It’s a fact that the rate of home burglaries has been increasing. FBI reported that, last year alone, there have been more than a million home burglaries which happened at night while homeowners were sleeping.
This is why home security industry is constantly upgrading their security equipment to provide homeowners with the peace of mind they deserve. Throughout the years, home security technology has progressed from basic alarm systems to advanced monitoring systems protecting homeowners and their properties not only from intrusions, but also from fires and other dangerous disasters. An affordable wireless alarm system came out on the market years ago that allows for easy DIY installation and maintenance.
Wired alarms have been a standard equipment in the alarm system business for many years. They have now been replaced by more affordable wireless alarm systems that provide more features as well as the ease of DIY installation.
Wired alarm system
Though obsolete, there are still benefits associated with a wired alarm system and some homeowners still choose them over their wireless counterparts. In order to function, a wired alarm system relies on a closed circuit, which is completed when you turn on your alarm system. If something or someone interrupts the circuit (cuts a wire or triggers a sensor) the alarm will sound.
Every component of a wired alarm system is connected to the other component via wires. Every system features a keypad (that controls the system) and a panel (that holds the system’s data). These two are wired together. Then, all other components (contacts, motion sensors etc.) are also wired into the panel.
The main drawback of wired alarm systems is the tedious installation which can last for days. Though they are more affordable than wireless systems, the cost can add up if you hire professional technicians to do the job.
Furthermore, you cannot pack up and take your wired alarm system in case you leave the house it was installed in. Moving to a different house will mean buying a new alarm system and starting all over. They are a solid part of the house and they cannot be moved to a different house easily.
On the other hand, when building a new house, a wired alarm system is still the industry standard because it is much easier to install while the house is still in its construction stage.
Wireless alarm system
Due to the difficult and expensive installation, many companies and homeowners are switching to wireless alarm systems. A wireless alarm system features the same basic components, but it doesn’t use wires to make a connection between them, but rather antennae that allows for easy communication between components.
Though slightly more expensive to buy, wireless alarm systems have a considerably lower installation cost. Any tech-savvy homeowner can easily install the system himself in a fraction of time that a wired counterpart would take. Plus, if you move to another house you can easily take the system to your new home.
The main drawback of a wireless alarm system is the risk of batteries running out. When this happens you can either replace them yourself or call the alarm company that will send one of their technicians to replace them. You must make sure the batteries never run out of power, because the system will not function and you house will be compromised.
Furthermore, since wireless alarm systems are proprietary in most cases, you can run into problems with activating your system with a different company in case you move into a different house. In such cases, you will need to replace some, if not all, components of your system. Only the company from which you bought it can maintain it and monitor it.
Choosing an alarm system
Before buying an alarm system, make sure you first identify the security needs of your property as well as your budget. Every security company will have their own opinion on what system will be the most suitable for your property. Consider the length of time you will be staying in your home. Still, regardless of whether you choose a wired or wireless alarm system, you will get an added benefit of constant monitoring.