The property
Large family home in Masterton with 16 wired alarm zones, 3 smoke detectors, and 3 keypads.
The brief
Upgrade an old DSC 5050 panel to a modern, monitored system with mobile app control — keeping existing field devices if possible.
The challenge
The original installation had Cat-grade cable run to every device. After swapping in the new panel and keypads (zone-for-zone to mirror the old setup), the keypads booted fine — but none of the zones reported correctly.
What we found
While Cat cable is common for data, its properties can be unsuitable for some security circuits and smoke detector runs. In this case, the legacy cable contributed to signal integrity issues across multiple zones with the new panel configuration.
Our response
- Clear comms: We explained the diagnosis and options to the homeowner the same day.
- Full re-wire: Returned next morning and replaced device runs with security-grade multi-core cable.
- Quality first: Re-terminated, labelled, and tested every zone and smoke.
- App & monitoring: Commissioned the new app-enabled panel and connected to 24/7 monitoring.
Outcome
- 16 zones and 3 smokes online and stable
- 3 keypads synced and responsive
- Mobile app live for arming, alerts and history
- Cleaner wiring, labelled for easier maintenance
- Homeowner confidence restored
“Everything works like a charm now. We really appreciated the straight-up communication and how quickly they sorted it.” — Homeowner, Masterton
Why this matters for Wairarapa homes
Many older systems around Masterton, Carterton, Greytown and Featherston were installed with whatever cable was on hand. For modern, app-enabled panels — especially with multiple smokes — security-grade cabling is the reliable, safety-first choice.
Specs at a glance
- Panel: Modern IP-enabled, app-controlled alarm panel (monitored)
- Devices: 16 zones, 3 smoke detectors, 3 keypads
- Cabling: Upgraded to security-grade multi-core
- Timeframe: Diagnosis and re-wire completed within 48 hours
Thinking about an upgrade?
If your alarm is more than 10 years old or you’re not sure what it was wired with, we can assess it and give straight advice.
Book a local check in Masterton, Carterton, Greytown or Featherston.
