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Last week, we took a look at three of the best alarm panels in the industry. These were the Honeywell Lyric, the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, and the 2GIG GC3e. Today, we are checking out the sensors that you can add to support these systems. Here is our 2020 Security Sensor Buying Guide!

Sensors are accessories that are added to alarm systems to report specific activity. Each sensor has its own job of looking for a certain type of activity in its designated location. All of the sensors on a system communicate with a single centralized panel or hub. This panel is actively listening for any sensor that is triggered due to a potentially important system event. Adding new sensors is perhaps the best way to expand upon an existing system, and they make awesome gifts and stocking stuffers for the security enthusiast in your life.

Broadly speaking, sensors can be split into two main categories, which are security and life safety/environmental. Security sensors look for activity that suggests potentially unauthorized entry into a monitored and protected location, such as a door being opened, movement in a room where nobody is supposed to be present, or a window being broken. Life safety/environmental sensors look for activity associated with unwanted or potentially harmful conditions that affect the well-being of those in the area, such as a flood, an extreme temperature, a fire, or the presence of CO gas. We'll be taking a look at life safety/environmental sensors another time. Today, our focus is on security sensors.

Wireless Sensor Basics


Before we dive into specific security sensors for our top panel picks, we're going to start by giving you some general, generic information that can be applied to any sensor out there. First, understand that this post is focusing only on wireless sensors. These are almost always the sensors chosen for use with wireless alarm systems. Wired sensors can also technically be used with wireless panels but a converter module is almost always needed. Not to mention the fact that wireless sensors are significantly easier to install, especially for DIY users. The only time you will realistically see wired sensors used with a wireless panel is if a user is upgrading from an older wired system and bringing over their old wired sensors, or in new construction where a user wants to integrate the sensors in with the building. But if you're expanding upon a wireless system by getting new sensors, then the new sensors will almost certainly be wireless.

The important thing to remember when choosing wireless sensors for a wireless alarm panel is making sure the sensor is compatible with the system. It doesn't matter if a sensor has all the specs and features if it doesn't work with your panel! The way to determine compatibility is to look at the lineup that the sensor is from. Petty much every wireless sensor out there is part of a larger grouping of sensors that will all have the same compatibility.

To make it easier for you, we have the three panels we mentioned before (well, make that five, as the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus actually comes in three versions), and all their compatible sensor lineups conveniently listed. We hope that this sheds some light on your options. The only caveat is that for any panel listed here that supports the Honeywell 5800 Sensors, we must be clear that this is only for the uni-directional sensors with one-way communication in the lineup. Any bi-directional Honeywell 5800 Sensors with two-way communication will not work with any of the aforementioned systems. The bi-directional Honeywell 5800 Sensors are only compatible with the Honeywell LYNX Touch and VISTA Systems, which were not included in our buying guides.

With that out of the way, here are compatible sensor lineups by system:

You will notice that some of the sensor groups listed above are italicized and underlined. That is done to identify the lineups of encrypted sensors. These encrypted sensors have special protection measures put in place to make them more secure and less prone to being hacked or defeated by malicious attacks. Encrypted sensors tend to have more restricted compatibility. They may follow a special enrollment process. Encrypted sensors often use bi-directional communication so that the sensor knows that it is actively paired with the system. Many encrypted sensors may only be paired with a single system at any given time, and the sensor will need to be deleted from its existing system before it will work with a new one.

It's okay to use non-encrypted sensors with your system, especially in zones that are less likely to trigger an alarm, like a second story window. Many users will opt to use a mixture of both encrypted and non-encrypted sensors. Other users feel comfortable using entirely non-encrypted sensors. It really comes down to your level of comfort. Non-encrypted sensors are secure in most situations, and they are still tricky to defeat. But going fully encrypted is recommended for anyone seeking maximum security. One tip if you do decide to go with some non-encrypted sensors is to avoid letting others know what wireless frequency your sensors use or what type of system you have installed. Knowing the frequency and the system being used makes it much easier for a savvy intruder to defeat a sensor.

Door & Window Alarm Sensors


Now that you know some basics that apply to almost all wireless sensors, let's start talking about specific types and models. Door and window sensors will let a system know when a door or window has been opened or closed. These are some of the most basic and easy to use sensors on a security system. These devices work by using a larger sensor portion and a smaller magnet portion. The sensor is placed on or inside the door or window frame, and the magnet is placed on or inside the moving portion of the door or window. When the door or window is opened, the magnet will move away from the sensor. This will trip a metal reed switch inside the sensor, which will tell the sensor to alert the system to the opened door or window. All of the sensors we've listed here follow that same method of operation.

Door and window sensors can be split into two (2) main categories. Surface-mount door and window sensors are mounted outside the door or window and its accompanying frame on the surface. The advantage to surface-mount door and window sensors is that they are very easy to install, and they can usually be mounted using double sided foam tape. But some users may not like how they are visible on the outside of the door or window. If you don't like the appearance of visible surface-mount door and window sensors, then you might instead consider recessed door and window sensors. A recessed door or window sensor is installed inside a door or window and its frame, so that it is hidden and cannot be seen from the outside. Recessed door and window sensors are more difficult and time-consuming to install, because you must drill holes in both the door or window and its accompanying frame. Whether you decide to use surface-mount door and window sensors, or recessed door and window sensors is up to you. Most DIY users and Alarm Grid customers in general will use surface-mount door and window sensors.

