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. Infrared (PIR) motion sensors are mostly used today, and these sensors 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. These systems are extremely easy for anybody to install as there are no wiring required for the installation.
- 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. The sensors can be placed in optimal locations to ensure the best 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.
- Expandability with other wireless alarm devices – Some wireless alarm systems today allow you to link to other wireless alarm devices, such as smoke and flood alarms.
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. With a hard-wired system, it may be necessary to hire someone to do the installation. This is not necessary with a wireless system.
- Wireless alarm systems require batteries – Most wireless alarm system components run off batteries, which need to be replaced periodically. 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.
Another important consideration is the operating distance of the wireless alarm system. This is the maximum distance that the wireless components can communicate with the control box using radio signals. For larger homes, a wireless alarm system having an operating range of only 50 feet will not be ideal.
It is also a good idea to get a wireless alarm system with a loud alarm siren – loud enough to be heard from a distance by your neighbours. The alarm siren should be at least 100 decibels loud. An auto-dialer may also be included as part of a wireless alarm system. An auto-dialer automatically calls programmed telephone numbers when the alarm is triggered, and plays back a pre-recorded message. 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. Skylink offer three wireless alarm system products, to suit different budgets and different home sizes. Skylink also sell a wide range of security accessories, to customize and expand these alarm systems.
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