Wireless Security System Overview

Many Hollywood films show the burglar or villain having a rather easy time of breaking into a home. They simply snip the wires leading to the home alarm system, and voila, instant entry. One of the answers to this problem is to have a system without wires — a wireless security system.

A burglar alarm without wires is the simple explanation for a wireless home security system. They communicate with radio waves instead of over wires. Thus the burglar is unable to determine which wires to cut to disable the alarm.

The two main types of wireless burglar alarms are unmonitored and monitored. If an intruder is detected, unmonitored systems sound a loud alarm that is audible in the home and for a short distance outside. If you live in the countryside, these systems are not ideal, because if you are not at home, neighbors may not be able to hear the alarm, so no one will know about the break in. Monitored services, on the other hand, detect a break-in and then send a signal to security company staff, who determine whether it is a real burglary, and then call the police.

The central brains of a wireless security system is the control panel, which can usually be located in the basement or a closet. Here, all the wireless signal data from the various magnetic switches and motion detectors in the home is sent. If the control panel detects a suspicious movement or door or window entry, it will sound the alarm or place a phone call to the monitoring staff at the security company.

Small, inconspicuous magnetic contacts are attached to windows and doors. They include two parts, a magnet that is placed on the window or door, and a switch that is placed inside the door jam or window sill. They work very simply: if the distance between the switch and the magnet increases, which would happen if the door or window were forced open, a signal is sent to the control panel, which sounds the alarm.

If your home has large spaces such as hallways, you can equip them with a feature of the wireless security system called a body sensor, or motion detector. They use infrared motion or body heat detection to sense someone's presence, and send a signal to the control panel. The panel will determine if the threat meets its standards and if so, will alert the monitoring station or sound the alarm.

To enter or leave your home, the wireless security system must be deactivated or activated. You simply enter the password on a keypad near the main entrance to your home, making setting the alarm easy to do. Remote control devices also come with some systems, just like car alarms, so that owners can operate some features from a distance. Some systems allow owners to switch lights off or on remotely, giving the appearance of a home that is occupied.

Some wireless security systems also come with cameras, which can be all mounted or hidden. The cameras connect to a control panel and a recording device, such as a VCR. If an intruder is detected, the cameras record the home scene automatically. Some packages also include camera monitoring by security staff at the alarm system company.

If you've decided to invest in the peace of mind and security of a home security system, be sure to consider the added advantages of a wireless system. The advanced features and stronger security may make it your best choice.