Home Security 101: The Differences Of Wired And Wireless Alarm Systems

12 January 2016
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When it comes to home alarm systems, homeowners have two main choices: wired and wireless. While both systems work well to protect your home, they are not created equal. So which is best? Unfortunately, there is no clear answer. The type of system that will work best for you depends entirely upon your personal needs and preferences.

Fortunately, you can make your decision easier by learning about what each type of system has to offer. Here's the basics:

Wired Home Alarm Systems

As you might have guessed from the name, a wired home alarm system is one that is wired directly into your home. While it is a little bit more expensive to install, it does have some nice features including:

  • Easy Upgrades: These systems can easily be upgraded because they are usually compatible with various brands. This makes it very easy and affordable to add new components as you wish, whenever you desire.
  • Backup Power: Even though these systems are hard-wired into your home, they do have a failsafe. In the event of a power outage, these systems can easily run on battery or generator power.
  • Less Interference: Hard-wired systems are less likely to suffer from interference. Since they are directly wired in to the home, the system is a bit more secure. It won't be interrupted by radio or satellite waves.

While wired security systems do offer peace of mind, they aren't as customizable as wireless systems. Still, they are a good choice for many homeowners.

Wireless Home Alarm Systems

Like the name suggests, these home security systems are wireless. They are not directly hard-wired into your home, so they do offer a bit more flexibility. Some key features of wireless systems include:

  • Moveable: One of the biggest benefits of wireless systems is that they are not permanent. Should you decide to move at some point, you can easily take your home alarm system with you. Just unmount the devices and haul them with you to your new home.
  • Apps and Buttons: Wireless systems are a bit more up-to-date, so they do offer a little more customization. Wireless systems can often pair with wireless buttons or apps that allow you to push a panic button in a crisis. These systems may also allow you to control your home remotely.
  • Fast and Easy Install: Finally, these systems are fairly easy to install. In most cases, the average homeowner can install the system themselves in a few hours. So this is another nice feature.

While wireless security systems do have many benefits, they do have their own drawbacks. They can be quite expensive to purchase initially, and upgrades can also be quite expensive. They are also relatively new to the market, so advancements are likely to continue into the future. Still, they are good for both apartment dwellers and homeowners.

Conclusion

As you can see, both wired and wireless home alarm systems offer several advantages and disadvantages. The one you choose will largely depend on your budget, personal preferences, and needs. If you are still unsure about which option is best for you, contact a home security specialist.