How To Protect Your Home With A Wireless Security System
By Alastair Lydeard
Many Hollywood films show the burglar or villain having a rather easy time of breaking into a home. They simply snip the wires leading to the home alarm system, and voila, instant entry. One of the answers to this problem is to have a system without wires -- a wireless security system.

A wireless system is a burglar alarm that does not use wires to transmit messages; instead it uses radio waves to communicate. This leaves the burglar or the intruder clueless, unable to know which wires to cut to deactivate the alarm.

There are two kinds of wireless burglar alarms on the market. The first type is activated when the alarm is tripped, but only the homeowner or neighbors can hear the alarm. This kind of system doesn't make a whole lot of sense if you live in a rural area and are away from home when a break-in occurs. Another kind of wireless security system uses a monitoring device that will communicate a forced entry to a security company. When the alarm is triggered, the security company will check to see if it's a genuine break-in; if it is, they will call immediately to dispatch 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.

Throughout the home, inconspicuous magnetic contacts and switches are attached to doors and windows. These consist of two parts: a magnet on the door or window, and a switch placed on the door jam or window sill. They simply detect movement by noting an increase in the distance between the switch and the magnet, which only occurs if a door or window is opened or forced open. The switch sends a wireless signal to the control panel, which sets off the alarm.

If your home has large spaces such as hallways, you can equip them with a feature of the wireless security system called a body sensor, or motion detector. They use infrared motion or body heat detection to sense someone's presence, and send a signal to the control panel. The panel will determine if the threat meets its standards and if so, will alert the monitoring station or sound the alarm.

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.

A system is a good idea for protection and peace of mind. But for the highest level of security, consider a wireless system as the best choice, because of the enhanced features offered.

Alastair Lydeard loves contributing to several Internet sites, on family web sites and truck parts issues.
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