Question about panel placement in new builds around Denver

I was out on a job in Aurora last week and noticed something weird. The builder had the main alarm panel tucked right behind a door in the utility room. Hard to reach and blocked half the keypad. I talked to the general contractor and he said they always put them there to keep them out of sight. But that makes programming and testing a real pain. Plus if the door swings open you can't even see the screen. I get wanting a clean look but isn't functionality more important? Has anyone else run into builders insisting on bad spots like this?

3 comments

3 Comments

ben_fisher1d ago

@henryr45 I actually prefer it hidden lol, who wants a big alarm panel on display?

henryr451d ago

You ever try pressing buttons with a doorjamb digging into your elbow? That's a code nightmare waiting to happen, and honestly it's just lazy planning. I've talked builders into moving the panel to the side wall or even near the main floor junction box by saying "you'll thank me when you need to reset a tripped sensor at 2am." A lot of them just need a quick demo of how hard it is to reach before they'll budge, especially if you offer to run the wire to a better spot for free.

mason_murray81d ago

Yeah exactly, most builders just don't think about it until you literally make them stand there and try to punch in a code @henryr45. I've had good luck offering to relocate the wire myself too, it's like once they realize it's no extra work for them they're all for it.