Wired vs Wireless Security Systems: Which is Best for Your Property?

When upgrading your security system, you’ll be faced with the burning question – is wired or wireless the best option? Well, the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as both options have different positive and negative aspects.

Read on to find out the best option for your property, as we list the pros, cons and functionality of both forms of security.

What are wired security systems?

As the name suggests, wired security systems are connected to a permanent power source by cables, usually concealed within the walls of your property. These cables connect to a control panel via your phone line or Ethernet plug, ensuring constant connectivity.

Wired systems usually consist of motion detectors, alarms, indoor and outdoor cameras and door/window sensors. Due to the ease of installing wireless systems, fully wired security is becoming more and more rare.

Wireless security systems

Wireless security systems rely on Wi-Fi connections, radio waves or cellular signals to transmit information to a central control panel. They don’t require extensive cabling work to set up and have become the most popular form of home security in recent years.

All the equipment is battery operated rather than being plugged into a permanent power source, apart from the system’s central control panel. The equipment found with wireless home security packages is largely the same as wired equipment, just with different installation methods.

Which is more secure?

Upgrades in domestic and commercial security technology have improved the proficiency of both wired and wireless security systems in recent years. However, there are still potential flaws to be wary of with both systems.

Wired

The potential issues faced by those with wired security systems mainly revolve around cabling. If one of the cables gets damaged, it will disrupt the entire system.

While the system’s tamper circuit will alert you if a cable has been damaged, you’ll have to get the cabling fixed. This will leave your security system down and out until the problem is professionally solved.

Wireless

One of the biggest drawbacks to wireless security technology was that it used to be vulnerable to signal jamming. This is now no longer an issue, with wireless security systems now fitted with anti-jamming technology.

The main issue that wireless technology now faces is batteries not being replaced when they are low. Low batteries will affect the responsiveness of the security system. Thankfully, the security system’s control panel will alert you when the batteries need replacing.

Overall, both wired and wireless security systems have been upgraded to the point where they have very few flaws. Also, both will be fitted with control panels that will alert you if anything has gone wrong, so you can get the problem sorted.

Which is more adaptable?

Both wired and wireless security systems can be adapted to add extra devices, but the process is undoubtedly easier with a wireless system. Once the new device is synced with the rest of the system, you’ll be good to go.

Things aren’t quite so straightforward if you have a wired system, as you’ll have to begin the tedious process of wire routing once again. You’ll also have to ensure you have enough space in your central control system to accommodate another set of cables. It’s not an impossible task, but it is considerably more difficult than challenges faced with a wireless system.

Which is more portable?

With wireless systems, devices can be picked up and moved about with very little issue. They are, after all, wireless. Signals may take a moment to recalibrate to the device’s new location, and you can’t take them too far from the central control panel. This shouldn’t be too big an issue if you contain the devices within the same household.

Wired security systems are not portable at all. If you wish to move any one of the devices, you’ll have to set about rewiring it entirely. With wired systems, once a device is in place, it’s in to stay.

Which is more expensive?

Now for pricing. This is straightforward, as wireless security systems are by far the cheaper option. This is despite wireless hardware being more expensive than its wired counterpart. So, how does that make wireless security systems cheaper?

Two words – installation costs.

Wired systems require complex cable work to install, with wires having to be routed and hidden throughout the building. This sort of job will usually take around two days to complete, compared to wireless systems which can be fitted in a matter of hours.

Running costs

In terms of running costs, wireless systems will require more maintenance, with batteries needing replacement every two years. This will add to the price in the long run.

Wired systems don’t require as much maintenance, with the control panel and siren battery only up for replacement every five years. This helps keep the costs to a minimum once the system has been installed.

It’s also important to consider that wired systems are plugged into an electricity source, which will add to your electricity bill at the end of the month.

Overall comparison

For modern properties, it’s hard to look past wireless security systems. Installation is simple, the devices are portable, and you can add and replace devices easily. This unfortunately isn’t the case with wired systems. It’s clear to see why wired systems are dying out in homes across the world.

Protect your property with Incognito Systems

Still struggling to decide whether you would prefer a wired or wireless security system? With industry-leading expertise and the equipment to back it up, Incognito Systems will guide you through the perfect security system for your property.

At Incognito Systems, we don’t leave anything to chance, ensuring each product we sell is of the highest standard. So much so, we’ve tested most of them in our own homes and offices.

So, why wait? Contact us and see how we can keep your property safe today.