How To Prewire Home Security

Updated: June 2023

A lot of people prefer wireless security, and it’s definitely a simpler solution.  However, in homes larger than 2,500′ you can have wireless range issues.

At a minimum, you need to wire Security Keypads for power.

A Quick Word On 22/4 Security Wire

Some security sensors require 22/4, and some require 22/2.  If you’re a dealer, and regularly wire homes, it makes sense to carry both types of wire.

If you’re a home owner wiring your own home, we’ve found it’s simpler to just run 22/4 to everything.

Security Keypads

Security Keypads take (1) 22/4.  Standard placement is at a height of 5′ and usually stacked above a light switch, but you can place them anywhere you like.  If you have two keypads, it’s one run per keypad, they’re not daisy chained together.

Motion Sensors

Motion sensors take (1) 22/4.  Place the motion sensor at a height of 7’, and usually in the corner of rooms. Make sure it’s an area that won’t be obstructed by media cabinets, or other large furniture.

Motion sensors don’t work in garages because of the heat, and can’t be aimed up the stairs.  Cats and small dogs will look like huge humans coming down the stairs.

Glass Break Sensors

Glass Break Sensors take (1) 22/4.  Most glass breaks mount to the ceiling, but some support wall mounting.  Glass breaks cover windows in line of site and within 15’.

Door Sensors

Door Sensors take (1) 22/2.  This is a little different, you are going to pull the 22/2 through the door jam.  There’s a couple options, but to keep it simple, use a 3/8” drill bit, and drill out a hole in the door jam to pull the wire through. You’ll use that hole later to slide your door sensor back into.

Window Sensors

Window sensors take (1) 22/2.  These are the same thing as door sensors. They have variety of types, but they work the same way as door sensors.  It’s possible to recess the sensors in the track of the window, but it’s different window to window.  It’s almost easier to just plan on using a surface mount sensor.  The kind that stick to the window frame, and window.

Sirens

Any more, most systems have a siren built into the touchscreen, but if you need to run a siren, you’ll run 16/2.  Don’t go out and buy a spool of 16/2 for a Siren.

If you don’t already have 16/2 for speakers, then run 22/4 and you can double up the wire.

Smoke Detectors

In most homes today, the smoke detectors are wired up by electricians to meet local fire code.  All the smokes have to be wired together so when one smoke goes off they all go off.

It’s very unlikely you’ll wire Smoke Detectors for your Security System.  Most systems offer a ‘Fire Fighter’ type device.  You place a single wireless device near one of the smoke detectors, and if any of the smokes sound the Fire Fighter sensor will notify the Security System.