How Safe Are Wireless Home Security Systems?
Are wireless home security systems safe? Info from the Brickhouse Security say “Wireless Home Security Systems are fully wireless and have built-in power supplies; even if the phone, power and Internet connections are down, your Wireless Home Security System will continue to monitor and protect your property. This feature will come in handy if an intruder cuts the power and phone lines, or there is a blackout and burglars are on the prowl.” Does this mean that the system has its own cell-phone built-in or uses a satellite so it could notify the PD and if so doesn’t a burglar need nothing but a signal disrupter? No I’m not a burglar, just curious in how it works and how safe it really is. We all know if you have an alarm set to the phone-line someone can cut the lines, if you have digital phone someone can just turn the power off your house, or do both. So can a disrupter knock out the system signals? The real question is, “How safe are any Home Security Systems?”
Wireless security systems are highly inferior when compared to their Hardwire counterparts. The sad fact is, the only reason alarm companies install wireless is because it is easier and monitored alarm systems are a numbers game… the faster you get them in the more money you end up making. Truthfully, it is a dis-service to the end user.
As far as the supervision of phone lines, there are cellular solutions available, typically these will relay your alarm signal to a clearing station which will then route the signal to your monitoring station. I have a number of accounts in this technology and it works great.
Crooks tend to cut the phone lines then wait to see if there is any response. If nobody shows, they break in, kill the alarm panel (Which is much easier on a wireless toilet alarm) and have their way.
I have written an article on wireless security and it can be viewed in the archive at http://www.keepsafesystems.ca or below. It may seem biased to some, however I have been in the industry for 20 some-odd years and know the truth first hand. This is how I see it.
Wireless Vs Hardwire
This is an ever-growing debate within the security alarm industry; both sides have their opinions as I have mine. Since starting KeepSafe Systems, I have never installed a wireless security system. There are several reasons starting from appearance, reliability and sustainability to never having the need to and always finding a way to get a wire where it is needed.
Appearance is a large concern of many homeowners. Although transmitters have gotten smaller over the years, wireless security systems involve the installation of boxy transmitters around your doors and windows. Wireless security system supporters will often tell horror stories of holes drilled throughout your home or wires stapled all over your walls. Yes, I have seen these types of installations, for the most part, they are done by inexperienced or lazy technicians who prefer wireless security systems. Although some wire runs can be difficult and very occasionally require surface runs, there is no excuse for sloppy workmanship. Pick your security alarm installer very carefully; often the small business owner will take more care in ensuring the quality of the installation.
When it comes to the reliability of security systems, hardwire will always be the more reliable of the two. Wireless security alarm supporters of course will say “modern wireless security systems are supervised”, basically this is passing over the pitfalls of the technology and adding a feature to tell you when the technology fails. This inevitably runs into expensive and time wasting service calls, equipment replacement and potential false alarms. One need only look at the cordless phone to see the pitfalls of the wireless technology. Sure they are great when you first purchase them, however, age and interference take their toll and sooner or later you have a paperweight with buttons and an LCD screen.
Sustainability is potentially the most expensive reason for choosing hardwire security systems over wireless. I can’t even begin to count the changes in wireless security technology and frequencies used since getting into the business back in the late 80’s early 90’s. Even the wireless security system supporters will tell you that technology is always changing (Except they use the word “advancing”… it sounds better in advertising). So how do wireless security system “advancements” affect the owner of a wireless security system? Easy, say for example you were the unfortunate victim of a wireless security system sales person in 1995. Chances are if one of your motion detectors fails you will be hard-pressed to find a replacement. Simply put, you will now have to purchase an entirely new security system (Control panel, detectors, keypad etc) which depending on the size of your security alarm system will cost you as much and possibly more than if you would have installed a hardwired system to begin with. So in all fairness, I feel I should tell you what is in store for you if a hardwired detector fails. Simple, you replace the detector. Hardwire detectors are simple switches and most hardwire security system detectors are interchangeable regardless of the manufacturer.
Another factor within the realm of sustainability is the cost of upgrading. Back to the system installed in 1995. Yes there have been significant changes in security alarm technology since then. In the hardwire security system world, these changes are mostly in the area of convenience, esthetics and features. If all your detectors are in working order, upgrading a hardwire security system simply involves changing the control panel and keypad(s). This is generally a fairly easy process and is substantially less expensive than upgrading a complete wireless system.
