Wireless alarm systems have increased in popularity over the wired systems. This is mainly because wireless alarm systems tend to be cheaper, more portable and don’t require professional installation. Another advantage is that wireless systems can be purchased over the counter in the form of pre-packaged kits together with an instruction manual.
A typical kit will always contain a sounder (siren or bell), a control panel to connect the power supply, a keypad to activate and deactivate the alarm, magnetic door and window sensors and motion detector sensors (often known as Passive Infrared Motion Sensors or PIR sensors). Kits may also include keyfobs for remote control, dummy bells or sirens, spare batteries and cable. These kits are convenient if you don’t have the available budget to use a professional to complete the installation.
However, it is important to note that you do get what you pay for and one size doesn’t necessarily fit all. If you live in a large home you might need more door and window sensors and PIR detectors so the price may be more than previously estimated. Also, with varying price comes varying quality, which may be reflected in terms of features such as battery life or detector sensitivity. Therefore, it is advisable that you think about your requirements and purchase the most expensive wireless alarm system that you can afford.
Some of the cheapest products are available from brands such as Honeywell and Micromark. Honeywell offers an Accenta Mini G4 Kit for £130.99 including a control panel and keypad, a neon external sounder, two magnetic contacts, two PIR detectors and cable. Micromark offers a 23216 Wirefree Burglar Alarm for £117 including the control panel and keypad, a siren with strobe, one door contact sensor, two PIR sensors, one solar powered battery and one keyfob.
Mid-range products are offered by brands such as Yale and Powermax. A Pet Friendly Yale Premium Alarm HSA 6400P kit costs £225. The kit includes a control panel with fitted auto-dialler allowing contact with pre-programmed telephone numbers on activation, a keypad, two PIR detectors which are pet friendly (not activated by pet movement under 26 Kg), two magnetic contacts and two sirens (one working and one dummy). A Powermax Plus kit for a 3 bedroom house costs £255. This kit includes a control panel and keypad, three PIR sensors, 2 magnetic door contacts, 2 keyfobs and one wireless bell box.
High end products are offered by companies such as ADT. A wireless monitored home security solution offered by ADT will cost £449. These kits include a control panel and remote control, three PIR detectors, one door contact, an internal siren, four keyfobs, a decoy bell box with flashing LED and window stickers.
All ADT products are professionally installed and maintained by ADT and this type of system is monitored. This means that an alarm-receiving centre will be contacted if the alarm is activated. You will be expected to pay a monthly fee to the alarm-receiving centre for this service which could be as much as £25 per month.
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