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Wireless versus Wired Home Security Systems
We have a wireless
home security system in one house and a wired system in a second house. Both systems depend on a completed circuit to indicate the door, or window is closed, and there is no motion sensed by the motion detectors. The wireless system has been trouble free. The wired system house includes a sliding glass door that the system thinks is closed although it may be open.

I am reasonably competent at troubleshooting. This fault, however, has me at a loss. Logic says if the circuit is "unbroken", then the fault is likely in the transducer (sensor) that the wires attach to. I have unfastened the wires and tested the sensor for continuity. It is okay. The fault then lies somewhere in the wiring in the house. The house was constructed with a wired alarm system so the wires are routed in the walls and through the crawl space above the ceiling.

I don't want to pay for a trouble-call. We live with the faulty sensor by making sure the door is closed and locked. A motion detector also covers the space so anyone breaking in will trip the motion detector almost immediately.

A hard-wired system also makes it very difficult to change the type of window or door. When we replaced the windows in our "wireless system" house with thermo-pane windows, it was very easy to remount the sensors. Furthermore, it is very easy to add additional wireless sensors. Adding additional wired sensors is a more labor-intensive effort.

When we added a security system to the second house, we asked for and received estimates from the two major nationwide security system companies. The estimates from both companies were substantially less expensive if we would choose a wireless system.

Our monthly service fee is almost the same, the slight difference attributable to regional (California v Florida) differences.

Regardless of whether one chooses wireless or wired, the security system must include motion detectors. Systems that depend on the window being opened fail if the intruder carefully breaks out the glass and enters without opening the window. We know from experience.

In our wired house, that did not have motion detectors initially, the alarm went off as the thieves opened the door to exit the house. We quickly had motion detectors installed.

A valid criticism of wireless systems is that the sensors are larger and visually more intrusive depending on their placement. However, we reasoned that we live with fire (smoke) alarms and motion sensors so a few more boxes wouldn't ruin the dcor or ambience. Ease of installation, and lower price trumped esthetics.

Based on our experience to date we will always prefer a wireless system.

Learn more about this author, Allan Maclaren.
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