wireless vs hardwire home alarm systems?

Question

are there any pros and cons? anyone familiar with the wireless alarms? Costs?

Answer 1

I got a new house and had ADT come and gimme an estimate for a wired system. It cost $$$$. And the builder wouldnt let them come in while the house was being built, so I said, no thanks, I'll call you back later.

After my house was built, I saw an ad on a telephone pole for ADT with a wireless system and it was free installation, just pay for equipment and pay for service. It ended up costing me just under 500$ to hook up 13 door/window sensors and 1 motion sensor with two key fobs. I pay 32.99 a month for monitoring and it works pretty good. If the alarm goes off, they call my phone first, if I dont pick up, they call the cops. So far, its gone off once and they called my cell, and it turned out that my oldest set it off cause he forgot the code, this was 2 days after install. But if you look in your phone book, you will find authorized ADT, Brinks, Etc... installers. Just call and ask around. Just try to not call the company directly as it will cost more.

Also with my wireless system, the batteries dont need to replaced for 5 to 7 years. Its wireless so there are no holes in the wall that need to be drilled, or lines ran.

Answer 2

There are many pro's and cons to consider, but first more questions have to be asked. For example, how often will the wireless devices be used, one of my clients Gold's Gym went with a wirless system to be cost effective, but I still hardwired thier front doors because even with the best batteries in the world they would only last a couple of months when used so many times dailey.

Product also has a lot to do with it. In my opinion honeywell is a great product if your house is under 3000sq feet. Anything over that I suggest going with GE's NX product.

Pros to Wireless:
-No drilling or wires to run
-Easily moved if renovation is done
-Quick Installation time, less labor cost involved
-With lithium batteries life can be extented for longer life
-The wireless components are not susceptable to lightning

Cons to Wireless:
-Some wireless devices only have one-way communication, meaning they send the signal to the panel, but do not know if it was recieved or not. Rare but occurs.
-Equipment is expesnive and offests money saved by installation time
-Most warranties unless specified will not cover batteries
-Poor installation can lead to false alarms


If you go wireless make sure you go wih someone who is not a franchised security company. Often times they give you "lifetime" warranties but only have five year franchise rights, or have only been in business for a couple of years themselves. The way they earn thier money is by giving you equipment for free or nearly free and then selling your monitoring agreement. Gues what they go out of business no one will honor your warranty.

Make sure the company tells you whatbrand equipment they will be installing and a list of the componenets is provided. Also, make sure the equipment is not proprietary. This simply means that if your not satisfied at the end of your monitoring term someone else can monitor your system without you having to replace the CPU (panel) and keypads.

Answer 3

It depends on what you need from a security system. Hardwired systems have an edge on reliability, while wireless systems provide a more streamlined installation and can be used in places where wired systems can't.

Answer 4

Yes ma'am I do...welll not really an alarm but a deterent....ok, I suppose they would be an alarm for the crook....when he hears the first shot. 1) Ruger Bisley Vaquero .44 Magnum 2) Moseburg 500 A 12.Ga 3) And if they get the jump on me and can run out the door I have a Superior Arms AR-15 in .308 Caliber. I am a 'Dead Eye Dick' at 300 yards with it.... Leopold Nite Scope and 4000 feet per second Ammo.....they aint got a chance... Cool thing is I live in Texas and we have the 'Castle Law'- they dont have to be in your house anymore, they can be in your yard, your car, or your business....God Bless Texas.

Answer 5

I worry the wireless can be jammed by cell phones or radio signals.

But wireless still works when the power is out... be sure they use those 5-year batteries.

I'd shop for the monitoring contract rather than wireless/hard-wired.... they make the bulk of their $$ signing you up for monitoring for 3+ years, due eve if you move.