Re: relocate existing alarm panel.

["alarman" <alarman2000@xxxxxxxxx>]

"James Russo" <jr@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:tj2sf.3587$bd.3219@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Hello Everyone,
>
> Going to be installing an Elk-M1 which will replace an existing panel.
> The problem is the Elk panel is 14"x14" and won't fit where the existing
> panel is located without moving a bunch of shelving in the master
> bedroom closet. We would like to avoid this. We are also going to be
> installing the 28" Elk structured wiring panel in the laundry room at
> the same time for some Cat5e and some RG6 drops.
>
> Can anyone comment on turning the original current panel location where
> all the sensors, keypads,PIRs are homerun to into a junction box and run
> the completed zone circuits and other cables to the structured wiring
> panel in the laundry room?  I know I've seen some larger homes where not
> all the sensors are homerun back and there are intermediate junction
> locations. Is this a somewhat common practice?

You can certainly use the existing can as a J box. Just be sure to document
it's location at the main panel, and label all wiring clearly at both ends.
I would punch everything down on a 66 block, assuming solid conductors. This
makes future troubleshooting a snap.

> I obviously would also relocate the transformer to a plug at the new
> location. Not sure if I would just pull new cable for the keypads or the
> PIRs. The distance is likely not more then 50ft in wire so I really
> don't think it will matter all that much if I just extend them to the
> new location.
>
> Any concerns about putting the alarm panel in the structured wiring
> panel? The panel could eventually contain a network switch and a video
> modulator in addition to the Alarm Panel. I think the structured wiring
> panel mounted at the typical height is going to be "more accessible" via
> an intruder compared to the panel at the top of the mbr closet. I  guess
> I could simply mount the structured wiring panel higher up in the
> laundry room.

You may want to get the alarm panel its own enclosure. Not only will it be
more secure, but that other can will fill up pretty quick with the video and
network stuff.
js