Alarm system - mix of wired and wireless

message from anthony james on 14 May 2004

We currently have a fairly basic wired alarm that was already
installed in the house. The panel is in the cupboard under the stairs
and needs to be accessed to arm and disarm. A lot of the wiring is
visible which i consider unacceptable and the building work we're
doing at the moment give the opportunity to upgrade and conceal the
wires.

I've been looking at the Powermax wireless system since there are a
few areas (notably the kitchen and back door) that i cant reach with
concealed cable. HOwever, there are a lot of other areas where i CAN
hide wiring and i'd prefer to hardwire the devices in these areas for
cost and convenience. I also like the phone monitoring on the
Powermax but it seems it can only have one hardwired zone (though i
may be misunderstanding this)

What i need is:
2 PIR sensors upstairs (can be hardwired)
2 PIR sensors downstairs (can be hardwired)
Front door reed switch (hardwired)
Remote keypad at front door (can be hardwired though wireless would be
easier)
Back door sensor (wireless)
Back door keypad (wireless)
Shed sensor (wireless)

Based on this can anyone give any pointers on what i should consider:
- upgrade existing system with remote keypads and extra sensors (if
possible)
- use some existing sensors with a new control panel
- use a wireless system and swallow the extra cost

Also, does the back door need a reed switch - i could potenially cover
the room with a PIR if i was still able to set this as an "access
zone" that allowed time to disarm the system - is this possible?

Archived message: Alarm system - mix of wired and wireless (UK D-I-Y Home Improvement)