If you’ve been considering purchasing and installing a home security system, then you should do a little bit of research before you buy one. There are numerous types of systems available today so selecting one could be a little be challenging once you start shopping around. The first thing you want to familiarize yourself with is the different technologies that are available. Security systems today are typically classified into 2 categories – the hard-wired systems and the wireless systems.
The key difference between the 2 is that the hard-wired system has a wire which leads to all the components of the home security system such as each door and window as well as fire/smoke detectors and motion sensors. When the home is an existing structure, the installation is more difficult compared to when the home is still under construction and can be a stage during the building process.
On the other hand, a wireless home security system has wireless sensors installed wherever they are needed or required. Wireless fire, glass break, motion, and other types of these sensors are the key components of this type of system. Additionally, the installation of wireless systems is much easier and they are also portable. In other words, if you move, you can take that wireless system with you.
Now let’s look at some of the other key differences between a hard-wired and wireless home security system:
Differences in cost – the cost of a hard-wired system is less than that of a wireless system. However, installation fees are considerably higher with the hard-wired system than they are with a wireless one. Despite the higher installation cost, the hard-wired system has lower maintenance costs and is considered as being slightly more secure than the wireless system.
Grouping of sensors – in addition to higher installation costs, the hard-wired home security system typically contains 6 to 8 “zones” which is what your system actually monitors while it is working. Some sensors may have to be grouped together in one zone if you have more than 8 of them to secure. Conversely, you can purchase a wireless system that will monitor up to 24 different zones in your home.
Disadvantages of sensor grouping – when you group them together, it makes it harder for you to determine or troubleshoot a bad sensor. Additionally, should a break-in occur, it may be more difficult for you to determine where that has occurred.
