The Pros & Cons of Wired Security

Pro: Power

• One advantage of wired systems is that they are usually hooked into the home's central power and then equipped with battery backups that activate in the event of a power outage. This duel-power option means the wired system is less likely to go dead from power loss when compared to many wireless security devices that are solely battery powered. The batteries much be checked regularly on wireless security devices because there is not a backup option if the battery fails.

Pro: False Alarm Occurrance

• Many wireless systems are turned on and off with the use of a key fob in similar fashion to how cars are locked and unlocked remotely. The fobs don't usually have a fail safe in place for false alarms, meaning that a fob can trigger an alarm accidentally if a child pushes the button on it or if the button is pushed inadvertently while in the pocket of the home owner. Wired systems can have false alarms as well, but they are turned on and off through an alarm panel on the wall, where it is much more unlikely to activate accidentally.

Con: Tampering

• Since the wired system relies on wires for both its main power needs and its communication requirements, it can be tampered with more easily because cutting those wires renders the system useless. While cutting the power lines causes the system to go to battery backups, cutting the phone lines prevents the system from notifying the alarm company or emergency services and, therefore, greatly reduces system effectiveness. A wireless system cannot be disrupted in this fashion since the wires it does have are much harder to get to and it communicates remotely.

Con: Deactivation

• A wired security system can only be turned off by locating the main control panel and entering a deactivation code. Wireless systems have the option of being deactivated by remote, so it takes longer to turn a false alarm off on a wired system unless you happen to be right next to the panel when the alarm activation occurs. Turning a false alarm off quickly is important because a quick response can prevent the response of police or fire department, who usually will charge you if they show up at the house for a false alarm.