Wired or Wireless Home Security System?

By Bubba | January 7, 2010 at 2:04 pm | 4 comments | Home Security | Tags: motion detector, security system, wired security system, wireless security system

You’ve made the right choice to install a home security system. You want to protect your home, your property, and most importantly your family. The second most important consideration that you will need to make: a wireless or wired system?

These days, there are excellent systems available in either category. And like so many things in life, there are pros and cons for each. Luckily, both types of systems can be monitored by a professional monitoring company, and both types have been in use for years, so both types have proved their worth.

Many systems are hybrid systems, partially wired with the ability to extend some sensors and accessories wirelessly. These will allow you to expand without tearing up your walls or ceilings, yet allows some of your components to be powered and monitored through the central unit.

Depending on the brand and model, both technologies offer a myriad of sensors, control points, and programmable features.

A quick heads up: home security systems, even at the most basic level, require some working knowledge of electronics, circuits, and a enough technical know-how to read the manual on how to program the base unit and the various components. On some units this is just a couple switches and maybe entering some codes on a keypad. With a complex setup containing multiple “zones”, (circuits), this could mean a computer interface, some internal DIP switches, a lot of wire and terminal connections, etc. We don’t want to discourage any full fledged Bubba from having a crack at what can be a real rewarding job, but we don’t want to encourage any Bubba wannabees to risk their families security by getting in over their head.

Let’s take a look at and compare both types.

A Wired home security system.

Advantages: If you are building or contracting a new home, or doing a “tear it to the studs” remodel, this is the way to go, no question. As with so many home electronic systems, the pain is always hiding the wires, right? So if you can stash the wires during a build out, then your system will have a permanent, re-sellable quality to it. You can always replace wired components, often with generic parts. (A magnetic window sensor, for example, is a pretty standard part.)

Wired systems generally “spider web” out from a central command box. This box can be hidden or locked away, making it difficult to find, disarm, or interfere with. Power can be run to the box, and an UPS or battery backup can assure power during interruptions. This arrangement provides power for almost all the accessories and sensors. There is very little chance of radio or electronic interference. Tampering with the wiring will almost always result in an “alarm” condition. You will not have to chase down dead batteries in small transmitters. There is no worry about radio frequency interference or weak signals across the house and up the stairs.

Wired systems tend to be easily expandable and can accommodate several “zones” of protection and types of sensors.

Disadvantages: It’s a tougher install. Even if you have access to open walls, there can be a lot of wire to run and test. If you use cheap or too-thin cabling, it can be easy to break or pinch. Most systems can be installed by an informed beginner, but that still assumes that you know something about attaching wires, reading a simple electric diagram, making good (and correct) connections.

A Wireless System.

Advantages: Ease of set up. Most sensors and accessories can be quickly mounted with a screwdriver in a few seconds. Wireless systems today can be simple, or every bit as complex as their wired cousins. Multiple zones and a wide array of sensors can be employed by wireless systems, and with the more expensive systems, they can be expanded as needed. Wireless modules can often be used within a wired system; this can be useful to retrofit a working system or to add components that would be tough to hardwire in.

Extremely simple systems might consist of nothing but a single motion sensor with a built in siren. Inexpensive kits might contain just one or two components that can be set up and working in minutes. Wireless technologies have evolved to be as reliable wired systems. These units can be hooked up to phone and computer systems and can have all the other bells and whistles that would be expected in a comprehensive alarm.

Disadvantages: Most sensors and accessories will need batteries to operate the various components and sensors, (door and window magnets, smoke alarms, motions sensors, etc.) Most manufacturers advertise long range operation, but just like wireless internet and telephone, reception can sometimes be hampered by distance, wall construction, and other interference.

Many quality inexpensive systems can provide excellent starter kits that will provide good security, but some will be limited in their ability to add on components later. As with all systems, take a good look at your current AND future needs.

Take a good look. If you’re happy with a motion detector and a smoke alarm with a couple of sensors, an inexpensive wireless setup may be what you need. If you think you might want to add various zones (an upstairs and downstairs zone, perhaps) and you are building a new home, you would probably prefer a hybrid system which you could build into your new home and expand on later.

Don’t forget good power backups for either system, and an appropriate way to contact you or monitor the alarm.