Wireless Alarm Systems Versus Wired Alarm Systems
The number of wireless alarm systems being sold keeps going up while the number of wired alarm systems being sold keeps going down. If this trend continues, wireless alarm systems will be the only types of alarm systems being sold.
Does this means that the wireless home alarm system is better than the wired home alarm system?
In this post I’ll go over the advantages and disadvantages to using these two types of alarm systems. Armed with this information, you’ll be able to decide for yourself which one is best for your home.
The Anatomy Wired Alarm Systems
The traditional wired alarm system has a master control panel and a series of door and window sensors. Many of these systems also have motion dection systems spread throughout the house as well. These sensors are all connected to the master control panel through a series of wires.
Image from cctvdirect.co.uk
Homes built with an alarm system in mind will usually have the wires run behind the walls. People working with DIY alarm systems may also run their wires behind their walls as well. This creates a nice and neat appearance, but can make switching out alarm systems and repairing alarm systems much harder to do.
Homeowners who have wired systems installed by alarm system companies in older houses usually won’t have their wires hidden. These wires will be tucked up against the walls, ceilings, and floors of the rooms they are sitting in.
The obvious disadvantage to this is that the system doesn’t look as nice. It is sad to see a beautiful room with wires running all around it.
Another disadvantage to this type of system is that a burglar can disable each sensor by simply cutting a wire. However, many companies have fixed this problem by creating the alarms in such a way that if the wire is cut, the alarm will automatically go off.
The main advantage wired alarm systems have over wireless alarm systems is that they are usually less expensive.
The Anatomy Of Wireless Alarm Systems
Wireless alarm systems are just like traditional alarm systems, but without the wires. These systems send signals to the master control panel without the need for wires.
The advantages to this type of system are basically the opposite of the disadvantages of the wired alarm systems. They are more aesthetically pleasing and burglars cannot disable the system by simply cutting a wire. These systems can also be easier to setup since homeowners don’t have to do any sort of wire management.
The main drawback to this type of system is that it can have a higher upfront cost of ownership compared to the wired systems. This being said, once the alarm system is purchased, the cost of maintaining the alarm is about the same. Companies who sell the alarm system to the homeowner will not charge more money to monitor wireless alarm systems.
In the end, which alarm system you decide to purchase will probably come down to cost. A wired alarm system is less convenient and more unsightly than a wireless alarm system, but is a bit less expensive to buy.
