Sep 6, 2011

Wireless Home Security Systems

Wireless monitoring systems offer a relatively easy and inexpensive way to protect your home so when choosing one, make sure that you have all of the features and functions offered by the best wireless home security systems on the market.

Wireless Monitoring Systems

Wireless home alarm systems are an alternative to conventional wired monitoring systems. They typically compromise of multiple wireless sensors that are affixed to various doors and windows in a home or commercial building. The sensors communicate with a base unit that is located within the building. In the event of an emergency, the sensors trigger an alert which is picked up by the base unit and transmitted to a monitoring center, which then contacts police and other first responders. One of the biggest advantages of such systems is that they are easy and convenient to use, and can be self-installed in minutes.

How Good is the Monitoring Center?

A wireless home alarm system is only as good as the monitoring station that’s behind it. The most popular wireless home security systems are always backed by reliable, well-equipped, professionally-staffed monitoring centers. In the event of an emergency, you need to be sure that the alert is being handled by people who know what they are doing and how to respond to an emergency. Well-equipped monitoring centers should have equipment that are certified to Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards, are fully backed-up by failover systems and have redundant power supplies and telecommunications infrastructure.

Does It Offer DIY Installation?

Many wireless home security systems will offer do it yourself installation. Many of the best systems in the market are Plug & Play, and arrive with all of the sensors pre-programmed and ready to work. In most cases, home security systems come with all batteries pre-installed and adhesive strips attached and ready to be mounted. Importantly, the base stations on such systems will be all ready to get into test mode the minute the unit is powered on, meaning that you will be able to test the functionality of your new system in minutes if desired.

Sensor Range is an Important Consideration

The range at which the sensors work is another important consideration when choosing a wireless monitoring system. The latest wireless home security systems have sensors that are capable of operating at ranges of between 400 and 500 feet from the base unit. The sensors should be battery-powered and have audible alerts to notify you when the battery charge is low. The base unit must be capable of supporting at least 10 to 15 wireless sensors, and should be capable of notifying multiple people instantly in an emergency.

Make Sure the Sensor Coverage is Adequate For Your Needs

Another key factor to consider when choosing a wireless monitoring system is the coverage of the wireless motion sensors. Wireless home security systems in the market these days offer sensors that provide full room coverage. Typically, such sensors are capable of detecting motion from up to 30 feet away, and will provide 45 degrees or more of downward coverage and 90 degrees of horizontal protection. You should be able to get as many sensors as you need to protect all doors, windows and other entry points into your home.

Is the System Pet-Friendly?

State-of-the-art sensors are pet-friendly. Your wireless motion detectors should be capable of distinguishing between the movements of a pet and that of a hostile intruder. In many cases, the best sensors are capable of differentiating the movements of a pet 50 pounds or lighter and movements of pets that are close to the floor so as not the generate a false alarm.

Does the System Support Emergency Notification?

Verify if your wireless monitoring system has emergency notification capability. Commonly, wireless home security systems have features that allow you to quickly notify the monitoring center of an emergency should the need for it arise. Many of the top systems on the market offer users small radio transmitting devices that can be attached to a keychain or carried in a pocket. The devices can be used to program the wireless security systems remotely. They typically feature a prominent Panic Button, which, when pressed, immediately notifies the monitoring center of an emergency.

Wireless home security systems these days often offer the same measure of security that conventional wired systems do, so there is little reason not to consider one if you are thinking of having an alarm system installed in your home or business by an alarm company.

Home Security News

Installing a Home Security System?

Did you know that installing a security system is not only a great way to minimize the risk of a break-in or burglary, but it can also lower your home insurance payments? Insurance companies recognize that homes are indeed more secure when they have a home security system installed by one of the top alarm companies.

TopAlarmCompanies.com offers quotes from only the best, most well known business and home security companies. By working with leading providers like FrontPoint, Vivint, GE, Pinnacle, Smith & Wesson, and, of course, the ADT Security Systems Authorized Dealer Program, we can assure you that we are providing quotes from the highest rated security companies in the business.

Not to mention, these six companies use state-of-the-art technology to keep up with the changing market. Features like wireless alarms and touch screen control panels are what consumers want, and these companies offer them along with expert technicians and a skilled customer support staff.

Protect America has been given a five star rating for four years in a row by TopConsumerReviews.com. With their line of affordable home security packages starting at about $30 and free installation, Protect America is offering home security at a price most Americans can afford.

Vivint is one of the most modern, high-tech home security companies. With services that integrate your security system with energy management and home automation, Vivint makes a compelling, "green" option for people that want a top home security company.

ADT Security Systems - ADT is certainly the largest and most well known security provider. Not only do they work with homes and businesses, but their security services are so sophisticated that government agencies also use them.

Protection 1 trails only ADT in the number of customers it has in the US. And, with 60 branch offices, Protection 1 also has locations in nearly every US state, making them a home and business security company that you can even contact in person if need be.

FrontPoint Security touts that their wireless security systems are "virtually undefeatable." The company also notes that it has no hidden fees, all the while providing modern, high-tech home security features like a security app for your smart phone.

Security Networks boasts an A+ Better Business Bureau rating is just one indication of the great customer service they offer. Making use of services like WeatherNet for alerts on dangerous weather, and IDnet for identity protection, Security Networks truly strives to make all aspects of your life more secure, not just your home.