How to Protect Your Home with a Wireless Security System

The villians in many horror films have it easy. They just snip the wires leading to a telephone or home alarm system, and the system is rendered useless. Scary enough, but it is even scarier to think this could be true of your home as well. The answer is to protect your family and home against break-ins with a wireless security system.

These wireless burglar alarms use radio waves to communicate with other components instead of using wires. The potential burglar cannot figure out how to cut wires to disable the system, so gives up.

There are two basic types of wireless burglar alarms available today. The first kind is activated by an intruder, but the alarm is only audible to the homeowner and nearby neighbors. These systems are less useful if you live in a rural area, and are not home when the break-in takes place. The second kind of wireless security system includes a monitor that will detect a forced entry, and then communicate that fact to a security company. The company staff will confirm whether it is a genuine break-in, and if so, will immediately call the local police.

All wireless security systems include a control panel. This is the "brains" of the system, usually located in a closet or in the basement. The control panel receives all wireless communications that are sent by magnetic switches and motion sensors located throughout the house. If a suspicious entry or movement signal is received, the control panel will sound the alarm or dial the security company's central monitoring system.

Small, inconspicuous magnetic contacts are attached to windows and doors. They include two parts, a magnet that is placed on the window or door, and a switch that is placed inside the door jam or window sill. They work very simply: if the distance between the switch and the magnet increases, which would happen if the door or window were forced open, a signal is sent to the control panel, which sounds the alarm.

Large open spaces such as hallways can be equipped with wireless body sensors or motion detectors. Infrared motion or body heat changes are detected and a signal is sent to the main control panel. The panel gauges whether the movement is a person, and then sounds the alarm or alerts the monitoring station staff.

Each wireless security system includes a keypad, which homeowners use to turn the system on or off. Normally, keypads are installed beside the main entry door, so that it is convenient to arm the alarm when leaving, or to deactivate it when returning home. Some systems also include remote devices, similar to a car alarm, which can operate several features. Homeowners can also switch lights on or off from a distance using the remote controller, to give the illusion that the home is occupied.

Some wireless security systems also come with cameras, which can be all mounted or hidden. The cameras connect to a control panel and a recording device, such as a VCR. If an intruder is detected, the cameras record the home scene automatically. Some packages also include camera monitoring by security staff at the alarm system company.

If you've decided to invest in the peace of mind and security of a home security system, be sure to consider the added advantages of a wireless system. The advanced features and stronger security may make it your best choice.

Article Source: http://www.articles.ask-me-about.com

Alastair Lydeard is a columnist for several Internet sites, on home security systems and wholesale truck part issues.
Feel free to grab a unique version of this article from the Uber wireless alarm systems article directory