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Old school hardwired vs. wireless panels in this 1980s house
I had to swap out a system in a house built in 1985 outside Denver last month. Old hardwired stuff was a mess of brittle wires and chipped sensors, but it still worked after 40 years. The new wireless panel I put in was quick to install, but I swear the signal drops every time the furnace kicks on. Has anyone else seen old hardwired stuff outlast the new wireless gear?
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elizabethmason1mo ago
Interesting that you kept the old system running, @oscarc12 - did you have to replace the transformer too? Those old 16v transformers can start humming bad after decades. The furnace interference thing in the post has me wondering: what gauge wire were you running from the transformer to the panel? I've seen 22 gauge pick up interference from nearby HVAC blowers, but 18 gauge usually handles it better. Was the run going through the furnace closet or did you route it around?
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markh851mo ago
Yeah the furnace interference thing is real, I see it all the time with older houses. If you can run new wires cleanly through the attic or basement, hardwired is still more reliable long term even if it's a pain.
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