Choosing a Wireless Alarm System for Your Home

A wireless alarm system is composed of battery powered components that communicate via radios signals. Sales of wireless alarm systems today outstrip the sales for hard-wired alarm systems for residential homes. A wireless alarm system may consist of:

• Control Box – The hub of the alarm system and all sensors are linked to this box. May contain a keypad to arm or disarm the system.
• Window and Door Sensors – These closed-circuit sensors trigger the system alarm when a window or door is opened.
• Motion Sensors – Detect motion in a room within its field of view. Today, the motion sensors most commonly used are infrared (PIR) motion sensors, which detect body heat within a room.
• Alarm Siren – Is sounded when an intruder is detected.
• Phone Auto-Dialer – Dials local police station or a security monitoring service and leaves a pre-recorded message when the alarm is triggered.
• Key Chain Remote Control – Contains buttons to remotely arm or disarm the system.

Advantages of a Wireless Alarm System:

• Ease of installation – Wireless alarm systems are a great DIY choice. There is no wires required for installation, and these systems are very easy for anybody to install.
• Sensors can be positioned in the best locations – You are not restricted to placing sensors only in locations where you are able to route the wiring. The sensors can be placed in optimal locations to ensure the best security coverage.
• Aesthetic appearance – The wiring required for a hard-wired system can look a bit ugly, and trunking may need to be installed to hide the wires. Wireless systems don’t have this problem.
• System components can be easily relocated – if you want to relocate security sensors to another location in your home, this can be more easily accomplished with a wireless system.
• Expandability with other wireless alarm devices – Some wireless alarm systems today allow you to link to other wireless alarm devices, such as smoke and flood alarms.

Disadvantages of a Wireless Alarm System:

• More expensive than wired systems – Although with the gaining popularity of wireless systems, there is now not that much of a price difference between wired and wireless systems. Also, it may be necessary to hire someone for the installation of a hard-wired system, whereas with a wireless system this will not be necessary.
• Batteries are required for wireless systems – Wireless alarm system components normally run off batteries, which will need changing on a periodic basis. The batteries for most alarm system components normally operate for many years before they need replacing. Wireless alarm system components generally warn you when the batteries need changing via an audible alarm or flashing LED.

Considerations When Choosing a Wireless Alarm System

Take into consideration the number of rooms, windows and doors in your house, and the number of motion sensors and door/window sensors bundled with the wireless alarm system. Check that the alarm system can be expanded by adding additional sensors to it.

Another important consideration is the operating distance of the wireless alarm system. This is the maximum distance that the wireless components can communicate with the control box using radio signals. An operating range of only 50 feet for a wireless system is not recommended for larger homes.

It is also a good idea to get a wireless alarm system with a loud alarm siren – loud enough to be heard from a distance by your neighbours. The alarm siren should be at least 100 decibels loud. A wireless alarm system may also include an auto-dialer, which will call programmed telephone numbers, and leave a pre-recorded message when the alarm is triggered. This number could be the local police station or a security monitoring service.

Wireless alarm systems from Skylink have become extremely popular, and offer excellent value for money with an impressive feature set. Skylink offer three wireless alarm system products, to suit different budgets and different home sizes. Skylink also sell a wide range of security accessories, to customize and expand these alarm systems.

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