For decades, professional security companies have been installing hardwired (“fishing” wires through walls and concealed spaces) security devices in both new and existing homes and businesses. When done correctly, there is no evidence of the installed wiring and the devices (Door and window contacts, motion detectors, etc) are small, unobtrusive, and, quite often, unseen. The professional installer is able to get wires around without making “gaping holes” or requiring patching.


Today we can also offer “wireless” equipment to our customers. These devices are battery operated sensors and switches with built in radio transmitters. The radio signals send information to the control, eliminating the need for installing wires in a building. Sounds great!!! But is it really best for you?


Lets look at the advantages of each and let you be the judge.



Hardwired advantages.

1) Quality – In order to price a wireless device to be competitive with the cost of a hardwired device and the labor required to install it, the manufactures must produce a combination unit ( a motion detector and a radio transmitter, for instance) and keep these costs below a certain dollar level. This, generally, results in two lower quality devices with fewer operating and detection features. The reduction of these features tend to increase the likelihood of false alarms and decrease the likelihood of the unit doing its job of detecting an intruder or other emergency situation


2) Reliability – Again, due to cost concerns the products will generally contain the least expensive components available. Electronic components do break down, and the percentage of breakdowns are directly related to the quality of the electronic components used. Undoubtedly, you have purchased an inexpensive electronic device (a wireless telephone, transistor radio, etc.) and experienced a rapid decline of it’s performance, if not poor performance right out of the box. Unfortunately, the poor performance or total failure of a security device may not be evident until it is too late and the damage or loss has already occurred.
3) Longevity - Wireless devices have a shorter life expectancy and a higher failure rate than that of there hardwired counterparts. Therefore, you will spend more over the years to keep a wireless system operating, than you would a hardwired system. That is, if you can replace the part at all, see “Availability” below.
4) Availability – Wireless devices are “proprietary”, that is the devices must all match and are manufactured by one company. Should a device need replacement, you would have to buy the same product from the same manufacturer. That is, of course, assuming that the manufacturer is still around, and that they are still making that particular line of product. Otherwise, you would have to purchase an entirely new system. Hardwired systems are “standardized” and any single device will usually work with any other device, regardless of who makes the product.
5) Replacement Costs – Because wireless devices are “combination units”, should replacement be necessary (assuming that this particular product is still available) the cost to replace a defective wireless unit will be between 2 and 10 times that of a comparable hardwired device.
6) Batteries – All wireless detection devices rely on batteries and only batteries for their power. These batteries must be replace regularly, adding to your annual cost (typical annual cost is between $50.00 and $100.00, assuming you replace them yourself).
Adaptability – Wireless units rely on “clear air space” between the detection device and the receiver / controller. While the radio signals penetrate walls and floors with relative reliability, other items such as televisions, cabinets, mirrors, etc. can drastically reduce or eliminate the ability for the device to communicate with the control.

Wireless Advantages

1) Ease of Installation - Requires less time to install and can be done by an individual with minimal skills.
2) Removal / Relocation - The units can be easily removed and relocated without any special tools or knowledge. (may not be an advantage if done maliciously, or if temporarily removed and forgotten, because the units will still communicate as if they are installed, even when stored in a box or closet)
3) Cost – The reduced time and skill level needed to complete an installation, may, in some cases, result in a lower installation cost.