One last consideration in choosing hardwire security systems over their wireless counterpart is the selection of detectors. Although you can retrofit almost any hardwire detector to a wireless system, there are far more choices of detector types in hardwire. Take for example Carbon monoxide, water, natural gas, propane, vibration… and the list goes on. Wireless security systems are generally designed around the average security need of the consumer. Since detectors are not interchangeable across manufacturer lines, it would be financially unfeasible for a wireless security system manufacturer to create wireless detectors for every conceivable need. Even in the spectrum of standard detectors, there are some manufacturers who have extremely reliable detectors that only work on hardwire systems. Choosing a wireless security system can often result in you having a detector less suited for your particular application. Once again the average security need factor comes into play.
Inevitably, the choice of whether to have a wireless or hardwire security system installed is entirely up to you. In fact, your only choice may be wireless. Hopefully I have given you some information to help you along with your decision.
Security Spy Gadgets On NBC Los Angeles
|
|
BrickHouse Security Mug by CafePress $15.00 The perfect size for your favorite morning beverage or late night brew. Large, easy-grip handle. Treat yourself or give as a gift to someone special. Measures 3.75 tall, 3 diameterDishwasher and microwave safe . About our Mug: The perfect size for your favorite morning beverage or late night brew. Large, easy-grip handle. Treat yourself or give as a gift to someone special. Measures 3.75 tall, 3 d… |
|
|
Mini Telephone Analog Recorder PRO by Brickhouse Security $74.97 The Mini Telephone Recorder Pro is a compact and easy-to-use conversation recording device that automatically lets you record a phone call onto a removable 4GB SD card. Simply plug the Mini Telephone Recorder Pro directly into your phone jack to record a phone conversation any time the line is active. The Mini Recorder Pro has a built-in speaker, which not only allows you to change volume setting… |
|
|
EPA Recognized Lead Test Kit + 8 Swabs by Brickhouse Security What’s in the Box 1 Test Kit – 8 testing swabs Dimensions (LxW): 3″ x 1/4″ Lead Test Swabs Will Instantly Alert You to the Presence of Lead Make sure your business stays current with the EPA’s new ruling about lead. Lead is America’s number one environmental health risk and in 2008 alone, the FTC recalled over 20 million toys containing poisonous lead. You can find lead-based paint in about 75% o… |
|
|
Child Locator By Brickhouse Security with Distance Alert (As Featured in the … … |
|
|
CheckMate Semen Detection Kit by Brickhouse Security CheckMate Semen Detection Kit Do You Have A Private Unsettling Suspicion? The CheckMate Semen and “Sperm” Detection Test Kit is the easiest and most cost effective way to put an end to the nightmare of suspicion and doubt caused by the infidelity of a cheating spouse or of a sexually active teen. Quickly, easily, and accurately detect and identify semen in undergarments in 5 minutes or less. Se… |
|
|
Semen Detection Kit | CSI Edition PLUS Detection Light by Brickhouse Security Did You Know? Secret Affairs Can Leave Behind A Two-Year Trail… The Semen Detection Kit: CSI Edition PLUS Detection Light, is an easy all-in-one semen detection kit to confirm suspicions of infidelity of a spouse or significant other, or determine if minors are engaging in sexual intercourse and collect evidence that may prove signs of sexual child molestation. Even minute traces of seminal flu… |
|
|
The Super PocketTrack $179.95 Product Features: This Tiny GPS Logger is simple to use, fits in the palm of your hand and works worldwide!The Super PocketTrack is an essential gadget that maps exactly where it has been by recording its own time, date, location, speed direction and altitude at preset levels.Like all PocketTrack devices, Super PocketTrack will work anywhere on the planet. Using the latest in GPS mapping technolo… |
|
|
4GB Multi Pack SD Card PLUS Micro SD Card $29.49 4GB SD Card Multi-Pack This package contains a Micro SD Card and an SD card adapter, which enables the card to work in devices that store data on both What you get: 4GB Micro SD Card and Standard SD Card Adapter… |
|
|
16GB Multi Pack SD Card PLUS Micro SD Card by Brickhouse Security 16GB SD Card Multi-Pack This package contains a Micro SD Card and an SD card adapter, which enables the card to work in devices that store data on both standard and Micro SD cards. Simply plug into your favorite camera and store hours of video. What you get: |
|
|
Spark-Nano 2.0 Magnetic Case by Brickhouse Security $42.00 The Spark Nano Mag Case is the ultimate accessory for outdoor GPS tracking. Simply screw the Spark Nano GPS tracker into this durable magnetic case; containing two high-powered magnets making sure the case stays in place. The Spark Nano (or other comparable sized real time tracker) easily fits into the magnetic case, and quickly and simply attaches to the underside of a car or any other metal fi… |