When discussing security systems, “wireless” may mean one of two things.
First is the communication method between the subscriber (home or business) and the central station. Guard Tronic is a proponent of wireless communication and has been offering one-way and two-way radio and two-way radio since the 1970s. You can read more about this wireless technology in our most recent blog found here: https://guardtronic.com/blog-communication-methods/
The second form of wireless technology is the communication between the detection devices inside a home or business back to the control panel. Wireless door contacts, motion detectors, glass break detectors, smoke detectors, and other initiating devices….as well as a few notification devices. This technology has improved over the last few years and has taken over the residential and small commercial markets. But is it the best?
Wireless security systems certainly have their advantages:
They cut down on the time it takes to install each device, so the alarm company can install more systems in less time. This also means that there will be less times spent in your home or business, so you can get on with life more quickly.
Since there is no wiring, you can install detection devices in places we couldn’t previously, or would have to expose wiring to reach the device. Two story homes, buildings with flat roofs, and other more difficult installations become much easier with wireless sensors.
They also allow us to cover multiple buildings with a single control panel without having to trench to the other building. We can install a wireless repeater and extend the range of our system from a few hundred feet to a few thousand feet.
Because there are very few wires to run, the impact to the structure (home or business) is virtually minimal. A hard-wired system usually requires running wires in the attic, basement, or crawl space. Because of the permanent nature of the system, almost all components are mounted with screws. Wireless systems can many times be installed without any wires run through the attic or crawl space and may only require one wire from the control to a plug-in outlet. Devices may be held in place with double-back tape. This makes wireless systems perfect for apartments or rental property.
Even with these great advantages, there are several disadvantages that need to be considered when purchasing or leasing a security system:
Batteries will need to be replaced. Depending on how often the devices is used, expect to have to replace the batteries every one to three years. Unless you are comfortable performing this service yourself, this means a potentially expensive service call every one to three years. If it is the main entrance to a business that gets used dozens of times per day, the battery may need to be replaced even more often than once per year.
Wireless systems are more vulnerable to being hacked. Guard Tronic has posted several recent stories where security systems have been accessed or compromised by unauthorized people. In each case, the system was a wireless security system…..usually a DIY (Do It Yourself) system. Guard Tronic’s wireless security systems utilize spread spectrum technology that makes it almost impossible to hack, but it is still more likely to be hacked than a hard-wired system.
The last disadvantage is that other radio frequencies and environmental factors can affect the reliability of wireless systems. We have heard stories of problems in the wireless communication path caused by nearby cell phone towers, HAM radio systems, and new stainless-steel refrigerators being installed between the wireless device and control panel. Because we are unable to see the wireless paths, it becomes more difficult to find what factors might be hindering the wireless communication. Because there is no way to place a volt-ohm meter on the wireless signal, it is more difficult to trouble-shoot supervisory signals and short battery life.
While we believe there is a big place for wireless systems, there are many times a hard-wired systems is more practical and in the long run, more cost effective.
If you have questions about wireless security systems, we invite you to call us.
Guard Tronic
Proven Property Protection Since 1959
(800) 542-7866
info@guardtronic.com