Real Estate Innovation

How Wireless Security Systems Work to Protect You

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 burglar alarm without wires is the simple explanation for a wireless home security system. They communicate with radio waves instead of over wires. Thus the burglar is unable to determine which wires to cut to disable 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.

All wireless security systems include a control panel. This is the “brains” of the system, usually located in a closet or in the basement. The control panel receives all wireless communications that are sent by magnetic switches and motion sensors located throughout the house. If a suspicious entry or movement signal is received, the control panel will sound the alarm or dial the security company’s central monitoring system.

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.

Every wireless security system comes equipped with a keypad, which is used by the homeowner to activate or deactivate the system. The keypad is normally installed next to the entry door, allowing the owner easy access to arm the system when leaving home, and disarm the system upon returning. Remote keys, much like a car alarm, can also be used to operate a wireless alarm system. The homeowner can also use the remote controller to switch lights on from a distance, giving the illusion that someone is occupying the house.

Some wireless systems also use hidden or wall-mounted cameras that are connected to a video unit and VCR. All movement detected on the cameras is recorded by the VCR. Depending on the system, the cameras may be monitored by staff at the security 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.