How Do I Get Power to an Interlogix Simon XTi or XTi-5?

You can get power to an Interlogix Simon XTi or XTi-5 by connecting the system with its 9-volt AC transformer and then plugging the transformer into a wall outlet. An 18-gauge 2-conductor wire is included with the panel for this purpose, though a Honeywell LT-Cable can also be used.

The circuit boards on the Simon XTi and XTi-5 Systems both have their own terminals for connecting power. These terminals are labeled "9VAC In". The wire running from the 9-volt AC transformer will connect to the XTi or XTi-5 System through these terminals. If the XTi or XTi-5 System ever loses AC power, a backup battery will ensure that the system remains powered on.

The connection between the panel and the AC transformer can be made using standard 18-gauge 2-conductor wire. However, the Honeywell LT-Cable ban also be used in the same manner. By using a Honeywell LT-Cable, a user will not need to strip any wires.

If you are using the standard 18-gauge 2-conductor wire that came with the system, or one you have provided, complete the following steps to get power to a Simon XTi or XTi-5:

1. Wire the transformer. If using the factory provided cable, the ends that will connect to the transformer have spade lugs attached. If providing your own 18-gauge 2-conductor wire, take one end and strip it so that the two inner wires can easily be worked with. Then take these two inner wires and strip about 1/4 of an inch off of both of them to expose the inner copper. Then use a screwdriver to connect the inner wires, or the spade lugs to the terminals. Since this is AC power, polarity does not matter, and either wire can connect to either terminal. Make sure the terminal connections are nice and tight.

2. Connect to the panel. Start by opening up the Simon XTi or XTi-5 Panel. When using the factory provided cable, the panel-end of the cable is pre-stripped. Simply remove the plastic coating from the end and attach each wire to one of the "9VAC" in terminals. If using your own wire take the opposite end of the 18-gauge 2-conductor wire, and prepare it in the same way that was done in step 1 to connect it to the transformer. Then connect the two inner wires to the terminals labeled "9VAC In". Each terminal will receive one inner wire. Again, polarity does not matter since AC power is being used. Make sure both connections are secure.

3. Connect the backup battery. Inside the Simon XTi and XTi-5 Systems, should be a battery pack that connects with the panel through a plug-in connection. This is the backup battery. Take the connector from the battery pack, and connect it to the panel. Once finished, close the panel. Connecting the battery first prevents a low battery indication when the panel is initially powered up.

4. Power on the panel. Take the 9-volt AC transformer, and plug it into the wall outlet. The system should power on automatically. If it doesn't check the connections, and make sure the wall outlet is receiving power.