Why Wireless Alarms Are Better Than Wired Alarms

Wireless alarms have sensors that communicate with the control panel using radio frequency technology. The alarm system then contacts the monitoring centre via a cellular connection or, if hardwired, through your home's telephone line.

This allows back-and-forth communication between the sensor and the control panel, which enables anti-masking detection to prevent the signal from being deliberately obstructed or jammed.

No Wires to Cut

The use of wireless technology in intruder alarms removes the need for wires to be installed – which allows them to be installed much quicker and cause less disruption than their wired counterparts. This also makes them a lot easier to expand and modify after installation.

Wired systems can be very difficult to relocate once they have been installed in a property. This is because they may be reliant on electrical wiring or a connection to a fire alarm panel, meaning that an electrician would need to be called in and the backbox and wiring relocated. This can be incredibly expensive and disruptive.

As the name suggests, a wireless intruder alarm system uses radio signals to communicate between sensors and the control panel. This means that a burglar can't cut the wires to disable them, as they would with a wired alarm. This provides an effective deterrent against burglary and is why it's recommended over traditional alarms.

Wireless alarms can still be subject to interference from power lines, thick structural walls, electromagnetic activity and metal cabinets. However, the chances of this occurring are extremely low. With the right digital security protocols in place (including strong passwords, two-factor authentication and VPN software), a wireless alarm is a highly effective and cost efficient solution for protecting your property. This includes both domestic and commercial buildings.

Easy to Install

While some wired systems may require professional installation, wireless alarms can usually be installed by a homeowner. All you need to do is place the sensors in your home and pair them with a control panel. These control panels typically operate on a Wi-Fi network or use a cellular signal to send alerts. Some also have a built-in app that allows you to access and change your settings.

Most wireless burglar alarms feature motion sensors, which can detect changes in the surrounding environment or a movement inside a room. Passive infrared technology can sense increased body heat, while magnetic sensors can monitor the opening of doors and windows. These sensors can even be triggered by low frequency sound waves that can be caused by forced entry into a building.

When these sensors are triggered, they will send alarm signals to the control panel. The panel will then alert you and the monitoring center via a landline telephone, and it will sound the alarm if needed.

The alarm system can be turned off by entering a security code at a connected keypad, which is often hidden in an out-of-the-way space to make it harder for burglars to find. Most wireless alarms also feature a battery life monitor that will inform you when your batteries are running low, so you don't have to worry about forgetting to replace them.

Long Battery Life

A wireless system reliant on backup batteries has the advantage of not needing to be tied into your home’s electrical supply. This means that a burglar can’t cut the cable or take over your alarm system, as long as it has working backup batteries.

The backup battery is the key component of your alarm system that keeps it running during a power outage. Lone worker alarm This is important in case a criminal cuts the power lines, there’s a blackout or something else goes wrong with your electricity. A good backup battery should be able to power your entire alarm system for a period of time, giving you some time to get your family to safety and call the police.

Typically, an alarm will notify you when the backup battery needs to be replaced. This is usually done by a flashing light or readout on the keypad. It’s also a good idea to check your manual for specific battery maintenance tips. Lithium batteries are recommended as they have a higher lifespan and don’t suffer from the “memory effect” that other batteries do.

Some people prefer to go for a full wireless alarm system that doesn’t even need a wired internet connection, meaning it can be easily moved to a new home in the event you move. However, this setup is often a little more expensive than a wired one and can be difficult to install in some homes.

Convenient Control

Most wireless alarm systems use encrypted radio signals to communicate with sensors and devices in a home or business. As a result, they’re much harder for burglars to manipulate than wired alarms. These systems are also usually powered by batteries rather than the mains electricity supply, so they can continue to work even if the power fails.

With many modern systems, you can arm and disarm your alarm using a mobile app on your phone or tablet. This gives you complete control from anywhere in the world and lets you monitor your property. You can even remotely activate a panic button on your alarm to sound an audible alert or send a signal to a central monitoring station.

Some alarm system providers, like SimpliSafe, offer anti-jamming technology that uses the Doppler principle to detect movement within a space. This detects the difference in frequency between the incoming and outgoing signals, so it knows when an alarm is being generated. These systems can be set to recognise your presence or absence and automatically switch to away mode when you leave the property.

Other systems, such as the Yale Agility 3 and Pyronix Enforcer, use a dedicated two-way 868 MHz network to communicate with their sensors and devices. This allows for back-and-forth communication to prevent jamming attacks. These systems can also be upgraded to include camera PIRs, which take a snap-shot of an intruder when they trigger the alarm and send them to your smartphone.