Pros and Cons of Wired vs. Wireless Home Security Systems

After you choose a security company, you will need to decide on the type of system that you would like to install.  In some cases, a wireless system may be your only option; for example, renters, condo owners, and managers of certain commercial properties may be legally limited as to the types of modifications that they can make to the structure of their homes or the buildings that they occupy.  Also, vintage residences and certain other types of home construction may be too fragile or otherwise inappropriate for wired systems.  However, if your home allows for either possibility, the benefits and concerns associated with each type of system are discussed below.

Advantages of Wired Systems

• Often have lower long-term maintenance requirements because they run on electricity (as opposed to batteries).
• More difficult for an intruder to disable (i.e., before a signal can be sent to the monitoring company) because keypad, siren, and control panel are customarily installed in different locations within a home.
• No limitations on how far apart system components can be from each other because signals are transmitted through the wiring (as opposed to via radio signal).

Disadvantages of Wired Systems

• Best to install these when a home is being built to avoid major structural modifications later.
• Professional installation is necessary in most cases and may be expensive.
• Cannot easily be removed and reinstalled when you move.

Advantages of Wireless Systems

• Installation may be less expensive, and it may even be possible to install it yourself.
• Can be installed in almost any home or business because it does not require major overhauls to a building’s existing structure like hard-wired systems do.
• Making changes to the system is relatively easy.
• Installation only requires a short period of time.
• These systems are much more portable and can be taken with you if you relocate frequently.

Disadvantages of Wireless Systems

• May be prone to false alarms if the radio signal that it uses to transmit information is disrupted.
• Distance between components may be restricted.
• The system itself (not necessarily installation) may be more expensive because the technology is newer and it may require more parts than the hard-wired systems.
• May require frequent maintenance if it runs on batteries.
• All-in-one units (i.e., units that don’t separate components like the keypad, control panel, and siren) may be easier for a burglar to disable before a warning alert can be sent out.