Rating Wireless Home Security Systems

Choose Wisely When Rating Wireless Home Security Systems

When purchasing a wireless home security system, it can be hard to compare products quoted by different home security suppliers. Knowing what questions to ask about wireless home security helps a homeowner gain confidence when buying.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Paper

Instructions

1. 

   Examine system coverage. If the security system quoted includes two glass break detectors but your home has 15 ground floor windows, there will either be gaps in security or the homeowner will need to spend more.

2. 

   Consider battery and radio backup for home security systems. Determine if the quoted home security system will operate during a power outage or when phone lines are down. Battery backup and radio transmitters can protect your home in any situation. Buyers should also enquire about replacement battery costs for wireless security components. Tamper-proof security components may require an expensive service call for battery replacement.

3. 

   Certain components of a wireless alarm system may be hard-wired. Wireless smoke alarms, glass breaks and motion detectors communicate with either a wireless or hard-wired keypad. Keypads must have a power source and phone connection. Many battery-operated keypads that come free with a service contract are installed near a phone jack with the connecting phone cord exposed. Other keypad models plug into a power outlet. These installation methods give easy access for a quick burglar to disable an alarm. Proper installation requires keypad transmission to a receiver in an inconspicuous location. Ideally, this component is hard-wired to the phone line.

4. 

   Ask about monthly fees for system monitoring. Determine call center policy when no one answers the home phone during an alarm. Some centers dispatch immediately, others try alternate phone numbers and some will not dispatch without owner confirmation. This can use valuable time in a true emergency. Ask if the owner is charged extra for dispatch by either the monitoring service or local first responders. Inquire about penalties for false alarms. Security monitoring contracts are pointless when local police have a policy of not reponding to home security alarms without owner confirmation.

5. 

   Examine system components for high quality and good functionality. Wireless motion detectors that give repeated false alarms from pets and moving tree limbs are no use at all as the owner will eventually bypass the offending sector. Wireless smoke detectors that can not detect smouldering fires are not much protection compared to higher quality models. Installation technique also matters. Smoke detectors installed at the peak of a vaulted ceiling won't sound the alarm in time. Motion detectors improperly set won't "see" the full coverage area.

6. 

   Request that the quoted home security system include an exterior siren or strobe light. Home security systems are most effective when an intruder knows that neighbors are hearing and seeing the alarm.

7. 

   Homeowners in older homes might consider adding bells and whistles such as water detection systems Security system installers place these alarms at the base of fixtures such as sinks, toilets, water heaters, and dishwashers. If there is a flood from a broken pipe, the system notifies the monitoring center and shuts off water to the house. his can save a homeowner from thousands of dollars in water damage.

Tips & Warnings

• Homeowners should inspect the house with a potential installer to ensure that all secure concerns are covered by the wireless alarm system. Buyers should be careful not to purchase more security than they really need to cover fire and burglary emergencies.

• Buyers should avoid wireless home security systems easily disabled by disconnecting an easily accessible phone line or receiver power source.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish