Wireless burglar alarm - any good?

jamtart6

Hi All,
Have zero experience with alarms, but we're renovating our new house, so need a new alarm as the old one must have been fitted when the dinosaurs were around

I have heard about wireless alarms. Anyone got any experience of these compared to wired ones? cost differences? Pros/Cons etc.

Mess isn't really a factor as all the floorboards are coming up for the heating so wires could be hidden underneath there.

I have no clue so any advice is much appreciated:T:A

diable

All I know is that you need to replace the batteries on a regular basis, if you can wire the sensors in then do that a once they are in you can forget about them.

jamtart6

thanks for the info diable.

im always loathed to ask professionals for info as im never sure if they are flogging me something i dont need!

27col

I have had a Wickes Wireless Alarm which I fitted at least 15 years ago. It works perfectly ok. You have to replace the batteries in the sensors a couple of times a year. This is quite easy to do. The system flashes red lights when the batteries need replacing.

johnoz

We have a completely wireless system installed about 12 years ago. Main alarm is solar powered, PIR detectors and door sensors all wireless, need to change the batteries only once a year or so.

So simply, no wiring, easy to fit yourself. I would strongly recommend them; several manufacturers exist.

Only one little niggle - our house insurance offered a discount if we had an alarm fitted, but only if we could show a certificate of professional installation! No such thing when DIY, of course.

jamtart6

thanks for the info. I think we are going to get a wireless one to save hassles. OH's friend is a spark so he could actually fit it for us....

Mutton_Geoff

our house insurance offered a discount if we had an alarm fitted

Even if you've got a professionally installed monitored alarm, I wouldn't take this discount. The day you "just pop next door" and forget to set the alarm, you won't be covered.

To answer original post, if the floor is up, I would install a wired system. It's easy DIY and you know the weak points in your house so you can tailor the alarm to cover those areas. Many people say "my shed bought wireless system has worked well" when what they mean is they haven't had an attempted burglary or (m)any false alarm(s). The only time an alarm is going to be truly tested is when there is a proper attempt at access. Thankfully those are extremely rare in most areas.

My opinion is that people who vote for their cheap wireless systems may just as well have a dummy box for the guaranteed protection a cheap wireless system offers as 90% of the effect of any alarm system is deterrent.

latecomer

Quick question, how do you get the window sensors wired in without having to cut channels down the walls. I know when my folks have theirs installed the walls were not chased or at least not that I remember. Do you use the cavity and if so any advice on the best way to do it?

sorry to jump on your post jamtart

jamtart6

Mutton_Geoff wrote: »

My opinion is that people who vote for their cheap wireless systems may just as well have a dummy box for the guaranteed protection a cheap wireless system offers as 90% of the effect of any alarm system is deterrent.

Hi Mutton, Why are they only 90% as effective? Not being pedantic, I'm genuinely interested.

Latecomer - hijack away

diable

latecomer wrote: »

Quick question, how do you get the window sensors wired in without having to cut channels down the walls. I know when my folks have theirs installed the walls were not chased or at least not that I remember. Do you use the cavity and if so any advice on the best way to do it?

sorry to jump on your post jamtart

I think the idea is just to have zone'd motion/heat sensors wired in. I might be wrong though ;o))