Retrofit Alarm Kit | Convert Wired Security Contact Sensors to Ring Smart System | Compatible with Most Door & Motion Sensors| Pro Install Recommended | Base Station Required

This review is for the Ring Retrofit Kit only. Other components of the Ring Alarm System are reviewed elsewhere. I decided to install the Ring Retrofit kit to replace the legacy alarm system that came with my home. My original system had 20+ alarm circuits. I installed two retrofit kits to transfer 16 of the existing circuits to a new Ring Alarm system. This was a very doable DIY project. It will help if you have a clear understanding of your existing system. Find the wiring diagram for your old system and study it. Take lots of photos and label everything. It helps if you make sure all of your alarm circuits are working BEFORE you do the retrofit. I needed to replace two of the magnetic sensors in my windows before I could attempt the retrofit. You use the Ring app to add circuits one at a time. Disconnect the circuit from the existing system, and then connect the wires into the Ring Retrofit module. I needed to add extra length to most of the circuit wires, so you might need a spool of alarm wire, and some wire connectors to complete the circuit. Once the circuit is connected, the app will ask you to open and close the associated window/door for testing. Repeat the process for each sensor circuit that you add. Traditional alarm systems include a resistor in the circuit in order to detect tampering. My system had the resistors in the alarm box, so I could just reconnect the existing wires to the retrofit kit. A lot of reviewers are concerned about the need for resistors. My reading of the Ring documents seem to indicate that any wiring arrangement will work with the retrofit kit (resistor or not), as long as there is not a short circuit or broken wire. PROS: The retrofit kit allows you to use the existing sensors in your home. This not only saves money, but it also gives a “cleaner” look to your home when you don’t have to have clunky wireless sensors attached to each window and door. This is a project that a homeowner with a reasonable wiring knowledge can do alone. Save the cost of professional installation. Very reliable system. I’ve had zero problems after six months. There really aren’t any other options for retrofitting an older alarm system. Ring is about the only one out there. CONS: You can’t connect wired motion detectors or smoke/fire detectors to this system. Ring sells alternative devices for this, but it would be nice if you could use the devices that are already wired into your house. Each retrofit kit only supports 8 alarm circuits. I installed two retrofit kits for my system, but I really needed three. It would be nice if they was a larger capacity kit with more circuits. The retrofit modules are battery powered only. Ring claims the batteries will last years, and my batteries still show full charge after six months. However, it would be nice if you could power the modules directly, and avoid the cost and hassle of battery replacement. I was able to use the power in my old alarm system to power my new Ring keypads using the existing wiring in the walls. This isn’t an option with the retrofit kit. No Siri/ Homekit integration. Ring devices only work with Alexa. If you’re a HomeKit user, you’re out of luck. However the Ring app is very useable. This hasn’t been a problem for me.

This diminutive gadget (it’s roughly the size of a stack of 4 CD jewel cases) is designed to allow you to integrate legacy sensors from an existing old alarm system into a Ring wireless alarm system. It attaches to the Ring base wirelessly, a very simple process; and then you can connect the sensor wires to its terminals, it supports up to 8 zones. For more zones, you can add more extenders. Door and window sensors do not require any special treatment, but motion and smoke detectors will require a 12V supply with battery backup. I found an inexpensive 12V UPS that is perfect for this, although the problem is when it fails it will trigger the alarm... The huge benefit of this device, though, is that it lets you use all the existing wired sensors: no running wires, no batteries, no problem (well, the batteries in the extender) Setup is super simple thanks to the well designed app. Go to the Devices section, select the extender, and you will see all the ones. Any zone with a sensor connected is configurable, the others are grayed out. To configure a zone, you select it and then open and close the door or window; you can then name and save the zone, and it becomes enabled. Couldn’t be simpler. Very well designed device, great software, if you’re contemplating Ring and your house has an existing wired alarm system don’t hesitate, make sure you buy this extender. It’s a little pricey but worth it. Buy Ring motion detectors and use your existing door and window sensors! Very highly recommended.

This is the device that allowed me to upgrade a 30 year old system to a modern Ring system. I’d hesitated in the past because I didn’t want to duplicate all the hardwired door and window contacts I already had. Not for every DIYer but I found it pretty straight forward to replace a FULL box of old components with a few wires and the retrofit kit. The rest of the Ring components were very easy to install and setup. Works Great!

This retrofit system works well and is pretty easy to install. The most work for me was identifying and labelling my security zone cables. I added it to my existing ring system with no issues. Don't get scared by their "professional installation recommended; " it is fairly easy to install. The unit saved me money because the quote I got for a security system for a prewired home was $60/month with a 36-month contract. I only paid $75 for this unit with self-monitor. For incomplete prewired homes, look into using earth magnets with double-sided tape for your door sensor. Pro: -Reasonable price compared to 36 monthly contracts with a $60/month (Will have saved me $2,160 in 36 months) -Fairly easy to install and setup -Compact and look clean Cons: -It would be nice to have a rechargeable battery instead -For the price would be nice to have 10 zones vs 8 zone

Everything transitioned over with the exception of the motion and glass break detectors. Installation was easy. Keep in mind these two devices were 30 years old.

Very easy install. I did myself in 20 min. You will need ring base as well for this to work.

Product is a great addition for those who have an alarm system already. It has a nice feel and works great. It is a bit expensive provided what it does and it really should have a plug in option not just battery powered. However it does work well.

I don't like that it's battery powered, but the setup was very easy. It needs a switch to for NC and NO connections, and it needs a power supply. Otherwise it's exactly what I needed

I was able to connect wired sensors from my old alarm into the ring system. The setup and wiring is easy, and the installation using the ring App was easy and very logical. Wire a channel, test channel, move to next channel. I was able to connect 7 channels from my old alarm in about an hour.