Wired or Wireless Alarm System for Home

S

Spizz

n3wb
Jun 27, 2018
27
7
Australia
I've been looking at some Dahua and Hikvision products on their alarm systems.

Are the wireless systems good?
Obviously in terms of installation the wireless would be better, however would the wireless be of interference with other wireless devices in the home causing problems? Router, Phones, etc?
Can either of them also be controlled or any sort of mobile phone control?
Can a trip sensors (window/door wireless sensors) be programmed to work with a wired system?

Keen to hear what some options are out there and recommendation from you guys :)
 
You know, wires are always best. That said, zwave wireless sensors are decent and they won't have or cause issues with wifi since they run 900mhz. If you go this route, look in to implementing your own system+hub with hassio, openhab, or similar on an rpi. I use hassio+nodered on an rpi with a nortek zwave+zigbee adapter (I also use some zigbee stuff) and it works great. Kind of more so a smart home system, but has all the nuts/bolts needed to build security with it too.

One of the underestimated benefits of zwave alarm sensors is you can buy zwave proximity light switches to spread around the house and use them not only to turn lights on for you... the pir sensors they contain can also be used as alarm triggers. You may need pet friendly pir's or more depending on your situation, but this is a great option for folks without pets.

Another nice thing is zwave controlled lighting can flash on the outside of your house when the alarm goes off... attracting major attention to your home vs just a siren.

A big downside with wireless is battery maintenance. Do consider this when buying parts. Some last longer than others.

Some will mention sensors loosing signal as an issue. This does happen, but often is caused by user error (not realizing they need to add repeater devices like switches and plugs to expand coverage beyond the main server radio). Most DIY types will enjoy the fact that they 'have to buy' more zwave switches to get all the sensors working well... easy sell to the wife. ;)
 
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Spizz said:
Thanks for the reply.

I think a wired system is something I'd like to go for.

Any suggestion on which one to look for?
Click to expand...
There are good wireless alarm systems. You are going to have a hard time neatly hardwiring an existing structure. Your best bet might be a hybrid system. There are a number of threads discussing these. Batteries on sensors typically last 3 years. Go with a known brand that makes these. Avoid hik and dahua alarms. There are a number of threads discussing these.
 
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