[nutshellml]

Morning all... I just bought a house and it had all of the entries and windows hardwired for the alarm. I want to try and take advantage of the existing wiring, but wanted to first make sure the wires were not cut and were still intact from the door or window to the actual panel. What is the best method? A tone probe? If so, what brand/model? I'm hoping not to break the bank on the purchase and it will be an occasionally used piece of equipment.

One thing I believe they also did was not "homerun" each sensor, I believe, in some areas, one wire went from the panel to say one room where they ran a few splits to each window. Does that make sense.

Any event, any info or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[47_47]

Close all windows and doors. In your panel disconnect one pair of the contact wires at a time. Use your meter and verify continuity or zero ohms between the wires. Open a door or window on this branch. Re-measure continuity, should be open or infinity. You have just tested the wires for both continuity and possible shorts.

So you are aware, when they ran multiple contacts on one set of wires, you must connect the contacts in series.

 

[nutshellml]

Close all windows and doors. In your panel disconnect one pair of the contact wires at a time. Use your meter and verify continuity or zero ohms between the wires. Open a door or window on this branch. Re-measure continuity, should be open or infinity. You have just tested the wires for both continuity and possible shorts.

So you are aware, when they ran multiple contacts on one set of wires, you must connect the contacts in series.

So I don't need to connect anything to the "sensor" end. For example one garage window sensor is off (very old system). I don't have to connect anything on that end and then check on the panel end. The system does not currently work.

 

[47_47]

You didn't mention missing contacts. You could either insert a jumper wire between the contact wires at your house side or remove one contact from a window and place the contact next to the house side for one that is missing for testing.

Added: I am thinking a two part magnetic contact. You may have a one piece plunger style and it may not be missing.