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| Wireless or Hardwire? Many factors affect this choice. The major factor is the construction and decoration of the premises. Can the location be wired and how much labor will be involved in wiring for the alarm? Will wireless devices be able to communicate to the alarm panel? Plaster walls with metal lathe in them can block the wireless signals. Large mirrors, foil wallpaper, metal lockers and other radio systems nearby might prevent a wireless system from working properly. Many new systems integrate wired devices with wireless devices. The main thing to consider is whether the system meets your current needs and whether it can expand to meet your future needs. Which type of system is best for your application depends on several factors. Our experience has generally been that good quality equipment, of either type, carefully installed in accordance with its manufacturer's instructions, can provide reliable function with a minimum of false alarms. Here is a comparison of types: Wireless The sensors (door contacts, motion detectors, smoke detectors, etc) each contain a small radio-frequency transmitter which reports alarm signals (door opened for example) and status (sensor battery voltage low for example) conditions to the security system's control panel. Wireless equipment is more costly, but takes less labor time to install, and each sensor has a battery which must be replaced about every five to twenty years. Hardwire The sensors are physically connected by wires (often 22 gauge) to the security system's control panel. Hardwire equipment is less costly, takes more labor time to install (especially if you want the wires concealed), and is permanently installed. Both types of security systems usually have a standby battery located in the control panel which allows the system to operate for a period of time following a power outage or brownout. The standby battery is commonly a 12-volt gell-type with a three to five year life. |
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