Which is better: wireless or wired intruder alarm systems? It depends on the property under question. While your neighbour might be happy with their wireless intruder alarm installation experience, you may benefit most from a wireless burglar alarm system.
It is essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each and identify the one that’s right for your unique security needs and type of property. Here’s some helpful information everyone should know about the differences between wireless and wired intruder alarms.
Wired Burglar Alarm Systems
Just as the name suggests, wired burglar alarms communicate through attached wires. Every sensor and detector is connected to the control panel. If you use a monitored system, the control panel also communicates with the outside monitoring service.
Pros
- This type of alarm system is generally considered to be more reliable than wireless. That is so because every part of it is physically connected, so there’s almost no chance of interference.
- Such systems are also wired into your property’s power supply. It means you don’t have to worry about changing batteries.
- Wireless burglar alarm systems are limited by range. If the control panel is placed too far from the sensors, their radio frequencies may not be able to reach them. The range is not an issue in a wired intruder alarm system. The sensors can be either a metre or a kilometre away and it still won’t matter. If these sensors are connected to the control panel, they can communicate anyway.
Cons
- Wired intruder alarm systems are more not easy to install compared to wireless systems. That is so because of the need to run wires. Installation might only require a few holes drilled into the walls of your property in case you have an existing wired security system. However, if you don’t have any wired system, you will have to put brand new wires in place throughout your property. Usually, wired systems require a professional installation service.
- Many of the newer properties do not feature a landline which may pose an issue for conventional wired systems as they use it to communicate with an outside monitoring service. The systems using landlines are also easier to breach. A criminal can just cut the landline, and your intruder alarm won’t be able to alert emergency responders.
Wireless Burglar Alarm Systems
Wireless systems require no cabling to transmit signals. Instead, they rely on radio frequencies to communicate to the control panel and outside services, for example, your alarm monitoring service. Having a wireless system is similar to having a private cell network working throughout your entire building.
Pros
- The advantage of such systems is the ease of installation. It doesn’t need any wires, so all you have to do is to mount the insert the batteries, control panel, place the sensors, and you’re good to go. Many wireless alarms can be installed by practically anyone, although professional installation is recommended.
Cons
- Generally speaking, reliable wireless burglar alarm systems can be subject to interference still. Outside radio frequencies can stand in the way of communication between sensors and the control panel. It can lead to either disabling the whole system or setting off false alarms. These issues are rare, but they can occur.
- Another factor is distance. It can limit the reliability of a wireless system. The radio signals transmitted by the wireless system may not be able to reach the control panel in larger properties. Most such systems have a range of about 150 metres. If you own a property that is larger than 400 square metres, consider installing a wired system.
When reinforcing security at your home or business premises, there are many things to consider. One of such things is the choice between wired and wireless burglar alarm systems. It is impossible to tell what alarm system is the best as the choice ultimately comes down to your goals and property characteristics.
If you need low maintenance, permanent alarm for your large business property, go for a wired system. When searching for a flexible, good-looking alarm system that is easy to install in your small property, opt for a wireless system.
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