About Joseph Retzer, C.E.T. Expertise I am knowledgable in the fields of Access Control, CCTV, Fire Alarms, Fire Suppression, and Security Systems. Dealing with the design, installation, and service of each of these systems. I am a NICET Certified Technician in the fields of Fire Protection Engineering Technology/Fire Alarm Systems, and Special Hazards. I have been certified by The National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association as A Certified Alarm Technician. I have been in the security field since 1979 and owned my own security alarm company from 1983 till 1990. In 1994 I became involved in Special Hazards (fire suppression systems such as Halon and CO2, etc.). At present I work for one of the largest fire protection companies in Western New York.
Experience NICET Certified Technician in the fields of:
Fire Protection Engineering Technology/Fire Alarm Systems, and
Special Hazards also Low Voltage Audio Systems.
The National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association:
Certified Alarm Technician.
Question Hi Joe, We are building a new home and are looking for a home security system that is not too expensive but will have all the features needed. Any recommendations? Any good points or bad about any particular systems? Any info on reliability? THanks.
Answer Hello, and Thank You for the question.
Congratulations on building your new house. Now is the best time to wire your house for a security system, while the walls are open.
Here are a few hints:
Run a 4 conductor wire (a minimum of 22 gauge wire) from each of the outside doors and windows to a central area in your home. At least one 4 conductor wire should also go to each of the rooms in your home. This is called pre-wiring. You should do this whether you plan to connect that area or not, it will be money well spent if you plan to connect it to your system later. Each end of the wire should be tagged so that you will know where it goes.
Don't Forget Smoke and Heat detectors. You will need a minimum of 18-gauge wire for these. A minimum of one smoke detector in each room and hallway do not for get the bedrooms. Use a heat detector in the kitchen and any crawl spaces.
As far as which system to use, the choice is up to you. You will want a system that is non-proprietary. Most ADT, Sonitrol, and Wells Fargo systems are proprietary, meaning that only they can monitor and service them.
One panel that I do like to use that is not that expensive and has lots of features and is expandable is the DSC Power 832. It is a very nice panel, almost any alarm company can service it for you, and it offers features such as intercom, telephone interface, and some home automation. I have used this panel for quite some time and have had zero problems.
If you would like, I will help you layout a system for your home. I can also get you the equipment that you will need, help you program it, set you up with a central monitoring station, etc. Just forward me your E-Mail address and I will send you more information.
If you want or need more information please let me know.
