running any wires
• Tamper Proof Wiring - Specific information on normally open (NO) vs. normally closed (NC) sensors and end of line resistors (EOLR)
• Wiring an Alarm System - How to connect the wires to sensors and the alarm panel
• Sample DSC Alarm - Pictures and diagrams of some DSC components for reference
• Programming the Alarm - General information for setting up zones and other data
• Alarm Testing/Maintenance - One time and periodic testing for your alarm system
• Wireless Alarms - For existing homes or if you aren't good with wires

For a home under construction, you should also read our guide to structured wiring for a new home. For an existing home, try our guide to wiring existing homes.

Realize that an alarm system does not guarantee the safety of you and your family. An alarm system is not a replacement for home owner's insurance. While a siren going off may chase off an intruder, it is not a guarantee. Even with alarm monitoring it will take a couple of minutes for police to arrive and the intruder knows this.

Many common sense rules apply whether you have an alarm system or not. Don't have any large bushes that cover doors or windows. You don't want to give a burglar a place where he can take his time to break in without being seen. Having exterior flood lights activated by motion detectors is even better. Having an alarm sign out front and/or in the windows can be more of a deterrent than the alarm system itself. A barking dog is also a deterrent. You just need to give a thief a reason to move on to the next home. If you have a walk out basement in the back of the home, then the basement door is a security risk. You should have an alarm sign on that door also, you should have a motion activated flood light, and you should protect the basement with sensors just as you would the the first floor.

The information on this site is provided free of charge. All information provided on this web site is provided 'AS IS'. No guarantee is provided for the accuracy of the information or the application of the information provided herein. I accept no responsibility or liability with regards to the accuracy or currency of the information provided. By using, reading or accessing this web site, you agree to be the user of the information provided. The user accepts full responsibility for all information provided. Although I try to keep the information on this site as accurate as possible, there is no guarantee that my reference materials or the material on this site is correct. This information is provided for reference purposes only! The technical information listed here are for general applications only. When in doubt, always seek the help of a professional!

Always consult your local building codes for the most accurate information regarding wiring and electrical codes. All counties and cities have their own building codes which will vary slightly. This web site only addresses some of the most common building codes. Please note that improper wiring could cause you to fail a home inspection, prevent you from selling your home, or even cause a fire.

Some of the examples provided on this (Ex: Wiring a DSC alarm) are for a specific release of a specific product by a specific company. The examples on this site are provided for reference purposes. You should always consult the documentation provided from the manufacturer.