Home Security Systems Blog

Electronic home security systems have been around since the 20^th century, offering peace of mind and home security for millions of families. In recent years, however, it has become possible to build a system using wireless technologies, deploying sensors and cameras that communicate with the system’s base unit using radio waves or infrared light. In the early days of wireless security systems, homeowners had legitimate concerns about reliability and longevity. Nobody wants to have to change batteries every three months, to suffer a break-in because a sensor went dead, or worst of all, to have cameras or sensors just completely fail because of interference from some outside radio source.

Fortunately, all of these concerns have been resolved thanks to technological progress by wireless security designers. New lithium batteries provide maintenance cycles measured in years rather than months - you won’t need to change that sensor battery for at least seven to ten years. Improved manufacturing techniques mean that wireless reliability is at least as good as wired systems can provide, although it remains important to test any security system periodically. Finally, more sophisticated tuners and better frequency usage means that wireless sensors are virtually impervious to interference from other devices - your wireless security system will perform every bit as well as a wired security system.

Wireless security systems today offer three substantial advantages over a comparable wired security system.

Wireless Security Advantage #1: Ease of Installation

Whether installed by a professional or a do-it-yourselfer, a wireless security system is extremely easy to install. No wires means no digging, no drilling holes through walls, no taking up floors or having to remount windows. That means a cheaper installation cost even when using professionals.

Wireless Security Advantage #2: Ease of Modification

Adding a bedroom? Knocking out a new window? Decided that the back gate needs to have an additional motion detection sensor? Not a problem - with a wireless security system, making a modification to the system is as simple as adding the new wireless sensor or wireless camera and punching in a few codes at the base unit.

Wireless Security Advantage #3: Accessible for Do-It-Yourselfers

While the truly hardy DIY-er can install a wired security system, the level of skill involved can be somewhat intimidating. A wired security system installation or modification may involve removing flooring, putting holes in wall, trenching outside the home - a variety of fairly involved tasks. By comparison, putting in a wireless security system usually requires exactly two tools - a wire stripper and a screwdriver.

Every parent worries about keeping their children safe - whether out in public or at home. You might not be able to do much about the outside world, but your home, at least, is a place that you have some control over. Here are some tips on making your home a safe environment for children.

Cap unused electrical outlets with outlet covers. Available inexpensively at any hardware store, these plastic caps plug into the socket and prevent little fingers from finding big trouble. Instruct children to leave plugs alone, and teach them not to play with power cords.

Install a quality home security system, and instruct your children – especially the older ones – on how to properly set and use it when they go out of the house.

Put at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, and make sure there is one in or near every bedroom in use. Replace batteries annually, and replace the alarms themselves at least every ten years – the technology is constantly improving and the alarm you buy today is a lot more effective than the one you’ve probably got up on the wall now. Use the ‘test’ button on your alarms monthly to ensure they are working, and to familiarize children with the sound they make. Better yet use a fire alarm system with heat and smoke sensors which are monitored by a company such as ADT. This will ensure the fire department is on the way if you are unable to get out or to a phone.