How to Protect Your Home with a Wireless Security System

The villians in many horror films have it easy. They just snip the wires leading to a telephone or home alarm system, and the system is rendered useless. Scary enough, but it is even scarier to think this could be true of your home as well. The answer is to protect your family and home against break-ins with a wireless security system.

A burglar alarm without wires is the simple explanation for a wireless home security system. They communicate with radio waves instead of over wires. Thus the burglar is unable to determine which wires to cut to disable the alarm.

There are two basic types of wireless burglar alarms available today. The first kind is activated by an intruder, but the alarm is only audible to the homeowner and nearby neighbors. These systems are less useful if you live in a rural area, and are not home when the break-in takes place. The second kind of wireless security system includes a monitor that will detect a forced entry, and then communicate that fact to a security company. The company staff will confirm whether it is a genuine break-in, and if so, will immediately call the local police.

The control panel is the brains of all wireless security systems. It is usually found in the basement or in a closet. The control panel is where all wireless signals are sent from the various motion sensors and magnetic switches placed throughout the home. If a suspicious movement signal or entry is detected, the control panel sounds an alarm, or phones the security company's monitoring service.

Small, inconspicuous magnetic contacts are attached to windows and doors. They include two parts, a magnet that is placed on the window or door, and a switch that is placed inside the door jam or window sill. They work very simply: if the distance between the switch and the magnet increases, which would happen if the door or window were forced open, a signal is sent to the control panel, which sounds the alarm.

Large hallways are sometimes equipped with body sensors as part of a wireless security system package. These devices use passive infrared motion detection methods to sense motion or body heat. If motion is detected, a signal is sent to the control panel. At that time the panel will analyze the level of threat, and then decide whether to alert the central monitoring station.

Every wireless security system comes equipped with a keypad, which is used by the homeowner to activate or deactivate the system. The keypad is normally installed next to the entry door, allowing the owner easy access to arm the system when leaving home, and disarm the system upon returning. Remote keys, much like a car alarm, can also be used to operate a wireless alarm system. The homeowner can also use the remote controller to switch lights on from a distance, giving the illusion that someone is occupying the house.

Some wireless security systems also have hidden or wall-mounted cameras, which connect to a video unit and recorder, such as a VCR. When movement is detected, the cameras record the scene onto the VCR. For extra fees, the cameras could also be monitored by staff of the security service.

If you've decided to invest in the peace of mind and security of a home security system, be sure to consider the added advantages of a wireless system. The advanced features and stronger security may make it your best choice.

By: Alastair Lydeard
Credit:www.superfeature.com