This blog explores the benefits and considerations of wired home security systems, including costs, maintenance, and professional installation. Discover why wired alarms remain a reliable option for certain homes, how they differ from wireless systems, and the importance of monitoring and guard response services.
Key Takeaways:
Wired security systems are often the most reliable choice for homes with thick walls or complex layouts.
Proper installation and maintenance by fully accredited professionals are essential for long-term system performance.
Modern wired systems can integrate with smart home technology and offer smartphone access, monitoring, and optional guard response services.
We’ve covered the benefits of wireless security systems quite extensively in recent blogs. That’s hardly surprising, given their popularity.
But there’s still very much a time-and-place for wired alarms in the home. They certainly shouldn’t be forgotten.
Indeed, there are many situations where wired solutions are an effective alarm option for the residential environment.
That’s because wiring can almost always reach the parts where radio can’t. As examples, older houses with very thick walls certainly reduce radio transmission distances.
When wired security makes sense
In these situations, or often just through choice, wired security is the preferred option if you want a stable and secure alarm system in your home.
In fairness, both Wired and Wireless systems are extremely reliable. Neither are vulnerable to power cuts or battery failure, due to full monitoring within the system architecture.
That said, wired systems can be more expensive than their wireless equivalents – but for a valid reason. This is usually because the kit takes longer to install. And, without putting too fine a point on it, you need an experienced installer who has the knack of cabling without them being visible.
That’s why it’s highly recommended you take advice and engage the services of a professionally fully accredited company to handle the installation.
How do wired systems differ from wireless alarms?
Wired systems differ from wireless alternatives because all the sensors and control panel itself are connected to the control equipment with cabling.
But this doesn’t mean they are any less sophisticated. Indeed, many wired systems are, in fact, hybrid alarms, where you have a combination of wired and wireless.
What’s more, the majority of wired systems we install have smartphone capability and can be accessed via an app.
Wired security systems can also be integrated with other smart technologies around the home, like lighting, garage or gate opening.
Wired or otherwise – the importance of alarm monitoring
Of huge importance for police calling systems, monitoring should be handled remotely from an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). You need to be assured that action will be taken in the event of an alarm activation – whether you are at home, in the vicinity or away for an extended period.
At Justice Fire & Security, this is something we would organise for you as a matter of course, using the largest independent monitoring centre in the UK, The ARC forms part of the service we provide. The Centre would coordinate with all keyholders and the emergency services (Police, Fire etc), if necessary.
Guard Response option
With Justice Fire and Security, homeowners across the Greater Midlands region now have the option of having an app-based guard patrol service, to add an extra level of security support.
Should your alarm be activated, via the app, you can instantly request a Security Industry Authority (SIA) approved guard to visit your home, who will attend within 30 minutes, to check first hand what’s been going on. The guard will alert the police, if a break-in has occurred. You’ll be kept fully in the loop with pictures and a report via the app.
Maintaining your security alarm system
The key is ensuring your alarm system is well maintained. We would always recommend that customers have a service and maintenance package included, given that any alarm system needs annual checks:
to assess general wear and tear
to ensure all the cabling is in good condition and isn’t fraying or loose
to check battery performance
to make sure all the sounders and sensors are responsive
and evaluating whether there is sufficient storage space on the hard drive etc.
If anything does go awry between annual inspections, your maintenance package will ensure an engineer will respond quickly.
Do you feel that you are not getting the service you deserve from your current security system service provider?
Any home security system only works effectively if it has been correctly specified, installed, monitored and maintained.
Does any of this ring true?
You are in a situation where your current provider doesn’t attend when you need them to sort out problems with your alarm system. Sometimes you’re waiting days for someone to attend.
You’ve been posted out batteries by your provider and told you need to fix them yourself?
If so, alarm bells should be ringing – because this is not how your service provider should be behaving.
So, here’s the deal.
Justice Fire & Security will offer advice about ANY system which has been previously installed and maintained by an approved installer.
If you already have an existing alarm system or you’ve moved into a property where there is an intruder alarm in situ but don’t know who maintains it call us today on 0345 468 0927
