Which loop should I use when adding sensors to a L7000?

The answer to this question will vary based on which sensor is being enrolled. The purpose of a loop is to assign a specific function for a wireless sensor that has multiple functions. For example, the Honeywell 5816 wireless door/window contact has two functions: internal reed switch and external wired contact. When this device is assigned to loop 2 the panel will receive faults when a magnet is moved away from the internal reed switch. This is a true wireless setup. When mapped to loop 1 the 5816 will report faults when the wired loop is faulted. Inside of the tamper cover there is a pair of screw terminals designed for a Normally Closed (NC) circuit. This will support a single contact or a group of contacts wired in series.

In other words, loop assignments allow sensors like the 5816 to be programmed as multiple zones with varying loops and varying reporting functions. The 5816 could potentially protect a door or window with a single magnet on loop 2 as well as multiple windows on a wired series circuit when loop 1 is programmed. Generally, devices just have a single function. Common sensors like the 5811 slim door/window contact, 5818MNL recessed door contact, 5800PIR-RES motion detector and 5853 glass break detector only have a single function so they are limited to loop 1. However there are several devices like the 5800PIR, 5808W3, and 5821. that can be enrolled as multiple zones with different functions based on the loop assignment.

Sensors that support multiple loops can be configured as multiple zones. The panel will throw an error if you try enter the same serial number when the loop is the same. To avoid that issue just adjust your loop first. Then enter the serial number or auto-enroll the device by tripping it when in the serial number field in zone programming. You do not have to setup all loops. Just choose the functions you want.

Besides loops there are some devices that have even more functions than the number of loops. For example, the Honeywell 5821 wireless temperature sensor supports a combination of flood, cold temp, refridgerator temp, warm temp, hot temp conditions that is determined by dip switch settings and loops. There is a chart located below that spells out which loop to select based on the placement of dips 1 and 2. There are only 3 loop functions so the use of dips opens up more features for this device!

We recommend referring to installation manual for each sensor that you enroll to verify the proper loop for that specific device. The fact that the sensor is being enrolled into the Lynx Touch L7000 is irrelevant. The loops are determined by the peripheral sensor. This is why referring to the sensor's guide is more helpful.