3 Types of Intruder Alarms and Which is Best for Your Property?
Securing your home or business with an intruder alarm system is a vital investment, protecting your valuables and providing peace of mind. However, with intruder alarms, there is no one-size-fits-all option, with different buildings having different requirements.
In this article, we’ll look at three types of intruder alarm systems, outlining the pros and cons and highlighting which is best for your property.
1. Wireless alarm systems
Wireless alarm systems consist of a range of battery-powered devices scattered strategically around your property. When these devices detect movement around your home or commercial property, they will send a signal to the main control panel using Wi-Fi, triggering the alarm.
As the devices are wireless, they can be moved around wherever and whenever you like. This flexibility makes the installation process relatively quick and simple.
Because of their ease and flexibility, wireless systems may seem like an appealing option. However, they are simply not as reliable as a wired system, as you can see below…
Pros of wireless alarm systems:
- Cheaper and easier to install: The installation of a wireless intruder alarm system is relatively simple, as you don’t have to run wires through your building.
Cons of wireless alarm systems:
- Battery life: While the battery life on wireless devices tends to be long, it will eventually deplete. This will cause the system to lose efficiency and will require you to have the battery replaced every three to five years.
- Requires internet connection: If you have an unstable or slow connection, it will reduce the efficiency of your wireless alarm system.
- Reliability: Wireless systems have gained a reputation for being triggered randomly and experiencing connection issues.
- Security: As with reliability, there have been doubts cast on the security of wireless systems and how vulnerable they may be to hackers.
2. Wired alarm systems
Wired alarm systems have always been regarded as the more reliable option compared to wireless systems. This is because the devices are hardwired into a central panel, working on your building’s electrics rather than batteries and a Wi-Fi connection. If there’s a break in that system, the response is instant every time.
With wired systems, you’re getting the very best technology on the market, which has been designed for professional installation. It’s not about taking shortcuts – it’s giving you the highest level of security for ultimate peace of mind.
Pros of wired alarm systems:
- Low maintenance: Unlike wireless systems, wired alarm systems are hardwired into your electrics, meaning you won’t have to frequently replace batteries. Most wired systems will last upwards of 10 years with very little maintenance required.
- Cover large areas: Wired alarm systems can cover larger areas than wireless systems. This makes them suitable for commercial or public buildings as well as residential properties.
Cons of wired alarm systems:
- Higher cost: It goes without saying that wired alarm systems cost more than their wireless counterparts. However, it’s worth considering the money you’ll save over time without having to replace subpar equipment – not to mention the peace of mind you’re getting in return.
- Difficult installation: Installing a wired alarm system is not a simple job and can sometimes take multiple days to complete. Again, this is a small price to pay for your property’s security.
3. Hybrid alarm systems
The third alternative is a hybrid alarm system, which combines both wired and wireless components.
This is more common in commercial buildings. By using a mixture of both, you gain the flexibility of a wireless system while holding onto the reliability of a wired system.
One advantage of this is being able to add new components to your system without extensive rewiring. However, you’ll still need professional assistance to ensure there’s no disruption to your existing alarm system.
Pros of hybrid alarm systems
- Best of both: If you’re apprehensive about the flaws presented by wired and wireless systems, hybrid systems give you the best of both worlds.
- Good for expansion: If you have a pre-existing wired security alarm system in a commercial building, you can add wireless features on top of it. This can help you to increase the range of your system or help you transition from wired to wireless.
Cons of hybrid alarm systems
- Complicated: It is more complicated to have a mixture of wired and wireless alarm devices, especially in residential properties. Having either a wired or wireless system will be easier to maintain.
- Long installation process: As you can imagine, the process of installing a mixture of wired and wireless components won’t be simple. You’ll still need extensive cabling around your home in addition to calibrating the wireless components.
Different forms of intruder alarm
Motion detector alarm systems
This is the most common form of intruder alarm used in residential properties, doing exactly as its name suggests. If the system detects movement around your home when you’re out or asleep, it sends a signal to the control panel, setting off the alarm.
Most motion detector systems can be configured so that motion is ignored in certain rooms, such as bedrooms or rooms containing pets.
Best for: Residential properties
Perimeter alarm systems
Intruder alarm systems don’t just have to keep the inside of your home safe – they can also protect the outer perimeter. This can be useful for residential properties with large gardens, commercial properties, or building sites.
These systems use a combination of sensors and cameras which will trigger the alarm if anyone breaks into your grounds. They are unnecessary for anyone wanting to protect an apartment building or a home with a small garden.
Best for: Commercial buildings, building sites, and large properties.
Glass-break sensor systems
Glass-break sensor systems work by placing a small device on a window deemed vulnerable to break-ins. These can include windows on residential buildings, but are most likely to be used in shops and warehouses/factories.
If the window is smashed, the device will detect it, immediately triggering the alarm system.
Best for: Commercial buildings such as shops and warehouses
Secure your fortress with Incognito Systems
Whether you want to protect your home or your business, choosing the right intruder alarm system is vital. With the industry-leading expertise of Incognito Systems, this decision can be made easy.
We’ll guide you through the entire process, from your initial enquiry to the final installation. We won’t try and sell you anything you don’t want, fitting you up with a bespoke security system built around your needs.
So, don’t hesitate. Contact us today and find out how we can keep your property safe.