About Wireless Home Security

How it Works

• A wireless home security system consists of a control panel and remote sensors that detect radio frequencies. The control panel plugs into your phone line via telephone jack and into a wall outlet. Sensors sit around the house in the areas you plan to monitor. The sensors typically detect motion or contact. Contact sensors consist of two pieces--a transmitter and a magnet--that remain in contact on a closed door or window. If the two pieces separate, such as when a door or window opens, the action sets off the alarm. The remote sensors sync with the system control panel, which can set and disable the alarm. When the alarm triggers, the control panel can dial your telephone.

Installation

• The system control panel usually sits in a high-traffic area of the house. This is for two reasons: It ensures you remember to set the alarm daily and it guarantees you hear the siren when the alarm goes off. The control panel plugs into an electrical outlet, with the option to run the wire through a wall so a burglar can't simply snip the wire. The control panel also needs to plug into a telephone jack. Contact sensors sit on doors or windows, with one piece connecting to the door or sliding-glass window and the other connecting to the wall or window pane. These sensors often detect smoke and other hazards as well. Motion sensors typically sit in the upper corners of walls to allow for a large "viewing" area. Each system has its own set of instructions for how to sync devices, so you should read the entire manual when initially setting up the system.

Benefits

• Wireless home security systems are much easier to install than wired systems, especially if your house is not pre-wired. Wireless systems don't require a professional for setup, so you can save a significant amount of money in installation. You won't have wires traversing your home and your walls will remain intact--maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your interior design while safeguarding your valuables.

Considerations

• Before purchasing and installing a wireless home security system, consider a few things. Determine whether your house is already pre-wired for a security system; if it is, consider taking advantage of the wiring already in place. Consider your budget for a security system. Wireless systems come in all price ranges, and determining what you can realistically spend narrows the search considerably. The bigger the house, the more expensive the system--as you will need more sensors to cover a greater area. Consider whether you want to couple a self-installed wireless system with professional home monitoring; professional security firms are trained to react quickly to a detected threat.

Professional Monitoring

• While not necessary, you can hire the services of a home security firm. These services work in conjunction with your wireless system. The wireless system lets you program the contact numbers of a security firm into the control panel, just as you would program your own number. When the alarm goes off, it alerts the firm, where staff contacts the authorities for you.