Security Alarms Advice - wired or wireless?

[Endulini]

Hi Folks,

Looking for some advice around selecting a security alarm specifically around whether to go wireless or wired... Most companies that have quoted for me have advised wireless although the major independent one in the area came out very heavily for a wired system (interestingly they quoted for both and the prices were similar). I'm comfortable with either but am attracted to the wireless for the convenience of installation and supposed ease of adding to it. My main concern is the reliability in that my understanding was that wireless systems are more susceptible to interference and false-alarms - is this still the case?

We intend to redecorate so the disruption to the decor caused by a wired fitting isn't a major issue.

Any thoughts, comments or advice...?

Thanks.

[spuorgelgoog]

and inconvenience and cost of changing batteries in the detectors

as long as the bits remain available and haven't been discontinued by the m anufacturer. You also have a much smaller choice of detectors and accessori es with wireless as each system is usually proprietary to its own manufactu rer. Most wired systems are more-or-less standard so you can add eg safe li mpets, artwork movement detectors, or appropriate smoke detectors [1], and outputs such as GSM diallers or smoke cloaks.

Yes, for any wireless system likely to be considered for an ordinary domest ic installation. High security wireless systems are available but will cost a lot more.

However, most ordinary wireless systems will probably be 'good enough' for domestic, unless you have a particular requirement for higher security.

[1] They won't comply with requirements for a fire detection system, but ca n be useful along with an autodialler to tell you your house is burning dow n when you're on holiday.

Owain

[Dave Plowman (News)]

You presumably have a mobile phone etc and any number of 'wireless' devices? Some point in those as they do move around. But is 'reception' on those always 100% perfect?

The *only* reason to have a wireless alarm is to save money on the installation costs. It can't perform better than cabled.

[Andrew Gabriel]

Wired are generally considered better although there's plenty of overlap such that a good wireless system would be better than a poor wired system.

Wired are vastly more expensive to retrospectively install well, particularly if you want conceiled cables, etc, and that's why domestic installers would tend to steer clear. (This is where DIY can significantly win, where you aren't charging for your time.) I have never seen wireless used in commercial premises where there's anything of value to protect.

Wired tend to be less proprietary (although there are some proprietary wired systems). This means you will be able to replace your sensors for decades, replace the controller when you want more features, etc. Also a much wider range of sensors will be available to you. Wireless have a window of a few years when you can obtain compatible parts while the product is still on sale (much of which may have passed before you bought yours), and after that you've normally had it and would have to replace the whole lot. Specialist sensors are unlikely to be available at all, and there may be no option for higher quality sensors (such as dual tech motion sensors).

[Michael Chare]

I presume that a wireless system must have many batteries that must be replaced on recharged. Changing the battery in a sounder might be quite awkward.

[ARW]

Wired.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

It really is the same argument as wired doorbell versus wirelss. If you can be bothered installing the cables (and of course houses vary on how easy this may be), it's no contest.

[Bob Minchin]

Wired every time. Wireless are too easy to defeat by experts.