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FlexPI Product Guide
When attaching the sensor cable to the surface, the type and the spacing of the fasteners are both
extremely important. The fasteners must hold the sensor cable firmly against the surface without
pressing into the jacket. Most of the contact between the cable and the mounting surface occurs at
the fasteners. Therefore, using a fastener every 30 cm (1 ft.) will provide good contact between the
sensor cable and the mounting surface (see
,
fasteners that hold the cable directly against the surface. Do not use fasteners which place a layer
between the cable and the mounting surface. This layer prevents direct contact and acts as an
insulator.
There are a wide variety of commercially available cable fasteners for use on any type of building
material. Even permanent tape can be used to attach the sensor cable. When selecting fasteners,
remember that the outside diameter of the sensor cable is 3.6 mm (0.14 in.) nominal. Choose
fasteners that hold the cable firmly against the protected surface without pressing into the cable
jacket. If you are attaching cable to a stock cage, or fence, use cable ties that are pulled hand-
tight. Do not use mechanical cable tie tools. For added security, you can use steel bar ties or
twisted wire. However, do not overtighten the bar ties or wires.
Installation rules
•
Use one processor and sensor cable on one type of building material. Do not use one
processor and sensor cable to protect more than one type of surface.
•
The maximum recommended cable spacing is 1.25 m (4 ft.).
•
The minimum recommended cable spacing is 30 cm (1 ft.).
•
Keep roofs separate from other parts of the installation.
•
For roof installation on steel beams, the maximum recommended cable spacing is 1.8 m
(6 ft.).
•
On roofs with wooden trusses the cable spacing should match the spacing of the trusses,
typically 61 cm (2 ft.).
•
Sensor cable can be installed directly on the underside of a roof’s surface.
•
For increased security, use additional cable passes on the lower levels of walls and roofs
(i.e., the first 2 m, 6.6 ft.) which is where most break-ins occur.
•
Keep floors separate from other parts of the installation.
•
When attaching the sensor cable to a surface area, the cable must be in close contact with the
protected surface.
•
FlexPI sensor cable can be installed inside metal conduit. The conduit must be in close
contact with the protected surface (maximum 1 m, 3.3 ft. separation between fasteners). After
cutting the conduit, ensure that there are no burrs or sharp edges that could damage the
sensor cable as it is pulled through.
•
If windows are included as part of a protected surface, it is recommended that a security grille
be installed over the windows. The sensor cable that is protecting the surface should then be
installed along the outside edge of each window frame.
•
For outdoor surface protection (e.g., fences, walls) install the processor indoors, then use
lead-in cable to connect the processor to the sensor cable at the start of the zone. The
maximum cable run for lead-in cable is 30 m (98 ft.).
Security cage protection
To protect security cages, attach the sensor cable to the security cage using nylon cable ties
spaced 30 cm (1 ft.) apart. The cable spacing depends on the required level of security, with 1 m
(3.3 ft.) spacing recommended. The cable should be attached to the secure side of the cage, and
cable loops should be used at support posts for increased sensitivity.