Now let's look at some door and window sensors.:

Sensor Name
Product Lineup
Compatibility Range
Encryption Installation
Notes
Honeywell SiXMINICT

Honeywell SiX Series Lyric 200 Nominal Feet 128-bit AES Surface-Mount Premier mini encrypted door/window Sensor for Lyric.
DSC PG9303

PowerG All IQ Panel 2 Plus 2,000 Feet Open Air 128-bit AES Surface-Mount PowerG encrypted surface mount door/window sensor.
DSC PG9307

PowerG All IQ Panel 2 Plus
2,000 Feet Open Air 128-bit AES Recessed PowerG encrypted recessed door/window sensor.
2GIG DW10e

2GIG eSeries 2GIG GC3e 350 Nominal Feet 2GIG eSeries Encryption Surface-Mount Encrypted surface-mount sensor for 2GIG
2GIG DW20e

2GIG eSeries
2GIG GC3e
350 Nominal Feet 2GIG eSeries Encryption
Recessed Encrypted recessed sensor for 2GIG
Qolsys IQ DW Mini-S

Qolsys S-Line 319.5 MHz IQ2+ 600 Feet Open Air Qolsys S-Line Encryption Surface-Mount Encrypted surface-mount sensor for 319.5 MHz systems.
Qolsys IQ Recessed Door-S

Qolsys S-Line 319.5 MHz IQ 2+ 600 Feet Open Air Qolsys S-Line Encryption Recessed Encrypted recessed sensor for 319.5 MHz systems.
Honeywell 5818MNL

Honeywell
5800 Series
Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz IQ2+ 200 Nominal Feet None Recessed Non-Encrypted recessed door/window sensor for 345 MHz systems.
VERSA-2GIG

2GIG 345 MHz Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz IQ2+ 200 Nominal Feet None Surface-Mount Non-encrypted surface-mount sensor for 345 MHz systems.
VERSA-GE

Legacy GE 319.5 MHz IQ2+ 200 Nominal Feet None Surface-Mount Non-encrypted surface-mount sensor for 319.5 MHz systems.
VERSA-DSC

Legacy DSC 433 MHz IQ2+ 200 Nominal Feet None Surface-Mount Non-encrypted surface-mount sensor for 433 MHz systems.

We also want to share a selection of outdoor door and window sensors with you. These surface-mount contact sensors are specifically designed to withstand the conditions of an outdoor environment, including intense rain, wind, dust, and sunlight. You can see them listed below.

Sensor Name
Product Lineup
Compatibility
Range
Encryption
Installation Notes
Honeywell 5816OD

Honeywell 5800 Series Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz IQ2+ 200 Nominal Feet None Surface-Mount Outdoor contact sensor from 5800 Series.
DSC PG9312

PowerG All IQ Panel 2 Plus 2,000 Feet Open Air 128-bit AES Surface-Mount PowerG Outdoor Contact Sensor.
2GIG DW30-345

2GIG 345 MHz Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz IQ2+ 350 Nominal Feet None Surface-Mount Outdoor contact sensor from 2GIG 345 MHz series.

Motion Sensors


Motion sensors use passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect movement within the sensor's coverage area. This is done by looking for the changes in infrared (IR) energy that occur when a person, animal, or object comes within the sensor's field of view. Standard motion sensors are typically PIR only. These are appropriately called PIR motion sensors.

Some motion sensors will also use microwave technology in addition to PIR technology. This involves having the sensor send out microwave signals and seeing how the signals bounce off of objects in the area. Movement will change the pattern of these microwave signals, and the sensor will be able to detect this. These motion sensors that use both microwave and PIR are called Dual-Tech motion sensors. The purpose of using both PIR and microwave together is to prevent false alarms. A Dual-Tech motion sensor will only activate and alert the system if both its PIR sensor and its microwave sensor are triggered. A microwave sensor is not vulnerable to the same environmental issues that may cause a false activation on a PIR. You will not find a motion sensor that uses microwave technology without PIR detection, as microwave alone would result in too many false alarms without having PIR to confirm movement.

One feature that you will often see listed on a motion sensor is pet-immunity. A motion sensor that has been set up for pet immunity can be configured to not "look" in the areas close to the ground where pets and small animals walk. Instead, the motion sensor only looks in the areas higher up, where humans move while walking upright. A pet immune motion sensor is not impervious to small animals, and you must position it carefully so that it works as intended. Pet immune motion sensors normally have a weight limit, where animals under that weight limit should avoid triggering the sensor, assuming that the sensor is installed properly. Please note that most pet friendly motion sensors will require you to set the sensitivity for the sensor to the lowest possible setting.

When it comes to motion sensors, mounting them carefully is very important. A motion sensor may cause false alarms on the system if it is not installed properly. These sensors should not be facing any vents, air ducts, ceiling fans, or curtains that may cause the sensor to activate without any movement. If you are using the motion sensor for pet immunity, then it should also not be facing any furniture or stairwells that your pet could use to get within the sensor's field of view. You will likely want to perform a Walk Test of your motion sensor to make sure that it responds properly when movement is present, and does not respond due to other external factors when there is no movement. You should also have any pets participate in the Walk Test to ensure that pet immunity is working properly.

