Why security alarms?
You name it — homes, businesses, industrial or even military properties — all can make good use of security alarms. A security alarm is designed to detect intrusion or unauthorized entry into a building or area. Security alarms are used for protection against burglary (theft) or property damage, as well as personal protection against intruders. Some alarm systems serve a single purpose of burglary protection. Combination systems provide both fire and intrusion protection. Intrusion alarm systems may also be combined with closed-circuit television surveillance systems to automatically record the activities of intruders, and may interface to access control systems for electrically locked doors. Systems range from small, self-contained noisemakers, to complicated, multi-area systems with computer monitoring and control.
Two options generally preferred
There are two options generally available when it comes to selecting the best security alarm for your home. They are wired and wireless. As technology continues to progress, more homeowners are opting to install wireless systems over hard-wired ones because of the ease of installation and versatility of these systems. While a wireless security alarm does offer many advantages over its wired counterpart, it can be helpful to compare the pros and cons of a wireless security alarm before making your final decision.
Pros of security alarms
Portability is one of the most appealing aspects of a wireless security alarm. Unlike wired systems that require a professional to run wires through all the walls in your home, wireless systems only require a few nuts, bolts, and screws to install the system properly. As a result, wireless systems are not only easier to install, but also easier to modify. For example, if homeowners decide they want to change existing components or add new components to their system, this is much easier to do to a wireless security alarm. Another factor is that a wireless system is easily adaptable to different environments. A wireless security alarm is perfect for renters who only stay at a particular residence temporarily. Most property owners do not allow renters to drill holes in the home’s walls to install a hard-wired alarm system. However, since wireless systems are so non-invasive, they are a perfect solution for renters who do not want to compromise on state-of-the-art home security. Because renters tend to move around more than homeowners do, wireless security alarms are also an ideal choice because they enable renters to take their systems with them when they move. A wireless security alarm relies on batteries for power, so it does not need to connect to the power grid in your home. Therefore, you do not have to worry about a lapse in protection if a blackout occurs.
Cons of security alarms
Security alarms need to be maintained on a regular basis. This is never more true than with wireless alarm systems where batteries must be relied upon on a regular basis. You need to maintain the devices regularly to ensure that the battery levels are always at an adequate level and replace them when they are not. Many wired alarm systems have the ability to alert an alarm service, the police, or fire department if an alarm triggers. Some modern wireless alarms systems can call 911 and play a prerecorded message, though most of them are not able to integrate into the telephone system and make loud noises. However, if an alarm company monitors your wireless system, you do not need to worry about this. Wireless alarm systems transmit their information via radio signals. This means that every component must be within range of the main control panel or other central processing station. For large homes, this can be a problem and may leave some areas without coverage.