Tuya Wireless Alarm Review
In this article we will be reviewing the Tuya Wireless Alarm system. This system comes in many different package sizes so it should be easy to find one that meets your needs. It does a good job of providing you with the all the components needed for a do-it-yourself alarm security.
The included keypad/control connects to your local network and provides easy cloud based remote control and notifications through the Internet. This is a good choice for a low cost DIY project as there are no set-up or monthly fees. You can use the iOS or Android app to control and monitor your system from anywhere. Push notifications can be sent to your smartphone whenever an alarm is activated.
What you get
The Tuya wireless alarm package we chose included enough devices to protect a small home or business. You can easily add more sensors to expand your system as needed.
Kit includes one keypad/control. This is the brain of the system which communicates with all of the other devices in your home. It connects to the Internet through your existing Internet WiFi router. It can send notifications to your phone and receives commands (arm/disarm).
There is a built-in battery that provides standby power during a power failure.
Package includes four(4) Keychain Remotes with 4 buttons. Arm Away, Arm Home, Disarm and Panic.
Kit includes one (1) Passive Infrared (PIR) Motion Detectors. This detector can be placed on a table or mounted on a wall and will detect movement within its field of view. Again, you can purchase additional detectors if/when needed. Requires two AAA batteries.
Kit includes eight (8) Wireless Door/Window sensors. Requires one (1) AAA battery.
Two (2) RFID key fobs for easy arming/disarming of the system
One 6′ wired 100db siren.
One power adapter with 3′ USB cable.
How does the Tuya WiFi System work?
The Tuya is a wireless alarm system so there is no need run cables throughout your home. It will use your existing WiFi router to communicate to the iOS or Android Apps. Installing devices on your doors, windows and walls is easy. Just peel the double sided tape and mount the sensors on a door or wall.
I found the sensors to be of fairly good quality. However, I have found that any double sided tape will eventually dry out and the device could fall off. I would recommend using a little bit of Silicone along with the double sided tape to provide a better mounting.
The Keypad/Control needs to be plugged onto a wall receptacle using the supplied adapter. So key this in mind when choosing a location for it.
If you plan on mounting on a wall like a traditional alarm keypad keep in mind that both the siren and power cords need to plug into the side. This may result in less than desirable appearance with cables running up your wall. I found that using a adjustable stand (see below) and placing on a side table or counter is a great solution. It hides the cables better. Of course if you are of the handy type you could fish the wall or use wiremold to hide the cables.
The Keypad/Control connects to your existing Internet router using WiFi so there is no wire needed for this. It just needs to be in range of your router which is normally not an issue a medium sized home. The included siren was fairly loud at 100 decibels and does the job of warning would be intruders.
The Motion sensor was also easy to mount on a wall. They come with a swivel bracket that allows you to angle the senor in any direction. You can mount the bracket using the supplied double sided tape or with screws. I would always recommend screws if the installation is permanent.
Motion sensors are powered by two AAA batteries. Depending on where they installed you could get up to a year of operation but this would be greatly reduced if in a busy area and are constantly being tripped. In our test site the sensors located in a busy corridor lasted only 6 months.
Mounting the door/window sensor was also extremely easy. Just peel and stick. Again, a little silicone is recommended. Battery installation was a snap. It uses a standard CR2032 battery. The door sensors opened easily by pressing the side tabs and opening the motion with a small screwdriver. Another nice feature of these sensors is that they provide a LED that will flash red whenever the sensor detects the door/window is opened.
The wireless alarm system comes with 2 RFID key fobs. These worked flawlessly. Just present the fob to the RFID location on the keypad/control instantly toggles the system status on/off.
These Key Fobs makes arming/disarming your system quick and easy. Its construction looks like it would withstand a lot of abuse. It’s size is smaller than most which makes carrying around on your keychain almost unnoticeable.
Four keychain remotes are also included in this package. These allow you to arm/disarm and activate a panic alarm. You can also arm your system in the Home mode.
Mobile App - Smart Life
This wireless alarm system uses the Smart Life App which can be download from the Google Play store or Apple store. This App is used by many different products and I found it to be very reliable.
The only issue I had was finding the Tuya WiFi wireless alarm system within the many many screens of products. I eventually found it under Sensors then Alarm (WiFi). Once I found this I was able to install and connect to the alarm with no issues.
The App has all the normal functions such as Arming Away, Arming Home, Disarming and SOS (panic) on the main screen. You can access the alarm History from here as well. The top portion of the Home screen displays your current status. Overall a nicely laid out screen which was easy to use and understand.
Pro's & Cons
Pros
- Great price. A very inexpensive way to get started with a wireless alarm security system
- No monitoring fees or long term contracts
- Expandable. You can add up to 100 devices at any time.
- Loud internal siren
- Uses standard batteries which are easily obtainable
- Works great a WiFi based system
Cons
- This wireless alarm system does not monitor(supervise) its sensors which means if for any reason a sensor is unable to communicate to the keypad/control you will not be notified. This could include dead batteries, RF interference or the sensor being physically removed from premise.
- Uses old 2G cellular technology which is difficult to find still functional in USA and Canada . This leaves the GSM communications feature as really not feasible.
Conclusion
This system would be a good choice for those wanting a very inexpensive system and can live with frequent testing to ensure all sensors are still functioning (lack of supervision). However, with no supervision there is no guarantee that a sensor will function when it needs to.
If the cheque book can afford it I would recommend a more professional grade system that has supervision. If not, then this wireless alarm system would is one of the better low cost systems out there.
Products Covered in this Article
- Alarm Security System, Wireless DIY Burglar Alarm 18 Piece Kit with GSM and WiFi APP Control for Home OfficeLamicall Adjustable Tablet Stand Holder - Foldable Desktop Stand Charging Dock for Desk Compatible with iPad Air Mini Pro 9.7,12.9, Phone 12 Mini 11 XS Max XR X Plus S10 S9 S8 Smartphones 4-13” - Gray
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Author: Phil Ciraolo
I have been in the security industry for over 44 years. During this time I held many positions including installer, service technician and design engineering. Systems worked with include intrusion systems, video surveillance, card access, intercoms and many others. Installations ranged from small residential to large integrated systems. I have walked across overhead cranes, crawled in under floor dirt crawl spaces, hung from 50 foot bucket truck in -10 degree temperatures all with the sole purpose to install security systems. To help with todays App crazy world I also have formal training in software programming and app development. I hope that with my experience I will be able to help you with anything security and home automation related.
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