Zones Continued
Zone connections vary by panel type and configuration. In most cases connections are clearly marked on the connection block or on the panel door.
Click image to enlarge
The connection diagram on the alarm panel above clearly shows the connections
for each zone (starting from the left) and a sample set of switches for each
connection. Connection 1 is labeled "N.O." type connection.
You can see in the example that it must connect through a switch to the "COM" or
common connection. This particular panel has two primary zones. The
"instant" zone and the "delayed" zone labeled at the bottom. Both use a
single common connection. Delays will be
discussed in more detail later. In the diagram you will note that the
sensors are shown in their normal positions. If you follow the lines you
will see that they follow the rules described earlier.
click above to enlarge
The actual connections shown in this picture show the physical connector block
used to wire into the panel. If you look closely you will see that the
screw terminals are numbered and correspond to the earlier diagram. You
will also note that terminals 1 and 5 have no wires attached. You will
also see a small jumper wire from terminal 3 to terminal 5. In this
example, only the first n.c. zone is in use. The
second n.c. zone must be closed in order for the panel to function properly.
The n.o. parts of both zones may be left open.
The diagram above is from an 8 zone panel represented by Z1-Z8. Multiple COM inputs are supplied for wiring convenience. The first thing you should notice is the lack of any nc or no designation. This is more common on higher end a commercial grade panels. Connections on this type of panel are set "programmatically". You must program the connection type when you setup the panel. We will cover programming here.
Zone Resistors
Zone resistors are used to further secure the wiring to your sensors. The basic premise that a resistor allows the panel to monitor the wiring in no or nc loops. The resistor presents a known measurable value to the panel. The resistor should be installed in series with nc loops and in parallel with no loops.
The diagram above shows some typical examples (and the value of 5600 ohms) of resistor wiring. The zigzag line represents the resistor and the parallel bars represent a no or nc sensor. Ideally the resistor should be installed at end of a series run (furthest away from the panel) or in parallel with the last sensor of a n.o. run. When installed properly, the panel can tell when wiring is purposely cut or shorted in an attempt to bypass the sensor or other malfunction. The resistors may be referred to as EOL or end-of-line resistors.
EOL resistors