Adding Wired Motion Detectors to the VISTA 20P

In this video, Joe teaches users how to add hardwired motion-detecting sensors to a VISTA 20P Security Panel. A hardwired motion will use four (4) wires in total. Two (2) of these wires will be for power transmission, while the other two (2) are for zone status transmission. The sensor will take up a zone.
Motion sensors are very common accessories for a security system. These devices let your system know if there is movement in a particular area. When the sensor detects movement, it will send an alert to the control panel. The system will then respond based on the programming settings for that zone. This may include triggering an immediate system alarm. For example, if the zone is programmed as "Interior Follower" and the motion sensor is activated while the system is Armed Away without an Entry/Exit Zone being activated first, then the system will go into an immediate intrusion alarm.
Wiring a motion sensor to a hardwired panel like the VISTA 20P is a fairly easy process. You just have to make the appropriate connections. The two (2) wires for power transmission will go to the ECP bus on the panel. This is also where any keypads are connected to receive power. Meanwhile, the two (2) wires for zone status transmission go to the actual zone used with the sensor. Since four (4) wires are needed in total, it is recommended that you use 4-conductor wire. Alternatively, you can also use two separate 2-conductor wires. As for the gauge, 18 AWG is recommended, but you can use a similar wire thickness like 16 AWG or 22 AWG if that is what you have around.
The most difficult aspect of wiring a motion sensor to the panel will be the process of getting the wires to the device. Depending on where the sensor and the panel are located, you may need to run the wire through some walls. This might be a task best left to a professional. But if you feel confident fishing wires through walls, then you can certainly do it yourself. Remember, most motion sensors will use Normally Closed (NC) wiring, also known as Series wiring. However, there are some motion sensors that will let you use Normally Open (NO) wiring, also called Parallel wiring. A motion sensor that allows for NC or NO wiring is called a Form C motion sensor.
In this example, when Joe talks about wiring a single motion detector, he suggests wiring with no End-of-Line Resistor (EOLR). This option may or may not be available to you, depending on which panel you use. The VISTA-20P panel will allow you to configure zones 2 - 8 as either Normally Open, Normally Closed, EOLR, Zone Doubled, or Double Balanced. At Alarm Grid, we always recommend using a properly placed resistor for any hardwired zones, but in some cases, this may not be possible. A properly placed resistor is at the last contact in line on any particular zone and is in series for a normally closed zone, and in parallel for a normally open one.
alrm.gd/get-monitored

[@zacharykorbet9690]

Thank you for this video it was very very helpful I tried everything until I watch this video I was clueless before I watched this video so thank you I am working on installing a security system in my house. And because I'm extra I obviously went with a more robust Honeywell hardwired system. I could have went with a SimpliSafe or ring or Cove or whatever else is out there. But I'm very happy with my decision and your videos are very helpful

[@FireTech7]

Joe is cool

[@AlarmGrid]

Thank you, I'll be sure to pass that along to him. He is a cool dude.

[@mikeclarke3005]

Um, all sensor wiring should home run back to panel for each sensor, each power sensor dedicated power back to panel, make all power connections at panel, and and series wiring to multiple sensors there so can break out sensors if changing zones, additional sensors etc in the future.

[@freddaniels8259]

Thanks for the insight Mike. All that is fine and dandy in a perfect world. Unfortunately, many are limited to existing wire already ran in the walls. Running new wire or pre-wired, definitely!

[@michaelgatchalian9874]

What if you have a Normally Open PIR sensor

[@kerryedavis]

That's my situation too.

[@mrmaddocs68752]

Can I have a motion with no resistor

[@DKAlarmgridSupport]

Hey Matt, Yes, as long as your system allows setup of your sensor/zone as a normally closed / normally open contact/sensor. This will be determined by the system you are using. If using the 20p as in the video, the 20p has wired zone programming options for zones 2-8 to not use the End Of Line Resistor (EOLR).

[@rockfordwoods5432]

You wired the resistor in series with the motion detector. That is incorrect. The Vista will see the resistor (2k ohms) regardless of the state of the motion detector (unless the wire is broken.)

[@AlarmGrid]

Series wiring is correct for a normally closed device. As long as the sensor is closed (non-faulted) current flows through the device and the resistor and the panel is happy. When the motion is faulted, the circuit opens, current no longer flows through and the zone is faulted. Some motions can be wired either normally closed, or normally open. You would put the resistor in parallel for a normally open device.