Recommended Wire Gauge for Alarm Sensor Installation

In this video, Bryce talks about which types of wires are best for connecting a hardwired sensor to an alarm panel. The best types of wires to use are 22-gauge wires and 18-gauge wires. These wires can be used to connect devices such as motion detectors, door and window contacts and smoke detectors.

Both of these wires can be used to wire various devices as needed. However, the thinner 22-gauge wire is recommended for motion detectors, door and window contacts, and glass break sensors. Meanwhile, the thicker 18-gauge wire is best suited for wiring devices directly to a transformer, as opposed to the panel. We also recommend using 18-gauge wire for smoke detectors, heat sensors and carbon monoxide detectors. Both of these wire sizes are pretty standard, and they can be purchased at more hardware stores. A user can get them in customized lengths based on their needs.

The 22-gauge wires are relatively thin, and they are easier to fish through walls throughout the building. This makes them ideal for devices that aren't necessarily located near the panel. The 18-gauge wires are sturdier and more insulated, making it more appropriate for running power from a transformer and for ensuring that life-safety devices are always powered on. Overall, using the correct gauges will help ensure the best possible results.

A wire stripper is needed to properly manage the wires and to reveal the inner copper. It is important to be careful when using a wire stripper so that the wire is not destroyed or made unusable during the process. The sensors will need to be wired correctly so that they can be properly recognized by the panel and fully powered. Whenever new devices are being powered, the power outage for the panel should be checked so that no power shortages occur. This becomes especially important when a large number of devices are added to the alarm system.

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