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Unpopular opinion: I still run separate sensor and power lines for most jobs
Back when I started, we always ran two lines for every sensor... one for the loop and one for power. It was just how you did it. Then about five years ago, everyone in my area started pushing these new panels that could power the sensors right through the same two wires as the loop, using the same bus. It saves a ton of time and wire, I get that. But I've had three calls in the last year where a short on the data line took down the whole zone and killed power to the sensor too. With separate lines, the sensor at least stays alive to send a trouble signal. I only use the combined bus method on really simple, small houses now. Am I just being stubborn, or does anyone else still split them for reliability?
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michaelf511mo ago
Agree completely. Saw a lightning strike fry a bus module last summer, took out eight doors. With split wiring, you only lose the loop. That trouble signal you mentioned is the whole point. It tells you where the problem is instead of leaving you guessing.
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gray61mo ago
Ugh, @michaelf51, my luck I'd be the fried module!
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