Which is the best house alarm? Wired or wireless alarm?
Choosing a house alarm is not an easy task, With so many options when it comes to home alarms, it can become confusing as to which is best for your home. We have some home alarm tips so you better understand the difference between a wired alarm and a wireless alarm.
In our feature this week, we will focus on the difference between a wired alarm and a wireless alarm. Here we will talk you through how wired alarms work in the home and some key differences between a wireless alarm.
How does a wired alarm work?
A wired alarm has all sensors connected to the main control unit. These wires are useless chased around the home and will cover all windows and doors. Wired alarms will be available from a lot of alarm companies and usually involve a professional install. Wired alarms can communicate via a gsm back up which can come with app control.
What is a wireless alarm?
Wireless alarm systems work by sending signals to each sensor through a base hub in the home. These sensors are battery operated with a battery life of up to 3 - 5 years. Wireless alarm systems will communicate remotely via an app through WIFI & Cellular signals. Wireless alarms can be easy to install. Some companies offer DIY Alarms with support from their remote engineers like GoKonnect Smart Home.
How to know the difference between a wired alarm and a wireless alarm.
1st thing first. You don't need all the wires with a wired alarm system. It's not uncommon to have a smartphone alarm app for both systems these days. Wireless alarms can offer more remote engineer support depending on the company you choose, this can mean any issues can be dealt with remotely and fast. Both alarm systems can be self-monitored or professionally monitored.
What are the benefits of a wireless alarm?
Main Benefits:
- Installation of a wireless alarm is clean with no need for cabling. You can also install a wireless alarm without any need for tools.
- A wireless alarm comes with tamper-resistant technology so in the event of someone trying to move the sensor, it will trigger a notification to you letting you know
- Totally modular, you can add to the system with more home alarm sensors as time goes on or if your needs change.
- If you need to move the alarm sensor for renovations, you can simply remove it and reinstall it when you are done. No need to worry about rewiring the sensor.
- An alarm system designed for renters. If you need to move you can take it with you.
- Wireless alarms allow you to arm your home while controlling sensors. You will be able to arm your home and still actively walk around your home without triggering the alarm and still have your home protected by perimeter arming.
- You can have the option of choosing professional monitoring to add to your system. This will allow you to connect your home to emergency services in the event of an emergency in your home.
- If you have a power failure, your system will still communicate. Indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, and doorbells can all be connected and benefit a home security system. Plus, cameras can capture crucial evidence.
Cons:
- Because wireless systems are DIY, they have to be installed by yourself. Luckily, with a system like GoKonnect, all you have to do is plug it in and follow the simple instructions!
- DIY systems aren’t usually graded, but ours is and you can also get option 30-day monitoring.
The pros and cons of a wired alarm system
Pros:
- You can rely on a professional to install it
- Don’t have to worry about batteries running low
- Can have pet-friendly motion sensors connected
- Don’t have to worry about Wi-Fi failure
- For rural areas, landline connections are good
Cons:
- Takes a lot longer to set up and get things running
- Costs more overall due to professional installation required and maintenance costs
- Can be unsightly with lots of wires running along skirting boards etc.
- False alarms more likely to occur due to mains failures
- Cables are vulnerable to damage or being chewed or cut - costing more money to repair
- Not easily portable - you’d have to reset the main control panel and all its connected components with a completely new wired set-up. When removing the system it could also cause potential damage to your home
- Adding any additional devices can sometimes cause complications and there would also be the added installation cost, no matter how small the sensor
- Landline systems are more vulnerable to tampering.
Which alarm system is best for you: wireless or wired?
So, there you have it - the breakdown of the wireless alarm systems vs wired systems. There are benefits and drawbacks to all kinds of systems - take a look at our traditional vs modern burglar alarms for example. But taking into account all the pros and cons for both of these specific alarm systems, it’s clear to see what is more favored and is a testament to their popularity - the wireless alarm system, that is. Of course, that still doesn’t mean a wired alarm system doesn’t work well, you should just ask yourself these questions when deciding which is right for you.
• Do you have more than one property, and so will need more than one system? Wireless systems are so much easier to set up.
• Are you currently renovating and investing in your property? While you’re renovating, you could opt for a wired system, as this will be a good opportunity to get it installed when floorboards are up and holes are getting drilled.
• Do you want something for life, that you can easily take with you if you ever need to move? Wireless is your answer.
• Do you live in a rural area? Wired alarm systems that use landline connections are good for rural areas.
• Do you need a 24/7 monitored alarm system? Wireless systems are ideal and can rely on cellular back-up to contact alarm receiving centers.
• Do you have pets? Many wireless systems are pet-friendly because of unique, human heat signature detection. And with no wires or cables, you don’t have to worry about any gnaws or chews cutting through and damaging them and disrupting the system.
• Are you planning to extend your residential property? With a wireless system, adding sensors is tremendously easy to do if you wish to further protect your property.
• Decorating on the cards? You can easily take off and fix back sensors and devices connected to a wireless system yourself, and if you need to fix a door frame, paint skirting boards, or change the wallpaper, cables, and wires are no bother.
Interested in a wireless alarm system? Use our build my home security system tool to see how one could work for your property.
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