How to Protect Your Home with a Wireless Security System

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 wireless home security system is a burglar alarm that does not use wires to transmit messages; instead it uses radio waves to communicate. This leaves the burglar or the intruder clueless, unable to know which wires to cut to deactivate the alarm.

There are two kinds of wireless burglar alarms on the market. The first type is activated when the alarm is tripped, but only the homeowner or neighbors can hear the alarm. This kind of system doesn’t make a whole lot of sense if you live in a rural area and are away from home when a break-in occurs. Another kind of wireless security system uses a monitoring device that will communicate a forced entry to a security company. When the alarm is triggered, the security company will check to see if it’s a genuine break-in; if it is, they will call immediately to dispatch the local police.

The control panel is the brains of all wireless security systems. It is usually found in the basement or in a closet. The control panel is where all wireless signals are sent from the various motion sensors and magnetic switches placed throughout the home. If a suspicious movement signal or entry is detected, the control panel sounds an alarm, or phones the security company’s monitoring service.

Magnetic contacts are attached to doors and windows. These small, inconspicuous devices consist of two parts: a switch installed inside the window or door jam, and a magnet placed on the door or window. If the distance between the magnet and switch increases, as in the case of forced entry, the control panel will receive a signal and sound the alarm.

Large open spaces such as hallways can be equipped with wireless body sensors or motion detectors. Infrared motion or body heat changes are detected and a signal is sent to the main control panel. The panel gauges whether the movement is a person, and then sounds the alarm or alerts the monitoring station staff.

Each wireless security system includes a keypad, which homeowners use to turn the system on or off. Normally, keypads are installed beside the main entry door, so that it is convenient to arm the alarm when leaving, or to deactivate it when returning home. Some systems also include remote devices, similar to a car alarm, which can operate several features. Homeowners can also switch lights on or off from a distance using the remote controller, to give the illusion that the home 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.

A home security system is a good idea for protection and peace of mind. But for the highest level of security, consider a wireless system as the best choice, because of the enhanced features offered.

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