We recommend reading the following FAQs to learn more about motion sensors:

Below are some of the most popular motion sensors for our recommended systems:

Sensor Name Product Lineup
Compatibility Range
Encryption Coverage Area
Detection Type
Pet Immunity Notes
Honeywell SiXPIR

Honeywell SiX Series Lyric 300 Nominal Feet 128-bit AES 40 by 56 Feet
PIR Up to 80 lbs Encrypted PIR Motion for Lyric.
DSC PG9914

PowerG All IQ Panel 2 Plus 2,000 Feet Open Air 128-bit AES Up to 39 Feet PIR Up to 85 lbs PowerG Encrypted PIR Motion.
DSC PG9984P

PowerG All IQ Panel 2 Plus 2,000 Feet Open Air 128-bit AES Up to 50 Feet Dual-Tech Up to 40 lbs PowerG Encrypted Dual-Tech Motion.
2GIG PIR1e

2GIG eSeries 2GIG GC3e 350 Nominal Feet 2GIG eSeries Encryption
30 by 50 Feet PIR Up to 55 lbs Encrypted PIR Motion for 2GIG.
Honeywell 5800PIR-RES

Honeywell 5800 Series Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz IQ2+ 200 Nominal Feet None 35 by 40 Feet PIR Up to 80 lbs Non-encrypted residential PIR motion for 345 MHz systems.
Honeywell 5800PIR-COM

Honeywell 5800 Series Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz, IQ2+ 200 Nominal Feet None 60 by 80 Feet PIR None Non-encrypted commercial PIR motion for 345 MHz systems.
Honeywell 5898

Honeywell 5800 Series Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz IQ2+ 200 Nominal Feet None 35 by 40 Feet for Pet Immunity Dual-Tech Up to 100 lbs Non-encrypted Dual-Tech motion for 345 MHz systems.
Qolsys IQ Motion-S

Qolsys S-Line 319.5 MHz IQ2+ 600 Feet Open Air Qolsys S-Line Encryption 30 by 40 Feet PIR Up to 40 lbs Non-encrypted PIR motion for 319.5 MHz systems.

There are also certain outdoor motion detection sensors that are better-suited for use in an outdoor environment. These outdoor motion sensor models are typically more expensive than indoor variants. You can see some of our most popular ones listed below:

Sensor Name
Product Lineup
Compatibility Range
Encryption Coverage Area
Detection Type
Pet Immunity Notes
DSC PG9994

PowerG All IQ Panel 2 Plus 2,000 Feet Open Air 128-bit AES Up to 30 Feet PIR Up to 40 lbs PowerG Outdoor PIR Motion Sensor
Honeywell 5800PIR-OD

Honeywell 5800 Series Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz IQ2+ 200 Nominal Feet None 40 by 30 Feet PIR None Honeywell 5800 Series Outdoor Motion, 1st ed.
Honeywell 5800PIR-OD2

Honeywell 5800 Series Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz IQ2+ 200 Nominal Feet None 40 by 30 Feet PIR None Honeywell 5800 Series Outdoor Motion, 2nd ed.
Optex FTN-RRIX

Legacy Interlogix 319.5 MHz IQ2+ 200 Nominal Feet None Up to 16.5 Feet PIR None Optex Fitlink Outdoor Motion Sensor for 319.5 MHz Systems
Optex FTN-RR2G

2GIG 345 MHz Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz IQ2+ 200 Nominal Feet None Up to 16.5 Feet PIR None Optex Fitlink Outdoor Motion Sensor for 345 MHz Systems.
Optex FTN-RRDS

Legacy DSC 433 MHz IQ2+ 200 Nominal Feet None Up to 16.5 Feet PIR None Optex Fitlink Outdoor Motion Sensor for 433 MHz Systems.

Glass Break Sensors

The last type of security sensors we will be discussing are glass break sensors. These sensors include built-in microphones, and they actively listen for the unique sound of glass breaking. Most of these sensors will need to hear both the high-pitched shattering sound of the glass breaking, as well as the low-pitched sound of an object striking against the glass in order to activate. This design choice is to prevent false alarms caused by similar sounds. Most users will use glass break sensors to monitor windows, but they have also been known to work effectively on protective glass display cases that store valuables, such as what you might find in jewelry stores or gun shops. Most types of glass will work with glass break sensors, though there are some exceptions. For example double and triple pane glass windows won't work reliably. The same is true for coated or "safety" glass. Refer to the manual for the exact glass break detector you are using to determine compatibility.

A single glass break detector can monitor multiple windows or display cases, as long as the glass it is monitoring is within its detection range, which is typically 15 to 25 feet. Any glass that is being monitored must have a direct line of sight with the sensor, with no obstacles blocking the path that sound will travel through. When testing your glass break sensors, it is strongly recommended that you us a glass break simulator. These devices will mimic the sound of the glass breaking and activate your glass break sensors without actually breaking any glass. Remember to refer the instructions of your glass break simulator for more information. When choosing a glass break simulator, it is best to use a simulator from the same manufacturer, if possible. We have a Honeywell Glass Break Simulator and a DSC Glass Break Simulator available on our website. If you get one of the 2GIG Glass Break Sensors mentioned in this buying guide, then the Honeywell Glass Break Simulator is best for testing. Otherwise, just match the manufacturer.

