Wireless or Wired Home Security

Wired vs. Wireless: The Final Showdown

Over the years, home security has advanced but so have burglars. You need to stay on top of your game to ensure that your home is always protected against property theft. To stay on top, you are looking at a new home security system. You see that there are two types of systems, wired and wireless. Now you need to decide what works best for your home and if you can do it yourself. The good news is that you now have help to figure out the best security system for you. I am here to breakdown the two types of systems into an easy-to-understand format.



There is no system that is completely above the rest. Your optimal system will depend on a few factors like the size of your home, your budget, and how risk averse you are. If you are looking to save a few bucks and do a quick installation, you may be better off with a wireless system. If your looking for something that is difficult to bypass and you do want to change batteries often, you may be better off with a wired system.

Wireless Security System:

There are some great advantages to a wireless system. They can be great for older homes that may have a difficult time wiring for a home security system. They are also great for power outages or if a burglar cuts your power because it will not be affected by any outages. While some wired systems have a battery backup, those can only last so long before the battery is drained. You can also extend a wireless system to as many areas as you need to and you can install some wireless systems in about an hour. These systems can also cost less than most traditional systems.


There are a few negatives with a wireless system though. The first is that they mostly rely on batteries to run so they need to be checked and changed on a regular basis. The system also requires many components to be placed near the central control panel to be within the range to function properly.

Wired Security System:

Wired systems can be fantastic but as I mentioned earlier, they may not be good for every home or situation. These systems can often cost more and have a complicated installation process due to drilling and wiring issues.There are some benefits to a wired system though. The biggest of which is that they are not as sensitive to radio or electronic interference and they can run on a battery backup so you are always connected. They are also fantastic if you need to accommodate numerous zones to add additional protection to your home.

Wired systems to have some negatives though. As I mentioned, there are a lot of difficulties with installation because you need to run wire to to every entry point including doors and windows. They can also be extremely difficult to install without the help of an electrician or certified security engineer. Wired systems can also cause issues for homeowners when you are moving as well because it is extremely difficult to take the system with you and remove it from the home. You also have an additional challenge from the wiring because you need to hide it so that a potential burglar could not cut the wiring.

Be sure to find the best system for your need and your budget. Factor the cost and difficulty of installation into your equipment selection. Also, ensure that your monitoring company will support your equipment. If you are looking to save on the hassle, many security companies will provide free equipment in exchange for a monitoring subscription.

Remember that installing a home security system is just the beginning of your home security profile. There are additional home security tips that can help you protect your family and your home.

Non-Lethal Home Security

Non-Lethal Home Security Techniques:

Some people think that the only way to protect their family is with a 12 gauge shotgun and a lot of ammunition, however, there are multiple methods to protect your family that do not use lethal force and can cost much less than a new hunting rifle. A few reports suggest that the answer is pepper spray, taser guns and batons but no one seems to suggest home security methods as an example.

There are literally hundreds of home security systems on the market that can be installed quickly and cheaply compared to a few years ago. In fact, many monitoring companies will now allow you to install your own equipment without paying their contract or installation fees. With a monitored system, you do not have to worry about calling for help or having a back-up plan. The moment a break-in is detected, a signal is sent to your monitoring company and the police that a home invasion is taking place. These systems can help save time and prevent injury to you and your loved ones.

While owning pepper spray, tasers, and even firearms can help protect your family in an emergency, they do not provide the best safety experience that a security system can offer. A home security system can prevent a home invasion before it even begins if you display outward signs of an active system.

As always, keep your doors and windows locked even when you are home and ensure your security system is activated if you have one installed. Also, be sure to check out some of my other posts for additional tips and tricks.

Dan Miller

How To: Fix Your Wireless Security System

So you have a wireless home security system that is giving you a few issues. This can happen in any system. The trick is to get it running again as soon as possible. The last thing you ever want to do is to leave your home vulnerable to an attack. Here are a few troubleshooting tips that may help solve your problem:

Check The Control Panel:

The control panel is the brains of your operation. Always ensure that your control panel is operating correctly. One of the most common situations is a disconnection between the control panel and any detectors/sensors. This could be bad programming between the devices and the unit or another issue. Run tests for each system and see if your sensor or device is recognized.

Check Your Devices:

Just as you should check your panel, a device could have an issue as well. Check each individual component. They could have been compromised by weather or tampering. It is also possible that the battery may need to be replaced in some systems. Always keep a stock of batteries on hand.

Programming:

It is always possible that there is a programming or software issue with your system. If this is the case, contact the system manufacturer for assistance. You may require a replacement system or a support engineer. Under no circumstances modify or tamper with the programming. This will only cause further issues and could void your system warranty. Always leave this to a professional.

Check For Blockages:

Items around your home occasionally move around. If you have a wireless system with infrared technology, a household object may have blocked the sensor or caused a false alarm. Check your sensors for any kind of blockages.

Call Your System Provider:

If you cannot diagnose the issue, place a call to your system's service provider to have a technician inspect your system. The cost of having your system checked and repaired by a qualified technician is lower than the cost of a break-in.

Dan Miller