Where Should the Alarm Panel Box Go?

The alarm panel box should go somewhere that cannot be easily accessed by an intruder or anyone else who may try to tamper with your alarm panel. You will not normally need to access the panel box unless you are making hardware changes. Remember, you will need to run wires to this location.

A hardwired system is normally housed inside a beige metal enclosure. This casing provides added protection for the system. You can even lock the enclosure for additional security. The metal inclosure includes various openings so that you can stick out any wires or antennas. This is the recommended way to store a hardwired alarm control panel.

Since you will not normally need to access your panel, the best practice is to hide the system out of regular view. You should put it somewhere that will not be easily discovered by an intruder. Popular locations include basements, attics and storage closets. Keep in mind though that you will need to run wires to this location. Putting it in a central spot where you can more easily run wires to the rest of the building is a good idea. Also keep in mind that some additional protections can be put in place to ensure that emergency dispatch is still sent out if a system is destroyed.

Remember, you do not need to access the panel to control your system. Hardwired alarm systems are controlled through keypads. You should put the keypad for your hardwired panel in a location right by the entrance for easy access. This way, you can quickly arm and disarm your system whenever you come and go. Even if an intruder destroys the keypad, it will not affect the rest of the system. Many intruders mistakenly believe that alarm keypads are security systems. But really they are just a controller. And if you have Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com, you can also control your system from a mobile app on your phone.

The practice of storing an alarm panel in a hidden location only really applies to hardwired systems. For wireless systems, the panel and the keypad are contained in the same unit. These devices are normally placed in an easily accessible location for fast arming and disarming. Even if the system is destroyed, a feature like Advanced Protection Logic or Crash & Smash will help ensure that the user still receives emergency dispatch. Some users may prefer to have their wireless panel in a bedroom or something, while a wireless secondary keypad is next to the main entrance.