Below are some of our most popular glass break sensors:

Sensor Name
Product Lineup
Compatibility
Range
Encryption
Notes
Honeywell SiXGB

Honeywell SiX Series Lyric 300 Nominal Feet 128-bit AES SiX Series Glass Break Sensor for Lyric
DSC PG922

PowerG All IQ Panel 2 Plus 2,000 Feet Open Air 128-bit AES PowerG Glass Break Sensor
2GIG GB1e

2GIG eSeries 2GIG GC3e 350 Nominal Feet 2GIG eSeries Encryption Encrypted glass break sensor for 2GIG.
Honeywell 5853

Honeywell 5800 Series Lyric, GC3e, 345 MHz IQ2+ 200 Nominal Feet None Non-encrypted glass break sensor for 345 MHz systems.
Qolsys IQ Glass-S

Qolsys S-Line 319.5 MHz IQ2+ 600 Feet Open Air Qolsys S-Line Encryption Encrypted glass break sensor for 319.5 MHz systems.

Reach Out to Us!


Remember that you can reach out to us with any questions you might have about planning your system and determining sensor compatibility. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. This is also a good email to use if you are interested in starting new alarm monitoring service with Alarm Grid. Our team checks for new email from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

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It's the first Alarm Grid video recap of September! We have some great new videos to show you, and we're hopeful that you find them helpful in setting up your system. Subscribe to our YouTube channel if you haven't yet, and stay tuned for future videos. Let's check out the newest videos.


Using a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 with a Phone Line

I explain how you cannot use the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 with a phone line connection. Phone line connectivity was once the most common communication path used with security systems. But with the rise of internet and cellular, that is no longer the case. Most newer panels like the IQ Panel 2 don't even have a jack for using a phone line. Instead, the system has built-in WIFI and cellular. Remember that activating for monitoring service with use of Alarm.com requires the activation of the system's cellular communicator.


Removing a Z Wave Device from a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

I show you how to remove, or clear, a Z-Wave device from the network by using a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Clearing a Z-Wave device is typically done before enrolling it with the network to ensure that all the network data is properly wiped out. It is also done if the user no longer intends on using the Z-Wave device anymore. It is important to note that a device can still be cleared from the network even if it isn't actively enrolled with a Z-Wave hub.


Program SiXCT to Lyric Controller

I show you how to program a Honeywell SiXCT Door and Window Contact Sensor to a Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. The Honeywell SiXCT is a wireless door and window sensor that uses 128-bit AES encryption for enhanced wireless security. The sensor has a terminal block so that you can use it as a wireless transmitter with a wired contact sensor. The wireless range for the SiXCT is roughly 300 nominal feet, and it has a green LED light to assist with enrollment.


Program SiXMINICT to Lyric Controller

I show you how to program a Honeywell SiXMINICT to a Honeywell Lyric Alarm System. The SiXMINICT is a smaller version of the SiXCT. Unlike the SiXCT, the Honeywell SiXMINICT does not have a terminal block, and the sensor cannot be used as a wireless transmitter. It also has a smaller wireless signal range of only about 200 nominal feet. However, this door and window sensor is smaller than the SiXCT, and many users prefer the more compact design of the SiXMINICT. It retains the same green LED light to assist with enrollment.


Program a Honeywell SiXGB to the Lyric Security System

I show you how to program a Honeywell SiXGB Glass Break Sensor to a Honeywell Lyric Security System. As a member of the Honeywell SiX Series Lineup, the SiXGB utilizes 128-bit AES encryption, and it can only be used with the Lyric System. The wireless glass break sensor actively listens for the sound of breaking glass. It is great for monitoring windows and protective glass casings. The sensor has a detection range of roughly 25 feet, and it needs a direct line of sight to any glass being monitored.


Adding an External Communicator to a DSC PowerSeries NEO

I show you how to install an external communicator for a DSC PowerSeries NEO Security System. The PowerSeries NEO requires an added communicator for connecting with Alarm.com. The communicator connects with the DSC PCL-422 Module, which comes included. Then, a PC-Link cable connection is made between the NEO Panel and the PCL-422. Once the communicator is properly installed, you will need to activate it for monitoring service. Remember that you will need a monitoring plan that offers cellular communication.

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With a new year comes reduced pricing on many of our great existing products. We have just dropped the prices on 73 of our existing offerings. You can certainly find something great to upgrade your existing system or use with a new installation. Let's check out these awesome products!


Before we go through and list each and every reduced price product, we figured we'd go through and talk about some of the ones that excite us the most. After all, sorting through a list of 73 products is pretty daunting. Our initial "best-of" list may help you find exactly what you're looking for. These products are great if you have an existing system, or if you are building a new system and want to add some cool accessories.

These products are presented in alphabetical order:

Alarm.com ADC-V723 Outdoor Camera


The ADC-V723 is the current flagship outdoor security camera for use with the Alarm.com platform. This simple, yet powerful camera makes the perfect addition to any home or small business. It can capture video at up to 1080p quality, and it makes use of High Dynamic Range (HDR) to improve image depth and luminosity.

Alarm.com T2000 Smart Z-Wave Thermostat

Alarm dot com t2000 smart thermostat


If you are still looking for a smart Z-Wave thermostat, then the ADC-T2000 is an outstanding entry-level option. It conveniently wires in place of your existing thermostat to give you smart control over your HVAC system. It can pair nicely with both the Alarm.com and Total Connect 2.0 platforms. You just need a compatible Z-Wave hub to get started.

