Can I convert my wired Honeywell system to be wireless?

YES! Your existing Honeywell wired alarm system can be upgraded to support wireless security sensors. First, you will need to purchase and install a wireless receiver. There are two approaches in determining which RF receiver fits your needs. There are wired keypads (notated with the suffix 'RF') that can be added or swapped in place of an existing keypad - OR - you can install a stand alone 5881 series wireless receiver. You can only add a single RF receiver to a Honeywell VISTA-15P, VISTA-20P and the VISTA-21iP wired alarm panel. So make sure you future proof yourself the first time around. The higher end commercial grade alarm panels like the VISTA-128BPT can support 2 receivers.

If you go with an RF keypad you are going to get more bang for your buck for a few reasons. The cost is around the same (in some cases even less) for the RF keypad compared to the stand alone receivers. However the added value of the physical keypad function (especially in the case of an alphanumeric keypad for deeper level programming) is far greater. Most importantly, the keypads all include a 5800TM wireless transmitter module which allows for bi-directional RF transmissions for devices like the 5800WAVE wireless siren. A stand alone RF receiver does not. Keep in mind that adding a 5800TM in tandem with a stand alone RF receiver will not support newer bi-directional devices such as the above mentioned wireless siren.

When choosing a receiver, the number of wireless zones required must be taken into consideration. Typically, each wireless device will use up one wireless zone.** The Honeywell 5881ENH, and 6160RF keypads support as many wireless zones as the control panel used will allow. See how many wireless devices each panel supports here. The 5881ENM, and 6150RF keypads all support 16 wireless zones. If you are simply looking to add a few wireless sensors to your system you may want to look at the 5881ENL, which only supports 8 wireless zones but is less expensive than the other options. If you have a commercial grade panel the 5881ENHC wireless receiver will support unlimited zones, has front and back tamper loops, and meets commercial burglary and fire standards.

**Please note that each loop on a wireless sensor will be seen as its own zone. Also, each button on a security key fob (since they each are assigned to their own loop) are also seen as their own zone.