Hello Everyone,
Going to be installing an Elk-M1 which will replace an existing panel. The problem is the Elk panel is 14"x14" and won't fit where the existing panel is located without moving a bunch of shelving in the master bedroom closet. We would like to avoid this. We are also going to be installing the 28" Elk structured wiring panel in the laundry room at the same time for some Cat5e and some RG6 drops.
Can anyone comment on turning the original current panel location where all the sensors, keypads,PIRs are homerun to into a junction box and run the completed zone circuits and other cables to the structured wiring panel in the laundry room? I know I've seen some larger homes where not all the sensors are homerun back and there are intermediate junction locations. Is this a somewhat common practice?
I obviously would also relocate the transformer to a plug at the new location. Not sure if I would just pull new cable for the keypads or the PIRs. The distance is likely not more then 50ft in wire so I really don't think it will matter all that much if I just extend them to the new location.
Any concerns about putting the alarm panel in the structured wiring panel? The panel could eventually contain a network switch and a video modulator in addition to the Alarm Panel. I think the structured wiring panel mounted at the typical height is going to be "more accessible" via an intruder compared to the panel at the top of the mbr closet. I guess I could simply mount the structured wiring panel higher up in the laundry room.
Thanks for any comments...
-jr