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How to Protect Your Home with a Wireless Security System

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by Alastair Lydeard

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.

A wireless home security 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 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.

The control panel is the brains of all wireless security systems. It is usually found in the basement or in a closet. The control panel is where all wireless signals are sent from the various motion sensors and magnetic switches placed throughout the home. If a suspicious movement signal or entry is detected, the control panel sounds an alarm, or phones the security company’s monitoring service.

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.

To enter or leave your home, the wireless security system must be deactivated or activated. You simply enter the password on a keypad near the main entrance to your home, making setting the alarm easy to do. Remote control devices also come with some systems, just like car alarms, so that owners can operate some features from a distance. Some systems allow owners to switch lights off or on remotely, giving the appearance of a home that is occupied.

Some wireless security systems also have hidden or wall-mounted cameras, which connect to a video unit and recorder, such as a VCR. When movement is detected, the cameras record the scene onto the VCR. For extra fees, the cameras could also be monitored by staff of the security service.

A home security 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.

About the Author:
Alastair Lydeard writes for various popular web sites, on family web sites and truck parts subjects.