Wireless intruder alarms explained

To Be Wirelessed Or Not Be To Wirelessed?

A lot of our customers have been enquiring about wireless intruder detection systems recently.  Like any relatively new technology, there’s a bit of confusion about what it involves, its benefits and whether it really will suit your property’s structure and layout… or not.

So we thought it might be helpful to try and demystify wireless systems and explain how they differ to the traditional ‘hard wired’ or ‘cabled’ ones.

Intruder alarms – The 3 generic types
Intruder and fire detection systems basically come in 3 forms:
1. Hard wired – the traditional cabled variety
2. Hybrid – a system which combines an element of cabling and wireless technology
3. Wireless- wire or cable free

Demystifying wireless
When it first came out wireless technology in intruder and smoke detection didn’t get a great press and its reliability was often questioned.  It was also, initially, quite expensive to purchase and install.  Over the years its reliability, track-record and affordability has improved dramatically.

Wireless intruder systems are now accredited to the Grade 2 European Standard, stipulated by many insurers.  The Police too are happy for wireless systems with remote monitoring to alert them, such has been the technical advances and progress.  Running off batteries instead of a mains supply, the systems monitor their battery life and alert when it’s low.  They are also intelligent to detect movement, heat and smoke, but at the same time can be pet tolerant (so your cat’s entrance into the house each night through the cat-flap doesn’t set off your alarm).

When to go wireless and when to cable?
If you are unsure whether to opt for a wired or wireless system then we do recommend a survey of your premises and its layout.  Key aspects to consider:

• Can wires be hidden easily in the current layout?  If not, a wireless option is probably more preferable
• What grading has your insurance company given your premises and contents?  If it’s Grade 3 then you’ll need a conventional wired system
• How do you want to operate the system, wireless systems can work off a remote control fob and eliminate the need for codes
• Does your premises have public access and do you need detectors that can recognise if they’re being masked?  If that’s a yes, then you’ll need a cabled system.

And whilst none of us like to see wires cluttering up our home, there are ways for the traditional cabled systems to have the wiring hidden.

To be wireless or not to be wireless then?  Well it very much depends on your property, its layout, how it was constructed and what type of detection you’re looking to achieve.

Andy or David  here are happy to give you a free survey to suggest the best options for you – be it for intruder or fire detection.  Call them on 01483 791 500 if you’d like to find out more.