Wireless Security System Overview
by Alastair Lydeard
The villians in many horror films have it easy. They just snip the wires leading to a telephone or home alarm system, and the system is rendered useless. Scary enough, but it is even scarier to think this could be true of your home as well. The answer is to protect your family and home against break-ins with 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.
The two main types of wireless burglar alarms are unmonitored and monitored. If an intruder is detected, unmonitored systems sound a loud alarm that is audible in the home and for a short distance outside. If you live in the countryside, these systems are not ideal, because if you are not at home, neighbors may not be able to hear the alarm, so no one will know about the break in. Monitored services, on the other hand, detect a break-in and then send a signal to security company staff, who determine whether it is a real burglary, and then call the 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.
Small, inconspicuous magnetic contacts are attached to windows and doors. They include two parts, a magnet that is placed on the window or door, and a switch that is placed inside the door jam or window sill. They work very simply: if the distance between the switch and the magnet increases, which would happen if the door or window were forced open, a signal is sent to the control panel, which sounds the alarm.
Large hallways are sometimes equipped with body sensors as part of a wireless security system package. These devices use passive infrared motion detection methods to sense motion or body heat. If motion is detected, a signal is sent to the control panel. At that time the panel will analyze the level of threat, and then decide whether to alert the central monitoring station.
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.
If you've decided to invest in the peace of mind and security of a home security system, be sure to consider the added advantages of a wireless system. The advanced features and stronger security may make it your best choice.
Author Alastair Lydeard loves writing for various popular online magazines, on family activity and aftermarket truck parts topics. This article is available as a unique content article with free reprint rights.
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