How do I wire a VISTAH3 for power?

The First Alert VISTAH3 is powered by an included 14.3 VDC, 2.65A power adaptor. The positive (+) wire from the adaptor connects to panel terminal 2, and the negative (-) connects to terminal 3 (GND). Once connected, plug directly into a standard, non-switched outlet. Observe proper polarity.

The First Alert VISTAH3 is a hybrid security system that supports both wired and wireless zones, designed for residential and light commercial installations. It operates using a voltage-regulated 14.3VDC, 2.65A power adaptor that provides consistent power to the main board and all connected modules. To wire the VISTAH3 for power, follow these steps:

1. Mount and prepare the panel. Select a secure but accessible indoor location for the VISTAH3 control cabinet. It should be mounted on a flat, stable surface, away from sources of heat, moisture, and electrical interference. Ensure a standard, non-switched electrical outlet is nearby for the DC power adaptor. Don't plug the adaptor in until all power wiring is complete to prevent accidental shorts.
2. Plan the power wire route. Determine the best path from the outlet to the panel. Alarm Grid recommends two-conductor stranded wire from 16AWG to 22AWG depending on wire distance. Keep the run as short as possible to minimize voltage drop. Refer to the wire-length table below for distance limits based on wire gauge. This can also be found on Page 23 of the Installation Guide. Avoid running low-voltage wiring in the same conduit or tray as high-voltage lines or near other potential sources of electromagnetic noise.



Wire Gauge	Maximum Length From Adaptor to Panel
16 AWG	75' - 100' (22.8m - 30.4m)
18 AWG	50' - 60' (15.2m - 18.2m)
20 AWG	30' - 40' (9.1m - 12.1m)
22 AWG	Up to 25' (7.6m)

3. Run and prepare the wire. Measure and cut the wire to length, leaving enough slack to make connections at each end. If your wire run will be short, you might consider using the Honeywell LT-Cable. This is a pre-made cable that uses 18 AWG wire with spade lugs at one end and either a barrel connector or two pre-stripped conductors at the other. The LT-Cable makes it easy to remove primary power from the panel in the event you need to power down or power cycle.
   If you'll be preparing the wiring yourself, strip about ¼" (6.35mm) of insulation from each conductor. Mark or identify the positive (+) and negative (–) leads so polarity remains consistent from end to end. Usually, 2-conductor low-voltage wire comes with one (1) red and one (1) black conductor, with red indicating positive (+) and black indicating negative (-). Because the VISTAH3 uses DC power, correct polarity is essential for proper operation. The VISTAH3 features reverse polarity protection. It will not power up if the power wires are reversed.
   
   Honeywell LT-Cable:
   
4. Connect the wire to the panel. Locate Terminals 2 and 3 on the VISTAH3 terminal strip. Terminal 2 is the DC Input Positive (+), and Terminal 3 is the DC Input Ground (GND). Insert the positive (+) conductor, usually red, under Terminal 2. Insert the negative (-) conductor, usually black, under Terminal 3. Tighten both screws securely but don't over tighten. Lightly pull each wire to confirm a snug connection.
5. Connect the wire to the DC adaptor. Attach the same pair of conductors to the corresponding positive (+) and negative (-) terminals on the provided DC power adaptor. Confirm that polarity matches the panel connections before proceeding. Reversing polarity will prevent power up.
   
   
6. Inspect all connections and wiring. Check that no bare wire is exposed and that all terminal screws are tight. Verify that wire insulation is intact and that power wire routing avoids sharp edges and pinch points.
7. Apply power to the system. After confirming all connections, plug the DC adaptor into the wall outlet. The panel should power up within seconds and begin its normal boot sequence. Observe the keypad or LEDs to confirm power up. If the system does not power on, unplug the adaptor immediately. Using a volt meter confirm the outlet has power. If you don't have a volt meter, try plugging a different device into the same outlet to see if it powers on. If the outlet is good recheck your wiring.
   Once the panel powers on you can connect the battery, which is sold separately. Connect the red lead from the panel's battery connections to the positive (+) battery terminal and the black lead to its negative (-) terminal inside the cabinet. The panel's battery tabs are located above panel Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, and below the RJ45 Ethernet port. The VISTAH3 supports 12 Volt sealed lead acid batteries with a capacity from 4 Ah to 17.2 Ah.
8. Secure and label wiring for future service. Once the panel powers up successfully, fasten the wire neatly inside the enclosure using cable ties. Avoid tension on the terminal block. Label both ends of the power wire with polarity and source information to make future servicing easier. Ensure the outlet and adaptor are protected from accidental disconnection.

Following these steps ensures the First Alert VISTAH3 receives clean, stable DC power for dependable operation. Always use the manufacturer-supplied 14.3VDC, 2.65A adaptor and observe proper polarity and wire-length limits for best performance.