security systems

Wireless Home Security Systems: Pros & Cons of a Wireless Alarm System

wireless home security

Wireless home security systems have come a long way in recent years and has become one of the preferred type of security system. Most security companies have adopted these as norm because they have become affordable, easy to install, have proven to be reliable, and can offer good coverage of the home. While wireless alarm systems have many benefits, they also have some downfalls that a homeowner should be aware of. Below are the pros and cons of a wireless alarm system.

Pros of Wireless Home Security Systems

  • Easy to Install: This is probably the #1 reason that so many people use a wireless home security system. Being easy to install typically will greatly cut down on the initial installation fees and makes it easier to add on additional components at a future date. These systems are also popular among the do-it-yourselfers to install on.
  • Run on Batteries: Since these systems run on batteries, they don't go down when power is lost. This will keep your home protected even when there is no power, which some wired systems do not do.
  • Easy to take if you move: Since these systems are easy to install, they are also easy to uninstall. This makes it very simple to take your alarm system with you if you plan on moving. Hardwired systems are typically not worth the hassle to uninstall because of all of the wires involved.
  • Easily cover all vulnerable areas: When wires aren't used, it makes it easier to install alarm components in those areas that are hard to reach with the standard wired alarm systems.
  • Wires cannot be cut: This makes the systems harder to disable for burglars. Since there are no wires and most of them run on batteries, these systems make it more difficult for the experienced burglar to get around.

Cons of Wireless Home Security Systems:

  • Signal Strength: A common problem, especially for the do-it-yourselfers is that certain components are not getting a clear shot to the main alarm control panel and may not activate when they should be triggered. Also, since most of these wireless systems run on batteries, the signal strength can go down when the battery is low and sensors that did work perfectly before may not activate with a low battery.
  • Signal Interference: Mainly with the older models of wireless security systems there can be problems with signal interference. Things such as baby monitors, wireless doorbells and other wireless devices can interfere with the signals from the wireless home security system.
  • Battery Life: Since most wireless systems do operate on batteries you must always keep it in the back of your mind that they will need replacing. The most common battery available now for wireless home security systems is a lithium rechargeable battery that can last between 7 and 10 years.
  • Possibly more expensive than wired: Typically, the costs of the components for a hardwired system are cheaper than wireless components. The main factor to consider here is how far the sensors will be from the main panel and what the amperage of the wire will be. A high amperage wire and large distances can increase the cost of a hardwired system significantly. For many smaller homes, a hard wired system ends up being a bit cheaper because the amount of wire run is minimal and it is at low amperage.
Wireless systems seem to improve each year as the technology improves. When deciding between a wireless and hardwired alarm system it is important to take into the factors mentioned above to determine which system best suits your needs.

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