Are wired or wireless alarms
safer for you?
Could your premises be the next target for thieves?
According to government stats, around 40,000 businesses across the UK suffered burglaries between April 2020 and March 2021.
Intruder alarm systems are essential to home and workplace security; if your property doesn’t have one, you could be joining those statistics very soon.
But choosing the right security system in the first place can be a challenge. Let’s compare the pros and cons of a traditional hardwired alarm system versus a modern wireless alarm system.
First, let’s cover what we mean by ‘wired’ and ‘wireless’…
What’s the difference between wired security systems and wireless security systems?
In the UK, ‘wireless’ usually refers to systems where the motion sensors, cameras and other detection components connect to the central control panel via a radio signal.
These components often rely on battery power, whereas a wired system will typically draw power from the mains supply.
Some commercial intruder systems will also offer remote monitoring via the alarm brand’s ‘alarm receiving centre’ (or ARC). If a break-in occurs, the monitoring staff will be able to respond rapidly to the situation.
The way your alarm system connects to the ARC can also be wired or wireless. The former connects to the landline at your premises via Ethernet cables, while the latter connects via wifi or a private cellular connection.
Many modern alarm systems offer a hybrid solution; connecting to the ARC primarily via Ethernet, but with a wireless connection as a backup.
Advantages of wireless security systems
Wireless systems require less physical setup
As the name suggests, wired alarm systems require a lot of cable runs, which – depending on your requirements – may need to be routed through walls, floors or ceilings.
Naturally, this makes the installation process much slower and more expensive. You’ll likely need to hire a professional installer to set it all up, and it could take several days to complete the job for larger company premises.
And longer installation potentially means more disruption to your business; eating into your company’s profits.
With a wireless system, all the components can be mounted and connected to the central alarm system in a matter of hours. You’ll likely be able to do it yourself, too; which means you’ll avoid spending out on installation fees.
Wireless systems are more adaptable
More wires not only means more work at the installation phase, but more hassle if you need to rearrange or expand your security setup in the future.
Even if you’re simply looking to add a single new sensor into your existing system, you might end up having to install a whole new cable run just to connect it.
With wireless alarm systems, it’s simply a matter of mounting the new sensor and connecting it to your system digitally. If your work premises are particularly big, you might need to install a signal booster; but this is a relatively simple process too.
Wireless systems are more ‘portable’
What happens to your alarm system if your business needs to relocate?
If it’s a wired system, removing it from your current premises and reinstalling it at the new premises will be a challenge. You might end up having to abandon your existing alarm system investment, and pay for a whole new system for your new premises.
By contrast, most wireless alarm systems can be relocated with ease. In most cases, you can simply remove the panel and sensors from your walls and simply put them up again in the new property – no stress involved.
Advantages of wired security systems
Wired systems are more reliable (but today’s wireless systems aren’t bad either)
We’ve spoken before on the JC Electrical UK blog on how wired Ethernet offers a more reliable connection versus wifi.
It’s the same case here. Wired security systems are simply less susceptible to interference from nearby devices and walls.
In practice, though, modern wireless alarm systems are about as reliable as a wired system. Just make sure you keep your system maintained and up to date with the latest firmware from the manufacturer.
Wired systems are cheaper to run (and won’t stop working due to flat batteries)
If your intruder alarm’s components rely on wireless power, you’ll need to replace the batteries in the sensors every year or two; the costs of which can quickly add up across a large commercial space with several sensors.
Meanwhile, the battery in your alarm’s control panel will likely need replacing every four years or so. These typically use more specialised battery packs than the sensors.
You’ll be alerted if any batteries in your system are due to run out; but of course if you forget to replace them, it does leave your system vulnerable to failures.
Wired sensors don’t need sensor battery replacements; but wired alarm systems still often have backup battery systems that will need replacing every four years or so. (It’s also worth noting that many security brands will offer battery replacements as part of their maintenance programmes.)
Wired security systems are (theoretically) less vulnerable to hacking
For many business owners, the fear of getting their alarms shut off or falsely triggered by remote hackers – or those hackers gaining access to their CCTV feeds – is enough to persuade them to steer clear of wireless security systems and alarms.
Now, it’s technically true that a wireless system can be hacked; but is it likely?
For starters, many modern systems are designed with encrypted sensors to resist hacking attempts, and you can further prevent vulnerabilities by following good digital security practices across your company (including regularly changing passwords) and staying vigilant for any signs of manufacturing equipment.
You also have to remember that most burglary attempts are carried out by opportunistic burglars; not by mastermind criminals who have the cybersecurity knowledge, skills and equipment to carry out a successful hack.
Still, if you’re not comfortable taking the risk, a wired intruder alarm is less vulnerable to hacking attempts.
Which one is right for you?
That’s the pros and cons weighed up; but ultimately, the right alarm system for you depends squarely on the specifics of your requirements.
You’ll need to consider your space and layout, the general day-to-day activities, the equipment and/or stock you’re looking to protect, your insurance needs and your budget.
It’s best to speak to a specialist – like JC Electrical UK’s team of alarm and home security installers in Greater London – to go through your options and find the right system setup for your requirements.
Click here to find out more about our alarm installation services, or call JC Electrical UK on 0208 839 9561 for advice today.
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