It's an ongoing debate in the internet world. Some bloggers say wired alarm systems are more beneficial while others say wireless is the way to go. Homeowners doing diligent research might have gone a bit haywire from reading all the opposing views and might have been more confused than they were in the beginning.
Both have their pros and cons, of course. But before coming up with an answer, a deeper understanding of how both systems work is needed.
The Difference
The two kinds of systems basically work with the same premise. They involve sensors positioned on doorways or windows which are connected to the main panel. The major difference is with the, well, wiring. Wired home security systems, also known as hardwired systems, have sensors that are individually wired to the main panel while wireless home security systems make use of wireless transmitters so that the sensors and the main control panel are continually sending each other messages.
Both of them come with keypads and various other accessories that are incorporated into the system for a more developed home security. But the keypads of the wireless kind can also be used for other devices such as surveillance cameras.
The downside to hardwired security systems is that installation is costly, time-consuming and requires more effort. Houses which do not have pre-wiring-e.g. old houses-would require holes drilled into certain areas on the walls and even under the floorboards for the wiring needed. Wires also need to be hidden for security purposes although hardwired systems are programmed to sound an alarm whenever a cable is cut. Though lasting and enduring, hardwired systems won't be ideal for those who are renting and are planning to move houses in the future.
Wireless security systems, on the other hand, are easier to install. But the downside is that these can occasionally pick up other signal from wireless devices and that can result to false alarms. Wireless systems also have a certain distance limitation. Sensors located too far away from the control panel may not be able to carry a strong enough signal and would therefore not be able to communicate interference that a break in would cause.
Another concern by homeowners is that hardwired systems offer more "mix and match" possibilities with other security devices while wireless systems are usually limited to the devices offered in the manufacturer's set up.
The Costs
Homeowners prefer to be practical and consider the prices of the systems before making a decision. Hardwired home security systems are the more affordable, but only for the system itself. Miscellaneous fees like installation add into its cost and make it pricey. A wireless security system is a bit more expensive but makes up for it in installation costs.
A Third Option
Alarm system manufacturers developed something in the middle in order to lessen the disadvantages presented by the two different kinds of system. The aptly named hybrid is a combination of the hardwired and the wireless and gives more flexibility in sensor locations than the two. Hybrid systems usually have a basic number of hardwired sensors along with more wired or wireless extension option.
Ann Davids, a Technical Security Specialist at Alarm System Store, a home security systems company in Indiana, says that their hybrid systems are one of their bestsellers as customers want a home security system that has the best of both worlds. She added, "Homeowners nowadays prefer the system that's most flexible, the least problematic and also the one that's easy to install without them having to learn a lot of technicalities about the system."
But while hybrids may present the best offer out of the three options, the basis in choosing the perfect system should ultimately be on the condition of the owner's household itself. Armed with a better understanding of how these systems work and which condition they best work in would make choosing one easier.
In the world of home security, the only "best" system for a household is the one that most suits it.
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