DSC PG9312 Outdoor Door/Window Sensor

Dsc pg9312 wireless powerg outdoor door slash window contact


The DSC PG9312 is the premier outdoor contact sensor for any user with a PowerG-compatible security system. It offers a maximum magnet spacing gap of 1.75", which gives you more flexibility in choosing a location for the sensor and magnet. Like all PowerG Sensors, it offers a wireless range of up to 2 km away from the panel, as well as 128-bit AES encryption.

DSC PG9914 Motion Sensor

Dsc pg9914 powerg 915mhz out wireless motion detector


Anyone with a PowerG Security System looking to add a basic indoor motion sensor should turn to the DSC PG9914. This is a simple, yet effective motion sensor that is great for use in nearly any home or business. It offers a modest coverage area of 39 feet, and the sensor provides pet immunity for small animals weighing up to 85 lbs.

Encore FireFighter FF345 Smoke/CO Listening Module

Encore firefighter ff345 circular smoke detector takeover module


The Encore FireFighter FF345 is perfect if you have existing high-voltage smoke detectors that you want to integrate into a 345 MHz wireless system. The module can detect both the Temporal 3 sound of an activated smoke detector and the Temporal 4 sound of an activated CO detector. And if your high-voltage devices are one-go-all-go, then a single FF345 can takeover your entire network.

Honeywell 5822T Garage Door Tilt Sensor

Honeywell 5822t wireless garage tilt sensor


Also for 345 MHz system users, the Honeywell 5822T allows your system to monitor your garage door to see if it's opened or closed. This wireless sensor works great for security and automation purposes alike. You might even create a special smart scene that activates as soon as the 5822T detects that you garage door has been opened!

Honeywell IPCAM-WIC1 Indoor Camera

Honeywell lyric c1 wifi indoor 720p hd total connect security ca


The Honeywell IPCAM-WIC1 Indoor Camera is for anyone with an existing Total Connect 2.0 Video Monitoring service plan that they want to expand upon. This is a simple and straightforward camera that captures video at up to 720p quality. It can be easily rested on a desk or table, and no hard-mounting is required.

Qolsys IQ DW MINI-S Door/Window Sensor

Qolsys iq dw mini s encrypted wireless sensors for iq panel 2 qs


The Qolsys IQ DW MINI-S can be used by anyone with a 319.5 MHz wireless system, including the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus w/ Legacy Interlogix & Qolsys Daughtercard. This is a straightforward door and window contact sensor that makes a nice addition to any compatible system. Its small and compact design allows for a tidy installation.

Please see our complete list of reduced price products in the table below, organized by product type:

Product Type
Products
Alarm Panels (6)
Cameras, Image Sensors, & Accessories (6)
Communicators (5)
Door/Window Sensors (8)
Environmental Sensors (2)
Garage Door Sensors (1)

Glass Break Detectors (5)
Hardwired Zone Expanders (2)
Home Automation & Smart Home (4)

Life-Safety Products (5)
Key Fobs & Panic Buttons (2)
Keypads & Desk Mounts (3)
Motion Sensors (8)
Power Supplies & Relays (2)
Sirens & Speakers (6)
Wireless Converters, Receivers, Repeaters & Translators

If you have any questions about these products or any of the other products on our site, including product compatibilities, please reach out to us. You may also contact us if you want to learn more about our monitoring services. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. Or you may call us at (888) 818-7728. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to helping you find the perfect product for your needs!

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With the holiday season quickly approaching us, we thought it was a good time to present some holiday buying guides for various security systems. Today, we are focusing on the Honeywell Lyric. This guide will help whether you are considering a new Lyric or adding upon an existing one.

Honeywell lyric controller encrypted wireless security system

The Honeywell Lyric is currently the flagship all-in-one wireless security system from Resideo. It has been one of the most highly regarded alarm systems for the past few years for several reasons. The system supports up to 128 wireless zones, making it suitable for applications big and small. It has a built-in Z-Wave controller, and you can pair up to 72 Z-Wave devices for home automation purposes. The Lyric is also one of the very few alarm panels that can support Apple HomeKit, making it perfect for iOS users looking to expand upon their HomeKit Network. In fact, we believe that the Lyric is the top HomeKit Security System on the market at this time.

The other major appeal of the Lyric is the fact that it can technically be monitored using an IP only communication path. This is because it connects with AlarmNet360 and the Total Connect 2.0 platform. Unlike most other monitoring platforms like Alarm.com which require cellular connectivity, Resideo allows IP only monitoring for panels connected with TC2. The Lyric has a built-in WIFI card, so you can connect with a local network right out of the box. Although we always recommend cellular communication for optimal reliability, we do understand that many users will want to use IP only service as a cost-cutting measure. Additionally, you can always add a cellular communicator to the Lyric System if you decide that you want to go cellular later on. Both the Honeywell LYRICLTE-A (AT&T LTE) and the Honeywell LYRICLTE-V (Verizon LTE) are great options.

