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Wiring for motorized blinds and security sensors

8 years ago
We're building a new home currently and have some questions for where we should run conduit to for motorized blinds and security sensors. Does anyone where I should run the conduit to on the window and what we should do from there? Should we put in a box? I don't need info on low voltage wiring just yet.

Comments (10)

  • 8 years ago

    Thanks Pinebaron. I'll take all the info I can get. We've got a few weeks until drywall. I was concerned about wire type to use. I don't a lot about low voltage but, I know proper wire needs to be used. The homeruns to our mech room make sense for sure.

  • 8 years ago

    Wired security sensors take light gauge wire (typically 22 gauge) which does not need conduit. As far as motorized blinds, contact the manufacturer and see what the specs are. Again, I don't see why you would want or need conduit for these devices.

  • 8 years ago

    Wait a sec. Motorized curtains/blinds need power and more power is delivered with 120V. Each product is different and conduit isn't a terrible idea if you don't know specs on your product yet.

    Somfy is a leading manufacturer and has 12V, 24V and 120V products.

    But at some point, just running a 120V and something to handle low voltage power is probably cheaper than conduit.

    I have searched for awhile and have no found no consistent recs for motorized window treatments. Security on the other hand is easy.

    My plan is to run a 120V line to a box at the top of windows. Always run a LV also because that is cheap. Typical security sensors are at the bottom of windows and are best done before drywall to be hidden. The hidden ones are cheaper too.


  • 8 years ago

    It is not too early to have your window treatment dealer and security people do a job site assessment and coordinate with your electrician. Many times with motorized window coverings you have to make some concessions because things are overlooked while the walls are still open.

  • 8 years ago
    All of our security, Honeywell Lyric, was wireless.
  • 8 years ago

    And no one thinks wireless is the best way to go on a new build.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    In order to know where to wire for security sensors you really need to have the security company out to evaluate and make suggestions on what/where sensors will be needed. In other words, you need the security system plan finalized. As I recall our security company actually did the wiring for the system before drywall went up. We started using the system before the build was completed. At the time it meant we had to hook up the landline for the system. It was preventative as our house was pretty isolated at night, and we experienced some theft of equipment. We changed all the codes when we moved in.

  • 8 years ago
    My security company recommended wireless alarm and wired cameras. I had the cameras wired and all of my sensors are wireless. The great thing about the wireless motion sensors is once furniture and other obstacles were in place you could best position them.
  • 8 years ago

    Wireless security has its supporters, but I’ve had wired in all my houses for the last 40 years. Wired minimizes false alarms. I would only use wireless if I had to add sensors to my system and there was no way to get additional wires to those locations. I also don’t like to see visible sensors. My two cents....