Hard-Wired versus Wireless

Do you want a hard-wired security system ( running wires to each point of protection) or a Wireless System?

If I could have the choice between the two types of installed systems, I would want a Hard-wired system every time. However, I would want a company to install it that has the experienced technicians available to do the job so that my home is not destroyed.

So why would I want this when it is so fashionable to use the word "wireless"?

Professionally installed Hard-Wired systems have many advantages:

1. Aesthetics. Recessed door/window contacts leave a "clean" look to the finished installation. Wireless contacts are typically surface mounted and bulky.
2. No batteries to maintain. Wireless contacts need batteries to work.
3. Less service issues. Wireless contacts are required to send "supervisory" signals to the control panel frequently. It lets the control panel know the status of the device. However, you can occasionally get interference from other wireless devices in your home that cause the security system to think there is a malfunction. This causes all kinds of problems.
4. Probably the most important is the SECURITY ISSUES. Wireless window contacts are normally easy for someone looking through your window to identify and bypass.

Now having given just a few reasons why I prefer Hardwired equipment, let me say that some homes will require the use of some wireless equipment. For example, multi-story finished homes will most likely need wireless.

But there is a big difference between the types of wireless systems that companies will offer you. BEWARE of the ALL IN ONE WIRELESS SYSTEM!!!!!! This is used by some companies because their technicians can do a very fast install. The system will have the keypad, siren, control panel, and battery all in one unit. The installers will then just put up the wireless devices in your home. In the security industry, we call this "lick'em and stick'em" systems. I could never conscientiously offer one to a customer that I actually cared about. How some companies can do it is beyond my comprehension.

If you take the security of your home and family seriously, avoid this at all cost. A burglar could easily just pull the unit off of your wall and your security is over. That's all it would take, and the entire "brains" to your security system is in plain site for all to see.

If you have to install wireless, make sure it is a professional wireless system. This means that your system will utilize a hidden control panel and that your keypad, and siren will be wired at their locations. This will now make it as secure as a hardwired system would be in your home.

To sum up:

Hire a company that thinks Hard-Wired 1st, but has the ability to provide professional wireless installation if necessary. You'll be glad you did.

Brandon Firestine/WNC Alarm, Inc

(828) 398-4614 www.wncalarm.com

Basic Security System Design Tips

When it comes to securing your home, it really boils down how to secure your doors and windows.

Basically all doors can be protected with Door Sensors (hardwired or wireless). These are typically magnetic sensors that create an alarm when the magnetic field is broken (door is opened). Since the majority of break-ins occur through the doors, I highly recommend that you contact EVERY exterior door of your home. Do not compromise on this level of security.

Securing windows is where you will find great debates and differences in what companies may offer, price for installation, and convenience for the homeowner.

There are three main possibilities in securing your windows.

1. Window Sensors. Magnetic contacts that are used exactly as a door sensor.
   
2. Glass Break Detectors. The name says it all. They listen for the sound of broken glass.


3. Interior Motion Detectors. Used to create trap area against intrusion through windows.

Now let's go over the usages of each item. Then you can decide what is the best type of coverage for your home and family.

Window Sensors: This typically is the most expensive way to cover the windows in your home (but once again, keep price out of the equation in determining exactly what you need. See my blog on March 21st). This is what is considered "perimeter protection". The alarm goes off when the window is opened. However, if your habit is to keep the windows open at night, or during the day to get fresh air, then this type of coverage is not good. Most security systems require you to have all exterior points of protection (doors & windows) closed in order to turn on the alarm. So you will end up not using your security system very much (not much value), or, you will end up having to bypass zones constantly to use the system (not real convenient). Most companies will charge between $60-$90 per window to secure.

Glass Break Detectors: Glass Break Detectors are very good perimeter protection devices and have multiple use value. If you have animals that run around the house, glass break detectors are excellent in combating false alarms as they are not affected by movement inside the house (unlike motion detectors). Also, if you have multiple windows in one room, one well located glass break detector might sufficiently cover all of the windows in the room (cost savings over individual window sensors). Glass Break detectors have a typical range of 15'-25' of the windows you want to protect, depending on some variables such as drapes, type of glass, acoustics of the room, etc... If you like having your windows open to get fresh air, then this is not a good choice of equipment for your home. They only will set the alarm off if someone breaks the window. If the window is already open, no need to break them. Companies will typically charge between $125-$185 to install a glass break detector.

Motion Detectors: By far, motion detectors are one of the more popular devices in providing coverage for windows. They are the most economical way to cover large area's of the home. Typically homeowners only use motion detectors when they are away and no one is present in the home. They are designed to provide interior trap zones. This means that if a person breaks in through a window and proceeds to move through the house, the motion detector will set the alarm off when the burglar walks into its coverage area. If your primary concern is protecting your home WHEN NO ONE IS HOME, then this is a very good device. However, if you have concerns for personal safety when you are at home, this is not a good design product. You would have the motions off while you are at home, thus not having the value of its protection. One downside to using motions is that a person will already be in your home before the alarm will go off. An optimal security system will notify BEFORE someone is physically in the house. Average installed price per motion detector runs $125-$195.

Lifestyle, home layout, and desired protection level will determine which of these devices you use to properly secure your home.

Till next time,

Brandon Firestine

What should I consider before purchasing a security system

Why do individuals determine that they need or want to invest in a security system? It typically boils down to one or more of these 3 reasons:

1. To protect families
2. To protect homes
3. To protect belongings.

When you consider the high value (especially of protecting families) that a properly designed security system can offer, shouldn't it be based on more than "just price" for the installation or ongoing monitoring service? Although price is a factor in our purchase decisions (especially in this economy), it shouldn't be the SOLE determining factor in the protection and security of our homes and families.

It has always amused me that potential customers will call the office inquiring about a security system and begin the conversation with, "I was calling to see how much your security systems are to install, and how much is your monitoring?"

They don't seem to be very interested or factor in the type of equipment we use, features, future expansion possibilities, service, etc... Just the price.

So my first suggestion before you purchase a security system is this:

Determine what type of system fits your comfort level for your home and family FIRST---then shop for the best price based on that.

Insist that any alarm company bidding for your business offer you a Free, NO HASSEL, security evaulation. Find out all of the options available to you and make sure that you understand what is being proposed. Don't allow them to pressure you into an immediate decision. The decision is too important to allow high pressure sales tactics to force your hand.

Every individual is different when it comes to the level of security that they want in an effort to feel good about their system and investment. If you still feel vulnerable after installing a security system, you have lost the best value to one---Peace of Mind! Don't allow the "one size fits all" mentality of the large national companies to influence the type of system that is right for you.

Just "hoping" that your system is sufficient in a time of need due to going with the "cheapest" upfront cost is not a comforting thought. Put family and home first, then get the best value going forward.

Look for my next blog and I will give helpful things to consider in the design of your home or business security system.

Brandon Firestine

WNC Alarm, Inc/www.wncalarm.com/828-398-4614