Building a Lyric System from Scratch

Honeywell lyricpk lte enc encrypted at and t lte alarm system w For new users starting from scratch, the best option is typically to buy a complete Honeywell Lyric Security System Kit. This will include everything you need to get started with alarm monitoring. Whether you plan to use IP only monitoring service, or you intend on setting up cellular service, there is a perfect kit for you. For those planning to go IP only, no cellular communicator is needed, and you should choose a kit labeled "WIFI Only". If you intend to use the system for cellular monitoring, then both AT&T and Verizon system kits are available. Whether you go with a 3-1 kit (3 contacts and 1 motion) or a 10-1 kit (10 contacts and 1 motion) should depend on the size of the building you are monitoring. You will need more contacts to cover more doors and windows.

We recommend going through the Lyric System Kit Page linked above and finding the perfect Lyric Kit for your needs. In addition to the system, sensors, and optional communicator, you will also get a Honeywell LT-Cable with every kit. This makes it super easy to get the system up and running without having to prepare any standard alarm wiring.

Sensors for New and Existing Lyric Systems

Honeywell sixgb wireless glass break detector

One of the best aspects of the Lyric is that it has one of the most diverse and complete lineup of supported sensors in the entire security industry. Resideo created a sensor lineup designed exclusively for their Lyric System in the Honeywell SiX Series Sensors. These powerful sensors offer an impressive communication range of up to 300 feet indoors and 128-bit AES encryption for enhanced wireless protection. The lineup includes the following products:

With this great lineup, you can achieve a total and complete Lyric Security System by only using SiX Series devices. And for most Lyric users, that is the best option. But these are not the only sensors you can use with the Lyric System. The Lyric is also compatible with nearly any uni-directional 345 MHz sensor, which includes most devices from the Honeywell 5800 Series and the 2GIG 345 MHz lineup. Additionally, these lineups are both a little more fleshed out than the SiX lineup. There are certain sensor types (e.g. outdoor sensors) where you will need to turn to one of these product lineups.

Many users will also supplement their SiX Series devices with Honeywell 5800 Sensors and 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors as a cost-saving measure. These 345 MHz sensors will work just as well as the SiX Series devices on the Lyric. The only difference is that the 345 MHz sensors will not utilize any encryption, making them more susceptible to wireless attacks. The Lyric does have protection against 345 MHz RF jamming, but it can offer some users better peace of mind to know that their wireless sensors are encrypted. But if you are comfortable using non-encrypted wireless devices, then 345 MHz sensors can save you a lot of money when designing your Lyric System.

Some of our favorite Honeywell and 2GIG 345 MHz Sensors for use with the Lyric include:

Other Accessories for Your Lyric

Yale yrd216 brass front z wave push button deadbolt lock

We have already covered the sensors you will use with your Lyric System. However, there are still other devices you may want to add to your setup. The biggest attraction are Z-Wave devices like lights, door locks, and smart thermostats. One admitted weakness of the Lyric is that its automation controller is only a standard Z-Wave controller. The Lyric does not offer a Z-Wave Plus controller, and Lyric users cannot take advantage of the extended range and increased battery life of Z-Wave Plus. You can still use Z-Wave Plus devices with the Lyric System, but they will only offer the functionality of classic Z-Wave peripherals.

With that limitation in mind, you can still use the Lyric as a perfectly capable smart home automation hub. You can even pair the system as a secondary controller to other automation hubs (e.g. Samsung SmartThings) for added flexibility in your smart home. Nearly any Z-Wave automation device can be used with the system, so feel free to explore your options. We have plenty of devices on our website. Just remember that the Lyric System cannot support Z-Wave security devices. The Lyric Z-Wave controller is for automation purposes only. Alarm Grid does not sell Z-Wave security sensors on its website.

If you want to use your Lyric to control your garage door, then you will want to invest in a Honeywell 5877GDPK. This kit includes everything you need to get started with garage door operation for your Lyric System. Inside the kit there is a Honeywell 5877 Z-Wave Garage Door Relay, a Honeywell 5822T Garage Door Tilt Sensor, and a FortrezZ Z-Wave Siren/Strobe. You can purchase these items separately, but this convenient kit makes things easier.

The Lyric has only one compatible wireless keypad option, which is the Honeywell LKP500. This is a fairly standard push-button keypad with an LCD screen. You might also consider getting a cheap tablet and mounting it to the wall and using that as a keypad. You can download the Honeywell My Home Controller App to the tablet and essentially make the device a permanently mounted touchscreen keypad for your Lyric.

Lastly, you might want to get a desk mount for your Lyric System. This will eliminate the need for mounting the panel to the wall. Desk mounts are great for people living in apartments or rental homes, as well as users who simply do not want to drill holes. Using a desk mount sure beats laying the system flat on a counter! The Lyric Desk Mount is called the Honeywell LCP500-DK. There is also a desk mount for the Honeywell LKP500 Lyric Keypad called the Honeywell LKP500-DK.

Ask Us Questions!


Don't be afraid to reach out to us at Alarm Grid if you have any questions about the Lyric, or if you need any help choosing a system and accessories. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. You may also reach us over the phone at (888) 818-7728. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Hi DIYers! In today's product highlight, we are featuring the Honeywell SiXGB Glass Break Detector. This wireless glass break sensor is designed exclusively for use with Honeywell Lyric Systems, including the Honeywell Lyric Controller. The device is great for monitoring any glass windows or protective glass casings.

