How to Protect Your Home with a Wireless Security System

Many Hollywood films show the burglar or villain having a rather easy time of breaking into a home. They simply snip the wires leading to the home alarm system, and voila, instant entry. One of the answers to this problem is to have a system without wires — 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. The central brains of a wireless security system is the control panel, which can usually be located in the basement or a closet.

Here, all the wireless signal data from the various magnetic switches and motion detectors in the home is sent. If the control panel detects a suspicious movement or door or window entry, it will sound the alarm or place a phone call to the monitoring staff at the security company. Magnetic contacts are attached to doors and windows. These small, inconspicuous devices consist of two parts: a switch installed inside the window or door jam, and a magnet placed on the door or window. If the distance between the magnet and switch increases, as in the case of forced entry, the control panel will receive a signal and sound the alarm. Large open spaces such as hallways can be equipped with wireless body sensors or motion detectors. Infrared motion or body heat changes are detected and a signal is sent to the main control panel.

The panel gauges whether the movement is a person, and then sounds the alarm or alerts the monitoring station staff. To enter or leave your home, the wireless security system must be deactivated or activated. You simply enter the password on a keypad near the main entrance to your home, making setting the alarm easy to do. Remote control devices also come with some systems, just like car alarms, so that owners can operate some features from a distance. Some systems allow owners to switch lights off or on remotely, giving the appearance of a home that 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. There is no doubt that any home security system can offer a certain degree of protection for your property, or even your life. However, for the highest level of protection, a wireless security system is your best choice.