Should I do it myself?
Equipping your home with a fully functioning alarm system can be done by many do-it-yourselfers if you have some experience with wiring and you follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your system. Installing your own system can be broken down into 3 phases; wiring, system installation and system programming.

Wiring: With some wiring experience, you should be able to complete this phase of the installation without too much difficulty.  Before you get started, you should know that although a homeowner is not required to have an electrical license for cabling done inside your own home, local building officials may require a permit. You must also make sure your wiring conforms to the requirements of the National Electric Code (NEC) part 70 (see attachment a) and any local and state regulations which may supersede the NEC.  Failure to comply with NEC requirements may limit your Insurers liability if an event should occur as a result of your wiring.

System Installation: Your system will come with an installation guide. By carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions, you should be able to complete the installation yourself.

System Programming: This is where many do-it-yourselfers find themselves in trouble. Most people are not familiar with the process and language used in programming a system.  If you find yourself in trouble here, call a Professional in to do it for you. You did well to get this far and saved quite a lot of money in the wiring and installation phases. If your system is not properly programmed, the best wiring job in the world will not get you and your family help when it is needed.

System Pricing:
Average prices for a good alarm system will range between $250 and $600 depending on the material required for your application.
A breakdown of pricing averages is as follows:

1. Alarm system with a LCD keypad $225.00.
2. Second keypad $120.00.
3. Battery backup $20.00.
4. Window or door magnetic reed switches $5.00 each.
5. Cable to connect Keypads, window & door switches $50.00.
6. Wireless receiver (If you plan to use wireless contacts on the windows and doors) $150.00.
7. Wireless contacts for windows and doors $55.00 each.

Monitoring.
Whether you choose to do your own installation or hire a professional to do it for you, your choice of a monitoring company is what will insure you get emergency help when it is needed. Our response times are among the best in the business and our prices very competitive. Unlike most of our competitors, we do not require long term “roll-over” contracts. Our customers “choose” to stay with us because we offer a quality service at a fair price. For more details on monitoring and monitoring pricing, please see our monitoring page on this website.

Addendum A
NEC Code regulations. The following are some of the code requirements for the installation of an alarm system. The regulations covered here are not the full requirements or meant to replace the NEC. The full volume of the NFPA 70 NEC can be purchased at book outlets and most Electrical supply houses. You won’t find this document at any of the large home improvement stores. Mainly because they have little knowledge of electrical requirements.
Some of the minimum requirements are as follows:

• Cable if run from one floor to another must have a rating of CMR or CMP.
• Cable for fire equipment such as smoke detectors and heat detectors must have a rating of FPLP or FPLR.
• Holes drilled from one floor to another must have fire stop material placed in them after the cable is placed.
• Cables must not be placed in the same hole or box with those of electric light or power.
• A minimum of 2” separation must be maintained where possible with that of electric light or power.
• Exposed cabling within 7’ of the floor must be fastened at intervals not less than 18”.