Which Is Better: Wireless Or Hardwired Alarm Systems?

There was a time in the not-so-distant past when you only had one or two options for home security. Things have changed. Now there are all different sorts of home security systems that you can either have installed or that you can purchase and set up yourself.   

Determining which one is right for you depends on your individual needs, your budget, and the amount of security that you need to protect yourself and your loved ones. The first step to finding out the best system for you is to decide which is best: hardwired or wireless.  

Both hardwired and wireless alarm systems in Winnipeg come with pros and cons, which is why knowing the scope of your security issues and the amount of money you want to invest will ultimately be one of the biggest factors in your decision.  

Hardwired systems   

Hardwired systems are the traditional security systems that are installed using wires that are typically hidden inside walls, floors or ceilings. They work by having “sensors” that are tripped and signal a central control panel that sets off an alarm. They use either a cellular network or a hardwired telephone line to alert an outside security company that there is an intruder.   

A wired system can be an expensive proposition because they have to be installed. If you don’t have the wiring already set up, that can lead to the company cutting into your home to set it all up.   

If your home is already wired, however, then equipping your home with a wired system is easy and you can even change companies if you want to, without having to change anything internally. Wired systems typically are better for bigger homes, and they are considered more reliable because there isn’t the potential for many components to malfunction.   

Unlike wireless systems, you don’t have to worry that there are interruptions in service from one part to another and you also don’t have to worry about bad service or wi-fi connections. For remote places that don’t have wi-fi available, in fact, hardwired systems are the only option.   

Wireless systems   

They’re the new kid on the block: wireless systems are everywhere and available at just about every price point you can imagine. They are also something that you can spend very little money on, and you can install them yourself.   

Wireless systems communicate via wi-fi, and they can either use a cellular network or contact a security company using a wi-fi monitor to alert both the police and the fire department when necessary.   

Wi-fi systems are a great convenience because you can use them with on smartphone or mobile device. There are some wireless systems you can install on your own without even the need for tools. In other instances, the most you need are things like a drill and a screwdriver, but most of the systems require nothing more than taped sensors to be placed.   

Both wireless and hardwired systems operate using your home’s electricity, and most of them have a backup battery to supply the system in case of power outages. Wireless systems can be moved around with ease or taken to another house when you move. But because the technology is continually changing, you have to update them frequently for them to work properly, which can sometimes be a real pain.   

The other drawback of using wireless systems is that they are less reliable, because other electromagnetic interference can sometimes mess with their ability to work.   

Also, there have been instances where security systems have been hacked into, which makes them more vulnerable. Since they work through wi-fi and internet connections, it is possible for people to gain access to your home if they can hack into the network.   

The ones that are the most vulnerable are the ones you purchase online and set up yourself, which is why if you are going to use a wireless system, it is best to let a professional install and handle it.  

A security system is an excellent way to protect your family, but only if it is reliable and works well. The right one for you depends on the type of house you have, the level of security you are comfortable with, and whether you already have the hardwiring or not.