Guide to Wireless Burglar Alarms

In the last ten years or so we have seen a rise in the amount of wireless electronic devices and this is no different for burglar alarms. In some ways a wireless burglar alarm is superior to the traditional wired variety, and this guide will explain why.

Wireless versus wired burglar alarms – protection

Some may argue that wired burglar alarms are easier for intruders to pass without tripping the alarm. However, because there are no wires in a wireless system, there is nothing for the burglar to cut, which means that they are far more secure. Also, wireless technology is much more modern than wired burglar alarms; therefore it is far harder to bypass the wireless burglar alarm without setting it off.

Wireless versus wired burglar alarms – maintenance

Wireless burglar alarms do not have any hard wired connections; instead they are run on batteries. Because of this, the batteries will need to be changed or recharged quite frequently so that the wireless burglar alarm is fully functional. That said, wired burglar alarms have more parts, so they will take longer to install, as well as having more parts in need of maintenance. More parts means more room for error, as if one part fails the whole system could. So as long as you can remember to change the batteries on your wireless burglar alarm at regular intervals than this option would require the least maintenance. A good way to remind yourself is to write a note on your calendar, personal organiser or phone, that way you won’t forget.

Wireless versus wired burglar alarms – expandability

One of the main differences between wireless and wired burglar alarms is the ease of expansion. Say you are looking to extend your security measures, or are adding an extra room to your house that will need protecting – it would be a far harder feat if you have a wired burglar system. Why? You would need new cable ports to be drilled. Whereas adding a new sensor to a wireless burglar system is as easy as installing the sensor itself and it get rids of any need to add further wires (which can look a bit messy).

Wireless versus wired burglar alarms – installation

This is one of the major differences between the two types of burglar alarms. Wired burglar alarms require cables to connect each component together, so unless you are building this into a new build property, installation can require quite a lot of effort with drilling and lots of cables draped all over the house. A wireless system, however, proves far easier to install as there are no messy cables and no need for drilling. So unless your house has not been built yet, then a wireless alarm would be easier to install.

Wireless versus wired burglar alarms – price

You can pick up a basic wired burglar alarm for around £40 or a basic wireless system for about £150. Or at the other end of the spectrum, a monitored wireless burglar alarm will set you back at least £1,000. So whilst wired burglar alarms are cheaper, it is up to you to decide if the aforementioned benefits outweigh the cost difference. For best results, always hire a professional to install your burglar alarm, whichever model you choose.