Ring Retrofit Alarm Kit FAQs
Learn more about the Ring Retrofit Alarm Kit and how it can help transform your existing system into a smart alarm system to help protect what matters most.
Who is the Ring Retrofit Alarm Kit recommended for?
The Retrofit Alarm Kit is recommended for neighbors who want to connect working wired contact sensor zones from a conventional wired alarm system to their Ring Alarm. The existing wired alarm panel does not need to be actively monitored or in use, but the wired zones do need to be operational with no damage. (Please check whether your existing alarm system and its sensors are subject to any contractual obligations, including early termination fees or warranties.)
How do I know if the Retrofit Alarm Kit will work in my home?
If your home has existing wired contact sensors from a previously installed alarm system, you may be able to use the Retrofit Alarm Kit. We recommend that you do a visual inspection of the sensors and wiring around your home and consult a licensed electrician or professional alarm installer to help you inspect and test the wiring. This will ensure that the existing contact sensor zones are complete, closed circuits.
What are wired contact sensor zones? How do they differ from the wireless contact sensors that come with my Ring Alarm?
Typical alarm systems often wire together multiple window and door contact sensors in one area of the home into a single zone, like a string of holiday lights. When any individual wired contact sensor within the zone is opened, the entire zone is considered to be open, and if the system is armed, it will trigger the alarm. Wireless contact sensors work independently, and if one sensor is opened, it will not trigger any other nearby sensors.
Wire multiple zones with the Retrofit Alarm Kit.
You can wire up to 8 zones with one Retrofit Alarm Kit. If you have more than 8 zones, you can add additional Retrofit Alarm Kit devices to the same Ring Alarm.
What types of wired sensors work with Retrofit Alarm Kit?
The Retrofit Alarm Kit can monitor wired contact sensor zones (contact sensors are usually used for doors and windows).
If you have wired indoor and outdoor sirens, wired smoke or CO detectors, wired keypads or other security devices, they are not supported and should not be added to the Retrofit Alarm Kit.
Get technical information about compatible wired alarm zones.
Will my wired sensors work the same as my Ring Alarm Contact Sensors?
Not exactly. Wired contact sensor zones may contain multiple contact sensors. When you add the Retrofit Alarm Kit with your wired zones to your Ring Alarm, the entire zone will be managed similar to individual Ring Alarm Contact Sensors, but you won’t be able to identify exactly which wired contact sensor was triggered. But like Alarm Contact Sensors, you can set Entry and Exit delays for entire zones, bypass a whole zone for temporary access while armed, and use zones to secure your home when armed.
Can I monitor my hardwired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with the Retrofit Alarm Kit?
No. The Retrofit Alarm Kit is not designed to support life safety devices, including smoke and CO detectors. If you want to add smoke and CO detection to your Ring Alarm, you can add wireless Ring devices, such as the First Alert Z-Wave Smoke/CO Alarm or the Ring Alarm Smoke & CO Listener.1
Does this replace my Ring Alarm?
No. You need to have a Ring Alarm or Alarm Pro Base Station set up at your home and online in order to add and use the Retrofit Alarm Kit. You can add the Retrofit Alarm Kit to any size Ring Alarm Kit.
Does the Retrofit Alarm Kit work with Alexa?
No. While you can arm and disarm your Ring Alarm using Alexa, wired zones that have been connected to a Retrofit Alarm Kit will not be available for use in Alexa routines at this time. This functionality may be available in the future.
Can I have professional monitoring with the Retrofit Alarm Kit? Do I need to get a new alarm permit?
Yes, with Ring Home Premium plan subscription and Alarm Professional Monitoring1 add-on service. You can then monitor your wired contact sensor zones when you add them using the Retrofit Alarm Kit. If you live in a jurisdiction that requires an alarm permit, then the permit you already have for your Ring Alarm will cover the Retrofit Alarm Kit. If you are switching from another alarm company to Ring Alarm, you may need to update your permit or get a new permit, depending on your jurisdiction. Please check with local ordinances for more information.
I haven’t done an electrical wiring project before. Can I install this myself?
Installing the Ring Retrofit Alarm Kit is an advanced DIY project. We recommend that you consult a professional before installing the Retrofit Alarm Kit. Professional alarm installers and licensed electricians are experienced with wiring projects, are familiar with using tools such as multimeters to test electrical wiring, and can read and interpret electrical schematics. You should not attempt to install this yourself if you are inexperienced in any of these areas.
What tools do I need to for installation?
As with any project, you’ll need to have some supplies on hand. Every Ring Retrofit Alarm Kit installation will require a screwdriver that fits the existing wired alarm panel terminals and a continuity tester or multimeter. You may also need a wire stripping tool, extra 20 or 22 gauge wire, wire nuts or wire connectors, and a cleaning cloth and alcohol to clean the wall before installing using the provided mounting tape. If you would prefer to screw the Retrofit Alarm Kit into your wall, you’ll need to two screws and anchors for your wall and a drill bit.
What do I do if my wired contact sensor or zone doesn’t work?
During the installation process, we’ll walk you through a quick integrity test to identify if a wired contact sensor or zone will work with the Retrofit Alarm Kit. If it fails the test, it cannot be used with your Retrofit Alarm Kit. We suggest contacting a professional alarm installer to help you repair or replace any damaged sensors, which can be purchased at Amazon.com. If you cannot repair a wired sensor, wireless Ring Alarm Contact Sensors can be used to secure the doors and windows in that zone instead.