Is A Wireless Home Security System Right For You?

There are pros and cons between a hardwired alarm system and a wireless alarm system; and a home owner needs to understand the pros and cons of each.

A wired home security system is just that – sensors, which are placed on doors and windows and are wired to the alarm’s main panel with the wires generally installed within the walls. These sensors protect entry from the outside. Motion detectors sense movement within the house should the exterior sensors be breached. This type of system is referred to as hardwired and comes with a keypad to arm the system.

A wireless home security system obviously is not hardwired. With wireless technology, sensors placed on the doors and windows send signals to the main panel via a wireless transmitter. Since wires do not have to be run through walls, installation is easier. As with a wired system, a wireless home security system features a keypad to set or disarm the system.

Nearby wireless devices, such as baby monitors, do not interfere with a hardwired system; and the system will sound an alarm should the wires be cut. Whereas, a wireless home security system is relatively easy to install, and relocate should the owner move.

There are negatives to each system. A hardwired home security system takes more time and labor to install; and should the owner move to a new location, the wiring will have to be done all over again. A wireless home security system can pick up interference from other nearby wireless devices and, thus, trigger false alarms. The strategic placement of sensors, however, can significantly reduce the likelihood of this happening.

The prime negative to a wireless home security system is that it can be disabled easier than a hardwired approach can. Most burglars do not want to spend a lot of time breaking into a house, which could leave them at risk of being caught. So, although a wireless system is easier to disable, most thieves won’t take the time to do so.

Owners of older homes might not want to drill holes in the walls because of the historical value or period look of the house. If a house is being rented, the property owner might not want holes drilled for the installation of wires thereby making a wireless system the best choice.

Wireless home security systems are becoming popular, but there are considerations that must be taken into account. Depending on the size of the house, the system must be able to communicate with the main panel. Most single family homes should do fine with a 1-GHz receiver. For larger homes or should an external building be connected to the system, a 2-GHz system or stronger receiver should be employed. A stronger signal is essential to maintain constant contact with all of the sensor components.

Wireless home security systems have progressed to the point where they can integrate all of the features of a hardwired system, such as closed circuit cameras, carbon monoxide detectors, flood and gas detectors, lighting controllers, passive infrared motion detectors, seal/trip sensors and smoke detectors. Likewise, choose a system that includes panic and personal emergency buttons.