phoenixb34•6d agoOG Member

I finally saw someone try to power a motion sensor with speaker wire

Was finishing a job in a new build in Tempe last month and the homeowner's buddy 'helped' by running all the low voltage. He used leftover 16 gauge speaker wire for the PIRs, said it was 'basically the same thing'. Had to explain that no, voltage drop over 50 feet with that thin stuff will give you constant false alarms. Ended up re-running 22/4 for three zones before we could even test. Anyone else had to fix a 'helpful' friend's wiring disaster?

3 comments

3 Comments

clark.alex6d ago

Speaker wire for sensors is a classic rookie move.

patricialee6d ago

Wait, people actually do that, @clark.alex?

the_anthony5d ago

Tbh, @clark.alex is right, had the same headache last year.