A Guide to Buying a Wireless Alarm System

A wireless security system is composed of battery powered components that communicate via radios signals. Sales of wireless alarm systems today outstrip the sales for hard-wired alarm systems for residential homes. A wireless alarm system may consist of:

Control Box – The hub of the alarm system and all sensors are linked to this box. May contain a keypad to arm or disarm the system.
Window and Door Sensors – These closed-circuit sensors trigger the system alarm when a window or door is opened.
Motion Sensors – Detect motion in a room within its field of view. Today, the motion sensors most commonly used are infrared (PIR) motion sensors, which detect body heat within a room.
Alarm Siren – When an intruder is detected, the alarm siren is activated.
Phone Auto Dialer – Can be pre-programmed to automatically dial the local police station or any other security monitoring service whenever the alarm goes off.
Remote Control on a Key Chain – Allows you to remotely arm or disarm the system using buttons on the.

Advantages of a Wireless Alarm System:

Ease of installation – Wireless alarm systems are a great DIY choice. As there is no wiring necessary for installing these alarm systems, these systems are very simple for anybody to install.
You can position sensors anywhere you want – because you don’t have to worry about how to route the wiring, you can place the sensors in the best possible locations. Security sensors can be positioned in the best locations in order to have the optimal security coverage.
Aesthetic appearance – A hard-wired alarm system can look a bit ugly with the wiring leading to the various security sensors. Wireless systems look aesthetically more pleasing. Wireless systems don’t have this problem.
System components can be easily relocated – if you want to relocate security sensors to another location in your home, this can be more easily accomplished with a wireless system.
Can incorporate other wireless alarm devices – other wireless alarm devices such as smoke alarms and flood alarms can sometimes be connected to wireless alarm systems.

Disadvantages of a Wireless Alarm System:

More expensive than wired systems – Although with the gaining popularity of wireless systems, there is now not that much of a price difference between wired and wireless systems. Also, it may be necessary to hire someone for the installation of a hard-wired system, whereas with a wireless system this will not be necessary.
Wireless systems run off batteries – The majority of components in a wireless alarm system require batteries in order to operate, and these batteries will need to be changed from time to time. The batteries for most alarm system components normally operate for many years before they need replacing. Wireless alarm system components generally warn you when the batteries need changing via an audible alarm or flashing LED.

Considerations When Choosing a Wireless Alarm System

Take into consideration the number of rooms, windows and doors in your house, and the number of motion sensors and door/window sensors bundled with the wireless alarm system. Check that the alarm system can be expanded by adding additional sensors to it.

Also check the operating distance of the wireless alarm system, which is the distance that the radio signals of wireless components can communicate with the control box of the system. A wireless system with an operating range of only 50 feet may not be suitable for larger homes.

Also ensure that the alarm that comes with the system is loud enough to be heard from a distance, and by your neighbours. The alarm siren should be at least 100 decibels loud. A wireless alarm system may also include an auto-dialer, which will call programmed telephone numbers, and leave a pre-recorded message when the alarm is triggered. This number could be the local police station or a security monitoring service.

Skylink wireless security systems have become extremely popular, and offer excellent value for money with an impressive feature set. Three wireless alarm system products are sold by Skylink to match different size homes and different budgets. Skylink also sell a wide range of security accessories, to customize and expand these alarm systems.

More article and news on home security and home safety topics can be found at the Feedraider.com news feed for Home Security Buff.

Jazzy Brick

A Guide to Buying a Wireless Alarm System

Leave a Reply