Wireless Home Security Systems Tips
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Wireless Home Security Offers Reliability of Traditional Systems
Wireless home security systems are gaining popularity for their convenience and reliability. They function just like traditional home security systems but often they have faster response times and provide more features.
Educate yourself on how wireless home security systems work, as you shop for a package that is right for your home amd family.
A basic wireless home security system is installed by placing wirless sensors on doors and windows intruders can use to gain access to your home. Inside the home, wireless motion detectors are placed in hallways, entryways, basements and other key areas where you want to restrict access.
The next step is to set up the control panel, or command station, which monitors signals from the wireless devices and sounds a siren when security is breached. The command station automatically notifies a remote monitoring service if security is breached.
A signal is sent over your telephone line or via a broadband Internet connection in your home. Of course, if you accidentally trip the alarm, the command center allows you enough time to disarm the system by punching a code on your keypad.
If a code is not entered, the monitoring service will try to contact you. If you are reached, you will be asked for a special password you've already established to verify your identity. For example, the password might be the name of your first pet or a favorite teacher.
Local authorities will be contacted if no one is home, or you cannot be contacted. The monitoring service will also contact relatives and friends on an emergency list you have provided.
Home Security Keypads Put You in Control
A keypad on your wireless home security system puts you in control. Some are mounted on walls while others are portable.
Keypads enable you to turn the alarm on and off. They also may let you arm different zones in your home, or summon emergency personnel.
Check out are some of the features available, depending on the model and brand you buy:
- Easy access for arming and disarming motion detectors. Some keypads provide one-touch ability to turn motion sensors on or off. Here's a quick tip: The best time to activate motion sensors are when you are not home, or at night downstairs when everyone in the house is upstairs sleeping.
- Activate the alarm with the touch of a button. This feature enables you to trigger the burglar alarm or siren while at home, if an intruder tries to enter the house.
- Use the keypad to test whether your system is working, program new functions, or check the status of your alarm system.
- Some systems offer easy-to-read, one-touch keypads for summoning local police, firefighters or EMTs.
- Some keypads let you add other users on your home security system, such as the babysitter or housekeeper. But you give them access, and can change or delete their security codes as needed.
- Some keypads feature voice response to let you know how your system is functioning.
Wireless Security Systems Make Sense for Renters
Installing a home security system in an apartment was not practical until now. Landlords did not want renters to hard-wire burglar alarms, which required drilling into walls. Renters did not want to invest in a home security system they would have to leave behind when they moved.
Wireless home security systems end those concerns. Look for easy-to-install wireless systems that require only a strong adhesive to stick to doorways and windows. When you move, you can take the entire alarm system with you to a new apartment.
DIY Home Security Installation Saves Money
Affordability is a big attraction for wireless home security systems, especially when you can avoid paying an installer and do it yourself.
Many home security companies today specialize in easy-to-use, portable systems that homeowners and renters can install on their own. Some systems take only minutes to install, and you avoid the labor costs. They offer the same features as professionally installed burglar alarms, only they cost less money.
The wireless systems are battery-operated, and use existing radio wave frequencies to work. Some wireless systems automatically dial several pre-programmed numbers when the alarm is activated.
Look for these wireless components in a new home security system:
- Control panel: Think of the control panel as the brain of your alarm system.
- Keypad: Software-driven device that allows you to communicate with the alarm system.
- Motion detector: Standard component lets you know when an intruder is in the house.
- Glass break detector: Often used in basements and throughout the first floor of a home.
Other basic features include backup batteries, receivers, transformers and smoke detectors.
Security Systems Do Not Automatically Call 911
Whether you buy a wireless or hardwired home security system, you need to understand that neither system calls 911 direct. A simple burglar alarm will sound a noise loud enough for occupants and neighbors to hear. Monitored systems send a signal to a 24-hour service that typically will first try to verify an alarm, then call local authorities if necessary. In cases where the monitoring service gets a signal of a home fire, it will immediately contact your local fire department without trying to contact you or anyone else on your emergency contact list. Some systems also come with panic buttons that occupants can use in their home, in an emergency. When they push the button, professional responders at the monitoring service will immediately contact local authorities without trying to contact you first. But there is no direct link between your home security system and 911.
Wireless Security Offers an Array of Products
Think "wireless" when shopping for new home security. Wireless security is not only more affordable and convenient, it also allows for a greater array of easy-to-use products that are reliable.
Check out this shopping list of wireless products that consumers can choose from to create or customize a wireless security package that meets their family's needs for whole-home protection.
- Window and door sensors.
- Glass break detectors.
- Security cameras.
- Receivers and transmitters.
- Driveway alarms.
- Medical alerts.
- Motion detectors.
- Smoke alarms.
- Temperature alarms.
- Flood alarms.
- Door chime.
- Nanny cam.
Wireless Security Uses Battery Power
Wireless systems used to be less effective and have false alarms. But new technology allows for a high level of protection with wireless home security.
Consumers find them more convenient and appealing. Because the sensors are battery-powered, there is no mess with drilling holes and running cable for installation. Wireless systems are especially convenient when adding security to already-built homes. You avoid the hassle of hardwiring your system inside the walls of your home.
If you already have hardwiring in your home but want to upgrade, you can accessorize your system with wireless products, such as a wireless receiver or glass-break detector.
Wired or Wireless? You Choose
Is it better to buy a wired or wireless security system?
The answer: It depends.
Wireless – for its convenience and affordability – is definitely the trend. But if you already have a hardwired system, it may be best to have a combination of both – a hardwired panel with a wireless receiver. The wireless receiver allows you to accessorize your system with the latest wireless security products.
If you are installing a system for the first time, you can save money and time with a wireless system, which has little or no installation costs. If you can install your own home smoke detector, you can install a home security system.
Wireless systems can be more vulnerable to attack by intruders, since they are so easy to operate. You may want to put the control panel in an area of your house where it is not highly visible or accessible .
Wireless Security Sends Alerts Via Cell Phones, PCs
Look for wireless security systems that you can control using the latest communication technology – blackberries, PDAs, cell phones.
These systems report alarms and non-emergency events – such as system functions and power failure -- via phone, e-mail and text-message, depending on your preferences.
Some newer systems also let you monitor and control parts of your security system through a user-friendly Web portal. You can log onto a portal through your PDA or blackberry. Alarm signals are still routed from your monitoring service to police and fire departments.
| Guru Spotlight |
| Susan Sayour |
