Re: Elk M1G for Rehabbed House

[<2alarm@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Mr. Bass wrote in a previous post re: UL.......

"the most respected standards writer in the nation".

Looks like you stuck your foot in your mouth again Mr. BAss.
Pushing non-UL systems are you?

Another reason for the buyer to beware.....

Norm Mugford

<chriscaldwell289@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1135275693.375091.72920@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> As is customary, my first post is a begging plea for experienced
> recommendations.  Please bear with my lack of knowledge and thank you
> in advance for your suggestions.
>
>
> My wife and I have recently purchased a row home in an 'improving' area
>
> and are moving in in about 3 weeks.  Most of the house has been gutted
> and construction is about to begin so now is a good time to install a
> system.
>
>
> I have been looking into security panels for a few months and really
> like the Elk M1G (sys4 package), but am not 100% sold on it.  I would
> like the ability to have a fairly extensively automated home eventually
>
> (a/v, lights, door latches, etc).  So, my first question is, would you
> go with the Elk M1G?
>
>
> My next question moves on to what I should install for a basic system.
> We have 4 exterior doors:
>  one front
>  2 basement
>  1 rear
>
>
> 20 human sized windows, 2 'mini' windows and a skylight:
>  6 full sized windows (2 per floor) in front 2 with fixed half-round
> panes above
>  2 basement windows in front
>  2 basement windows (alley access)
>  3 elevated 1st floor windows (alley access)
>  3 second story "inaccessible" windows, but we will eventually have a
> deck (alley access)
>  4 windows on fire escapes (alley access)!
>  2 primarily inaccessible and very small (1.5'x2') windows (alley
> access)
>
>
>  1 100 year old skylight with 4 panes of glass and easy access via
> fire escape
>
>
> I thought I would install a contact on each 'hole' except the 4 2nd and
>
> 3rd floor front windows.  What contact should I use for these?  I'd
> prefer something not visible, unless the visibility really adds a lot
> to deterent.  Also, is there a good way of alarming the skylight?  It
> doesn't open and each pane is too small for human entry (plus they
> would drop into the middle of the staircase).  I'm not sure what to do
> about motion detectors as we plan to be getting a 100+ great dane and
> already have a 65 pound shepherd mix (and a cat ).  One additional
> consideration pertains to the front door.  We have a small entry way
> (3'x3') immediately inside the house with another, decorative door
> inside.  Should we also arm that second door?  It might provide a
> surprise barrier, or it might be a waste of time, money and energy.
>
>
> We want to install a system that will be very effective both occupied
> and vacant, but aren't in a position to invest in the most robust
> system currently.  I want to plan for the future but protect today, if
> that makes sense.
>
>
> Is there anything I have missed? Or should I say how much have I
> missed?  I debated a motion light in the back yard/alley, but have seen
>
> many suggest that it is a waste of money.
>
>
> I know this is a lot to ask, but if anyone can offer insight on even
> one of these areas, I'd be most appreciative.  Thanks for reading and I
>
> hope to hear from you soon.
>
>
> Sorry for the cross-post, I just wasn't sure if diy
> got the same participants.
>