1000-Feet 22/2 Stranded Alarm Wire

Keeping alarm wire on hand is important for anyone who has a hardwired security system. You may need to add new sensors to your system or replace existing wire if your old cabling becomes damaged. 1,000 feet of wire may seem like a lot, and really, it is. But if you use wire often, you would be surprised how quickly it gets used up. That's why it's always a good idea to keep some spare wire in your garage or other storage area. You will be super thankful when you need to fix or replace something on your security system.

Many users prefer tried and true hardwired security systems. These systems are great for fulling integrating with a building and adding value to the property. Once your sensors are all mounted, you need to run wires from the main panel to each of the sensors. Each sensor will use its own zone on the security system. Alarm cabling is also important for accessories like keypads and communicators. Everything that the hardwired panel uses will have its own wired connection. In order to use wireless devices, you will need to add a wireless receiver or transceiver. This add-on will also require its own wired connection. There are even hardwired alarm system keypads that have built-in wireless receivers so that you can start adding wireless devices. An example of such a keypad is the Honeywell 6160RF. Make sure the keypad you select is compatible with your system, as compatibility varies depending on the manufacturer.

When it comes to alarm wire, we typically recommend 18-gauge wire for most applications. Since a lower gauge means thicker wire, 22 AWG cabling is thinner than 18 AWG cabling. Many users find thinner wire easier to handle and work with. However, thicker wire allows for longer wire runs, which can be very important if you're trying to spread your system out across a larger area. Therefore, you will typically want to use thinner wire across a smaller area. There are many apartments and smaller sized homes that use 22-gauge wire, as they don't require the long wire runs that warrant the use of thicker cabling.

Inside a two conductor cable, you will find two (2) inner wires. One is black, and the other is red. The black wire typically for negative (-) connections, while the red signifies positive (+) connections. But really, you can use any wire in any manner that you like, as long as the other end matches up accordingly. Otherwise, you may damage your equipment by not following polarity. Remember that polarity does not matter when using AC power. It only matters when using DC power. When you using 2-conductor wire, you won't receive the two additional colored wires, which are yellow and green/white. But you can always double-up 2-conductor wire if needed, which makes it extremely versatile. Just make sure to label your wires and keep track of them later.