Honeywell sixgb wireless glass break detector

The SiXGB is the only glass break detector from the Honeywell SiX Series lineup. These are some of the most advanced pieces of security equipment available today. Like the other SiX Sensors, the SiXGB is fully protected with 128-bit AES encryption. This makes it nearly impossible for hackers or potential intruders to wirelessly take over or disable the device.

As a wireless sensor, the SiXGB communicates with the Lyric using a 2.4 GHz WIFI signal. The device boasts a maximum communication range of up to 300 feet. It is bi-directional, and it can receive automatic updates from the system itself. The sensor features a sleek and modern design that will fit in with almost any decor. Integrated LED lights assist with both device testing and enrollment.

The SiXGB functions best when it has a direct line of sight to the glass that it is monitoring. The device will need to hear both the "thud" of an object striking against the glass and the "shattering" sound of the glass itself in order to activate. The device can monitor plate, tempered, laminated, wired, coated and sealed insulating glass. However, the glass must be within the thickness requirements that are outlined below:


The SiXGB is available for purchase on the Alarm Grid site. Get a SiXGB for your Lyric System today!

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We strive to have some of the best pricing on the internet for security products. When prices are reduced for us, we do our best to quickly pass off those savings to anyone who has made a purchase here.

In the last week, we have reduced the prices on over 100 items an average of 6%. Our Lyric kits have all seen price reductions between 6% and 19%.

Below is the list of all items whose price has been reduced. We hope you enjoy the savings!

URL Old Price New Price % Change
Honeywell K4563 2.99 0.99 202%
UltraTech 1240 14.99 8.99 67%
Honeywell 5881ENM 126.99 77.99 63%
Honeywell 5881ENH 198.99 128.99 54%
System Sensor CO1224T 83.99 54.99 53%
UltraTech 1270 29.99 19.99 50%
Honeywell WAP-PLUS 95.99 63.99 50%
Leviton VRS15-1LZ 92.99 66.99 39%
Honeywell 719 17.99 12.99 38%
Honeywell 5802WXT-2 53.99 38.99 38%
Honeywell 5802WXT 53.99 38.99 38%
Honeywell 5815 47.99 34.99 37%
Honeywell 5899B 3.99 2.99 33%
Honeywell WAVE2 11.99 8.99 33%
Interlogix 600-1048-XT-ZX-AT 117.99 90.99 30%
Interlogix 600-1048-XT-ZX-VZ 117.99 90.99 30%
Honeywell L3000 199.99 155.99 28%
Honeywell SIXSIREN 78.99 64.99 22%
Honeywell SIXGB 78.99 64.99 22%
Honeywell 702 22.99 18.99 21%
Honeywell 955PST 5.99 4.99 20%
Honeywell GSMVLP5-4G 162.99 135.99 20%
Alarm Grid LYNX-WEXT 87.99 73.99 19%
Honeywell LyricPK-VZ 522.94 439.99 19%
Yale YRD210 246.99 207.99 19%
Honeywell LyricPK-AT 518.64 439.99 18%
Honeywell L7000PK10-WIFI-3G 639.99 550.99 16%
Honeywell LyricPK10-VZ 672.11 578.99 16%
Honeywell GSMV4G 187.99 161.99 16%
Alarm Grid LYNX-EXT 145.99 125.99 16%
Honeywell LKP500 119.99 103.99 15%
Honeywell 5881ENL 67.99 58.99 15%
Honeywell LyricPK 448.52 389.99 15%
Honeywell L7000PK10-WIFI 529.99 461.99 15%
Honeywell L7000PK-WIFI 399.99 348.99 15%
Honeywell GSMV4G-TC2 199.99 174.99 14%
Honeywell LyricPK10-AT 660.99 578.99 14%
Honeywell LyricPK10 614.99 541.99 13%
Honeywell L7000PK-WIFI-3G 499.99 442.99 13%
Honeywell L7000 279.99 249.99 12%
Honeywell GSMX4G 141.99 126.99 12%
Honeywell WAP-ANT5DB 9.99 8.99 11%
Honeywell GSMX4G-TC2 154.99 139.99 11%
Honeywell 5819WHS 64.99 58.99 10%
Honeywell 300-07052 10.99 9.99 10%
Honeywell Lyric Controller 299.99 272.99 10%
Honeywell iGSMV4G 190.99 174.99 9%
Honeywell 5800C2W 84.99 77.99 9%
Honeywell 4232CBM 115.99 106.99 8%
Honeywell 1361-GT 12.99 11.99 8%
Honeywell 6148 66.99 61.99 8%
Honeywell 5800RPS 53.99 49.99 8%
Honeywell 4204 82.99 76.99 8%
Telguard TG-1 Express 174.99 162.99 7%
SkyBell DBCAM 207.99 193.99 7%
Honeywell K14139 14.99 13.99 7%
Honeywell SiXCT 25.66 23.99 7%
Honeywell Lyric-CDMA 104.24 97.99 6%
Honeywell 747PD 16.99 15.99 6%
Honeywell 4229 102.99 96.99 6%
Honeywell Lyric-3G 103.99 97.99 6%
Honeywell SiXPIR 58.28 54.99 6%
Honeywell 5834-4EN 54.99 51.99 6%
Honeywell AD12612 19.99 18.99 5%
Honeywell 5822T 42.99 40.99 5%
Honeywell 6149EX 69.99 66.99 4%
Honeywell WA7626-CA 23.99 22.99 4%
Honeywell 4208U 97.99 93.99 4%
Honeywell 5883H 245.99 235.99 4%
Honeywell 5800WAVE 102.99 98.99 4%
Honeywell 5800RP 103.99 99.99 4%
Honeywell 5800Micra 53.99 51.99 4%
Honeywell ACU 134.99 129.99 4%
Honeywell IS280CM 82.99 79.99 4%
Leviton VRF01-1LZ 141.99 136.99 4%
Honeywell VISTA-20P 144.99 139.99 4%
Honeywell 710 31.99 30.99 3%
Honeywell 5800PIR 97.99 94.99 3%
Honeywell iGSMV4G-TC2 199.99 193.99 3%
Honeywell L5210PK10-WIFI 451.99 438.99 3%
Honeywell LYNXRCHKIT-SHA 34.99 33.99 3%
Honeywell IS25100TC 39.99 38.99 3%
Honeywell 5806W3 79.99 77.99 3%
Honeywell ZWSTAT 159.99 155.99 3%
Honeywell L5210 199.99 194.99 3%
Honeywell L5210PK10-3G 487.99 475.99 3%
Honeywell VISTA-21iPSIA 212.99 207.99 2%
Honeywell VISTA-21iP 212.99 207.99 2%
Honeywell FG1625F 44.99 43.99 2%
Honeywell FG1625 44.99 43.99 2%
Honeywell 4219 89.99 87.99 2%
Honeywell L5210PK-WIFI 322.99 315.99 2%
Honeywell 748 46.99 45.99 2%
Honeywell FG1625RFM 48.99 47.99 2%
Honeywell 748LC 48.99 47.99 2%
Honeywell SIXFOB 25.51 24.99 2%
Honeywell 5821 52.99 51.99 2%
Honeywell 5800PIR-COM 107.99 105.99 2%
Honeywell FG730 56.99 55.99 2%
Honeywell L5210PK10-WIFI-3G 537.99 528.99 2%
Honeywell L5210PK-3G 364.99 358.99 2%
Honeywell VISTA-128BPT 379.99 373.99 2%
Honeywell CE3 64.99 63.99 2%
Honeywell 5898 133.99 131.99 2%
Honeywell 5828V 134.99 132.99 2%
Honeywell 5816OD 71.99 70.99 1%
Honeywell 5869 84.99 83.99 1%
Honeywell 5800RL 85.99 84.99 1%
Honeywell L5210PK 272.99 269.99 1%
Honeywell L5210PK-WIFI-3G 414.99 410.99 1%
Honeywell 6164US 211.99 209.99 1%
Honeywell GSMVLP4G 149.99 148.99 1%
Honeywell IPCAM-WO 287.77 285.99 1%
Honeywell IPCAM-PT2 273.99 272.99 0%
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If you are looking for the most advanced security system on the market, Alarm Grid has finally begun selling the Lyric Controller. This much-anticipated panel has been on the market for only a few hours now, and Alarm Grid is the first home security company to be selling it online!

