Project Inputs
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Zones | Devices | Cable (m) | Labor Hours | Markup | Contingency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small residence | 8 | 1 panel, 1 keypad, 10 contacts, 2 motions | 120 | 11 | 15% | 5% |
| Retail shop | 16 | 1 panel, 2 keypads, 22 contacts, 4 motions, 2 smokes | 260 | 18 | 18% | 7% |
| Warehouse section | 24 | 1 panel, 2 keypads, 30 contacts, 8 motions, 4 smokes, 2 sirens | 420 | 26 | 20% | 10% |
Use the unit costs above to mirror your suppliers, wiring routes, and site access.
Formula Used
Consumables = Materials Subtotal × (Consumables %)
Materials Total = Materials Subtotal + Consumables
Labor Hours = Rough-in + Trim + Programming/Testing
Labor Total = Labor Hours × Labor Rate
Direct Total = Materials Total + Labor Total + Permit Fee + Travel Fee
Contingency = Direct Total × (Contingency %)
After Contingency = Direct Total + Contingency
Markup = After Contingency × (Markup %)
Before Tax = After Contingency + Markup
Tax = Before Tax × (Tax %)
Estimated Total = Before Tax + Tax
How to Use This Calculator
- Set the project basics. Choose project and property type, then enter zones.
- Enter device quantities. Adjust contacts, motions, detectors, and notification devices.
- Update unit prices. Replace default costs to match supplier quotes.
- Estimate wiring routes. Enter cable and conduit lengths including slack.
- Split labor hours. Rough-in, trim, and testing hours improve accuracy.
- Add fees and risk. Permit, travel, contingency, markup, and tax reflect reality.
- Calculate and export. Review totals above the form, then download CSV or PDF.
Project Planning and Scope
A wired alarm estimate starts with scope discipline. Define zone count, protected openings, and interior coverage, then map device locations to realistic cable routes. New installs typically allow cleaner pathways and faster rough-in, while retrofit work may require fishing walls, patching, and additional access coordination.
Equipment and Device Cost Drivers
The control panel is the core cost anchor, but device mix shapes the total. Door and window contacts scale rapidly with perimeter size. Motions add interior coverage and can reduce contact counts in some layouts. Life-safety devices, sirens, and strobe signaling should reflect code requirements, occupant load, and audibility targets.
Wiring, Pathways, and Consumables
Cable and conduit are often underestimated. Include slack, vertical drops, and detours around structural elements. Consumables capture connectors, labels, anchors, staples, junction hardware, and minor incidentals. A small percentage keeps estimates stable when field conditions shift.
Labor, Commissioning, and Quality Checks
Labor is best modeled in phases: rough-in, device trim, and programming or testing. Commissioning time increases when zones are large, wiring is complex, or optional communicators and integrations are included. Always allow time for device verification, zone naming, and end-user handover.
Example Data Scenario
Example inputs for a small residence: 8 zones, 1 panel at $220, 1 keypad at $85, 10 contacts at $6.50, 2 motions at $28, 120 m cable at $0.35, 20 m conduit at $1.10, labor rate $18/hour with 11 total hours, 5% contingency, 15% markup, 0% tax.
This produces a structured breakdown showing materials, labor, contingency, markup, and a cost-per-zone figure for quick comparison against alternative device mixes or routing assumptions.
FAQs
1) What is a “zone” in a wired alarm system?
A zone is a supervised input that reports a device or group of devices. More zones increase panel capacity needs and can raise labor for labeling, testing, and programming.
2) How should I estimate cable length accurately?
Measure routes along walls and ceilings, include vertical drops, add slack at devices and the panel, then add a practical waste factor. Enter the total installed length in meters.
3) When does conduit become necessary?
Conduit is common in exposed areas, high-traffic spaces, industrial settings, and where mechanical protection is required. Use it when surface runs are planned or local rules require it.
4) Why separate rough-in and trim hours?
Rough-in focuses on routing and pulling cable, while trim covers device mounting, terminations, and labeling. Splitting hours improves accuracy across new builds versus retrofit projects.
5) What does contingency represent in this estimate?
Contingency accounts for unknowns like access limitations, extra routing, minor rework, or small material overruns. It is applied to direct costs before markup and tax.
6) Should markup be applied before or after tax?
This tool applies markup before tax so overhead and profit are included in the taxable base when applicable. Adjust the tax percentage to reflect how your jurisdiction treats installed services.
7) Can this calculator be used for commercial sites?
Yes. Choose a suitable property type, scale device quantities, update unit costs, and increase labor for commissioning and documentation. Confirm any local compliance requirements separately.