Modern alarm systems are not simply wired or wireless. Most use a mix: a wired or wireless control panel, door and window contacts, motion detectors, and a communicator that reports to a monitoring station. The question is which sensors and connections suit your building.
Wired systems
Wired sensors connect to the panel by cable, so they draw power from the system and have no sensor batteries to replace. They suit new construction, renovations where walls are open, and larger commercial buildings. The tradeoff is more installation labour when walls are already finished.
Wireless systems
Wireless sensors report to the panel by radio and run on batteries. They are quick to install in finished homes and easy to add to or move later. Batteries typically last several years depending on the device, and good systems alert you when one is running low, so upkeep is a matter of replacing batteries on schedule.
Monitoring and communication
The alarm only helps if someone hears about it. Monitored systems send signals to a central station. Cellular communicators are widely used because they keep working if the phone line or internet is down. Ask how the system reports, what happens if the main connection fails, and how quickly a signal is handled.
Questions worth asking
- Is the sensor type right for this building and these doors and windows?
- What happens during a power or internet outage?
- Is the system expandable if the property changes?
- Who maintains it and who do you call if it faults?
Our alarm systems page lists the options, and our earlier guide on 7 questions to ask before choosing an alarm system goes deeper.
Planning a project in Newmarket or the Greater Toronto Area? Contact Pitbull Security Solutions or call 888-963-5633 for a free consultation.