Alarm Systems are installed to safeguard your home and your family, so it is always paramount to install one that will be reliable. Basically, alarm systems come in three configurations: Wireless, Hardwired and a hybrid of both. It’s important to understand the benefits and disadvantages of each to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right alarm system for your home.
Each homeowner will want something different based on their situation and why they need the alarm. So in the rest of this article, I’ll go over all the different configurations while highlighting their pros and cons.
Wireless Systems
Historically wireless alarm systems had a bad reputation as they where not as reliable. In Fact, I remember when my first wireless system was installed. It was new technology back then and we were constantly returning to adjust/reconfigure trying to make the system more reliable. We have come a long way since then and can now consider a wireless system as reliable as their hardwired counterpart.
In a wireless system, the doors and windows will have wireless sensors that transmit their status (open/closed) to the main control panel using Radio Frequency (RF). Sensors like water detectors, smoke detectors, glass breaks and others can also be installed and would transmit their status to the main control panel as well using RF. There are some limits on the number of wireless sensors that can be assigned to a control panel. The actual number will vary based on the brand/model of the Panel you use. You will need to ensure that your panel can handle the number of sensors you plan to install. This is usually not a problem for most homes/businesses as typical systems could handle anywhere from 8 to over a hundred wireless sensors.
Keypads and/or Touch Screens are used to control your alarm system and are typically installed at your entry/exit points to allow quick access when leaving or entering the premise. These keypads can use RF to wirelessly transmit your commands (Turn On/Off) and receive status signals like windows/doors opened.
Wireless Sirens/Strobes can also be added to a wireless system. When an alarm event occurs the Control Panel will activate the siren/strobe by sending a RF signal to it.
The Control Panel needs to be connected to your regular household power. This would normally take the form of a small adapter/transformer that would plug into a receptacle then wired to the panel. This powers your system and charges the stand-by battery located inside the control panel.
To be able to send messages/data outside your home to services like monitoring stations and/or a smart phone apps the Control Panel can be connected to the Internet through your home Wi-Fi router.
Wireless systems can also be connected remotely by using a standard Cellular network. A SIM card would be installed into the control panel just like a regular cell phone. It is not mandatory to use a cellular connection but is usually included in a professionally installed system that is connected to a monitoring service. Using cellular connection would provide for a better level of security but is not required if you plan on doing it yourself (DIY) and want to do your own monitoring.
Signal Interference
When working optimally, the Radio Frequency (RF) of a wireless system should be able to travel through walls and floors. However, there is always a chance that the signal will not reach its destination/sensor or that another signal may interfere with it. The number of walls and the construction type will also affect the signal reach. Signal quality will also differ depending on the system type/model used so what may work with one system may not work on another.
If you have a large home, this could leave some areas unprotected. In addition, wireless alarms are more susceptible to false alarms if they are not installed correctly or if there is interference from other devices.
Batteries
One of the most important differences to consider is how the two systems use batteries.
Wireless devices such as door sensors, motion detectors, water sensors, smoke alarms and others are usually powered by a small 3v lithium battery. Life expectancy for these batteries is typically 1 to 3 years. How often a motion is tripped or a door is opened (transmits a signal) will determine the actual life span.
A Wireless system would typically have a larger backup battery installed in the Control Panel (7AH or more for you techies) . This battery is continuously charged by the regular household power. It is generally only used when you have a power outage. It will keep your Control panel and any connected devices working for many hours. Of course, a power outage would not affect your wireless sensors as they have their own batteries and do not receive power from the control panel.
An important thing to consider when choosing between a hardwired and wireless system is the maintenance required for the wireless sensor batteries. You will need to go to every device/sensor to replace the battery every 1-3 years. At the time of writing this article a set of 4 standard CR2032 batteries costs approximately $10. For CR 123A batteries the cost is around $23 for a package of 4. However, the type and cost for batteries will depend on the type of system.
The Pros and Cons of a Wireless System
Below are the Pros vs Cons of a typical Wireless System as compared to a Hardwired system
Pros
- Easy Installation
- Cost Effective
- Scalable - Adding/Changing is easier
Cons
- Battery replacement every 1-3 years
- More susceptible to RF interference
- Limited range for sensors
Hardwired System
In a Hardwired system all devices would be connected to the Control Panel using cables (hardwired). Devices would include Door Contacts, Window Contacts, Motion Detectors, Water Sensors, Smoke Detectors and many more. Hardwired systems are perfect for when you have access to inside your walls like when you are doing renovations.
There are limits on the number of sensors that can be connected to a given control panel which varies based on the brand/model of the Control Panel you use. The number of zones will determine the number of sensors. Now, some of you who may be familiar with alarm systems may say that there is no limit as you can connect multiple sensors to any given zone. While you would be correct I would highly recommend that you place a single device per zone for identification purposes. Should you have a false alarm (alarm tripped) from a sensor that is connected to a zone that has multiple sensors connected then it would be impossible to tell which sensor actually tripped the alarm.
While the sensors/sirens/strobes would be installed using wire/cables the main control panel would still use some wireless communications. This could be in the form of cellular and/or Wi-Fi depending on your particular setup. Cellular networks when connected to a monitoring service and/or Wi-Fi when connecting to your Wi-Fi router. Both methods would allow for smart phone app access to your system.
The Pros and Cons of a Hardwired System
Below are the Pros vs Cons of a typical Hardwired System as compared to a Wireless system
Pros
- No ongoing sensor battery replacement
- Less susceptible to RF interference
- Larger range for sensors
- Less electronics mean less possible failures
Cons
- Sensors limited by the number of zones available
- More difficult to make changes if needed
- More expensive due to installation costs*
*Note: Professionally installed systems are typically lower cost when a locked in contract is offered.
Hybrid System
In a Hybrid system you get the best from both Wireless and Hardwired devices. These systems allow you to use wireless sensors and hardwired sensors together in one system. It is more common to find Hybrid systems when using a professional grade system but can be found in the DIY level systems as well.
The Pros and Cons of a Hybrid System
Below are the Pros vs Cons of a typical Hybrid Alarm System.
Pros
- Allows you to connect sensors farther from the panel where Wireless may not reach
- Allows connection of devices not available as Wireless
- Less maintenance (Less Batteries)
Cons
- Still has Wireless sensors that will require higher maintenance (battery replacement)
- Wired portions will require cables to be run
- More expensive due to having both Hardwired and Wireless connections
*Note: Professionally installed systems are typically lower cost when a locked in contract is offered.
Summary
Deciding between a hardwired, wireless and Hybrid system can be a difficult decision. The three main things to consider is who will be installing (DIY or professional installer), where you plan to install it and your budget. If you are technically inclined and like doing it yourself then a Wireless System would probably be your best choice. However, if you have more advanced skills then tackling a Hardwired or Hybrid system is not out of the question. Especially if your home/business is currently under construction and you have access to inside your walls.
Of course if your budget can handle it, then having a professional installer do the work will save you a lot of time and work.
My recommendation? Well if I would be installing a system I would likely go with the Hybrid system just so that I’m covered in case there are issues with Wireless sensor range. This way I can run a wire if needed.
No matter which direction you go you can always rely on EverythingSecurity.net to help you along the way. Please feel free to Ask Us any questions you may have. We would love to hear from you.
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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.
Good read. Lots of information available and to consider