In addition to the Lyric Controller, Honeywell has released a number of their encrypted peripherals, such as the SiXCT, the SiXPIR, the SiXFOB, the SiXSIREN and both the Verizon and the AT&T cellular communicators.

As has been the case with all our security systems, we are selling Lyric kits at a slight discount for those that need specific pieces to come with their Lyric's. There are a number of pieces that are not yet quite available. The Lyric LKP500 keypad, the SiXGB, and the SiXSMOKE, are still not in inventory, though we do anticipate getting them in soon. If you are ordering a Lyric, you can certainly add these items to your cart, but we want you to know that we're not shipping them until Honeywell gets some to us.

Also worth noting, we have a very limited quantity of the Lyrics and we've been told that we won't be re-supplied for a couple of weeks. We're selling them on a first-come-first-serve basis. So get your system today before they're all gone.

For those who are a little bit intimidated by the idea of installing the system, luckily for you, we have a series of great Lyric security system Installation videos you can watch! While you're there, make sure to hit subscribe. :)

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The LYNX Touch series security system sported what has become the most iconic looking glass break detector in the industry. The Honeywell 5853 glass break detectors is a simple device with a small microphone that listens for a thud, then the crash of glass. It is a reliable piece of equipment that looks sleek and blends in well with the decore of any home.

The newer Honeywell SIXGB takes the same reliable technology and wraps it in a new aesthetic. As is the case with any of the new Lyric sensors, the new glass break detector communicates with the panel using secure encryption. The small, sleek sensor looks like any smoke detector an user has in their house and works just as well as any of the older Honeywell sensors. The technology is similar and the product is made with the Honeywell name, which means you know that the hardware is excellent.


The sensor features three hidden LEDs as well that will help an end user know the system's status. The unit features four sensitivity settings that will allow an end user to protect windows that are between 0 and 25 feet away which is the same range as the 5853, and takes a single CR123A battery.

For those that do not like the look of the new sensors, and are not concerned with the encrypted communications between the glass break detector and the panel, the old 5853 will still work with the Lyric security system. In fact, all of the 5800 sensors will continue to work with the new panel, which means that upgrading from an older LYNX Touch panel will not require that anyone purchase new sensors.

If you are interested in getting information on the new Lyric security system, then sign up for our email updates below!

If you are interested in getting email alerts when the Lyric Security System has been released, sign up below!

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