Alright, so before I get told this - yes, I searched security and yes, I found some very helpful information ;) I even searched other security forums (which were not all bad and kinda helpful) for this topic but have yet to find any of my answers.

So we have reached a point where we are getting requests for pre-wiring and installation of security systems on new construction customs and semi-customs. I went to a Honeywell "class" that basically taught how to program (which I could have mostly picked up anyway on my own and honeywell since their panel is what integrates with vNet) and yet they did not cover "Security System Design". I have seen pre-wires with bundles of wiring and some with about 6 wires and it seems to be all preference.

I was wondering if any of you have recommendations for pre-wire design and install and/or if not, maybe someone in Colorado would like to be a sub-designer for our installs... yes, we pay for services we need but we would like to do the wiring but are not opposed to sub-contracting the pre-wiring as well. The first project on the plate is a ranch with about 10,000 finished square feet...

Yeah, kinda getting thrown into the pool there instead of just getting my feet wet...

Any help and/or tech support numbers are appreciated!

BisyB

Sent you an RC Mail..

Not sur how it is where you are but here in nc you can not even pre-wire for security unless you are security certified. As i am finding out it takes a while to get through all the red tape.

Sub it out. There's not alot of money in it, unless your providing monitoring. Trying to compete with the big outfits who do thousdands of systems is a headache.

sub it out

No permits or license needed in most of CO for security.. fire/sprinkler systems are another matter. Denver requires a license but all that is is a one page application and $$.

i totally agree, sub it out, and save yourself the headache. then sell the monitoring contract. let me know if you need a contact for monitoring.

proaudio

If you are in Texas, no Security license means Class C misdemeanor = fine and possible jail time.

Laws with no means of enforcement are worthless.

If you have a low voltage license what keeps you from running wire for "automation"? I totally understand not being able to sell monitoring and installing a system.

Here is the deal, with a large custom home like you are talking about, there is money to be made. They are paying for your expertise. We are a large custom outfit and stayed away from security and let someone else do it and it causes integration nightmares as you probably know. getting a security license is easy and cost about $800 in AZ. My best advise would be to keep it simple. stay away from wireless (service headaches) and stay away from Smoke Detectors. use quality Motions and Glassbreaks (there is a benefit) Keep an accurate zone list for each and every job and get into monitoring (keep others away from your job) we monitor only about 20 accounts and it works great for us, we get service contracts out of it. Each room should be its own zone, the more zones, the easier the troubleshooting. If you are going to trim it stub it out (PIR or GB) Pet immune motions (if you have a tiny dog) best to be honest with the customer about this. Security usually requires mutlple trips do to doors and window not being in you have to keep an eye on the door wires thru-out the construction phase. If you have good techs it is easy. stick to one system and set programming standards and make a book with highlighted items for all the techs. develop pre-wire standards as well. Pull 22/4 to all openings and label your wires. the numbe system sucks. you can try different colors for certain devices but you can't trust the installers with such a task as we all know they are like children. Don't listen to the na sayers they are just scared weiners.

We do a bit of security as an added value service. We use DSC. I find the programming easier than Ademco/Honywell.

I use DSC and GE. they both work great and are both easy to program. I think the DSC is a easier system to prgram but the GE NX8E is a better panel (more power, more features, RS232 control with Crestron) and the GE wireless is much better. Tech support for both is really good. I am a DSC guy at heart but I pulled out my 832 for an NX8E. If you do automation then use the NX8E Plus you get more zone capability.

We use HAI but only pursue automated systems. This kinda ensures that we can make some money plus do more than just slam out security systems.

As far as the prewiring is concerned, are you asking where door contacts, motions, etc need to be wired to? Also, don't forget that a lot of people are using cell phones as their home phones, which will require a Cellular "call-out" product that usually costs more for monitoring.

Do a ton of research and go through the Level 1 classes. There is some money to be made. Good luck.

There are many benefits to doing security but you better make sure you have the proper licenses, insurance and legal coverage in your contracts. I Primely use Honeywell, Napco and HAI but I am trained on nearly every panel made. If you want to add a profitable security division to your business then I suggest you do the same.

I could add a lot here but I choose not to.

Most security companies are doing wireless. In the past you could make a good profit off the prewire because every wire was home run back to the panel. All windows and doors and motions were wired so there was a lot of labor involved $ but now these companies come in and run a few wires and they're done. The best thing to do is to sub out the work to a reliable company and let them do the work. Its hard enough explaining how to use a remote to the client.



Deniz

I saw an announcement that vNet redid their Security Module, they now integrate with DSC and GE as well as Honeywell...