Wireless Security Systems for Homes and Apartments

One of the newer types of home security systems used by homeowners are the wireless home security systems. The contacts and other devices do not have wires that connect them to the control panel. Instead, they have small, wireless transmitters that send a signal to the control panel if the device is triggered. Whether it is a door contact, window contact or motion detector that is needed, they do not have to be "hard" wired into the control panel. And, most of these systems do allow for being "hard" wired into the system if needed. The advantage to having wireless contacts is that they are much easier to install and many homeowners choose to install these systems themselves. Many of the newer systems are not necessarily for permanent applications. In fact, apartment dwellers find them useful in that they can also be easily removed, transported and installed into another location. They also would likely be approved my the management to be used in an apartment. The disadvantages to a wireless system are that batteries are necessary for the contacts and need to be replaced when they wear out. Also, the transmitters have a limited distance range as well as the rare possibility of interference from other wireless products that might interrupt or send a false signal. The systems that are made by the major manufacturers are designed to be monitored by professional central stations. Some of the less expensive models send a signal to the owner's cell phone or PDA. A last note, wireless systems are not to be confused with the systems that utilize a cellular device to send a signal to the central station rather than through a typical land line (telephone line).