lunk alarm were the standard in the alarm business for a very long time. Wireless systems are the new kids on the block. Often, older alarm systems are hard-wired because that was the only type available. But, now, there are more options for people that need different things from their alarm system.
Hard-wired alarm systems
So what exactly does hard-wired mean in an alarm? Basically, this means that every component of your alarm system is wired to the other components. Every system comes with a panel and a keypad. The panel holds all the system’s data and the keypad controls the system. Hard-wired alarm systems wire these two pieces together. Then, every other component of the alarm system-door/window contacts, motion detectors, etc.-is wired into the panel as well.
Drawbacks of hard-wired alarms
As you can imagine, this process is long and arduous. Technicians may spend days feeding all the wire through your home to connect all of the components on your new alarm system. For some companies, this installation cost can get steep. This process can also be more difficult depending on the type and size of the home. A larger home will, naturally, take more time to wire. A home with several stories or one that has a unique layout will pose more problems for the technicians.
When you purchase a new alarm, often you are not thinking about leaving the home you are in. You sign a contract to monitor your alarm and you are expecting to stay in your house for a while. But life can catch up with you and you may be moving before you expect. Hard-wired alarm systems cannot pack up and go with you. They are a solid part of the home. If you were to find a new home and want an alarm, you would need to start all over.
Benefits of hard-wired alarms
On the other hand, if you were to move into a home with a hard-wired system, it would be incredibly easy to have that system up and running. And the cost to you could be little to nothing, excepting the monitoring contract. Most companies will only have to replace the panel and keypad with their own equipment. Everything else can stay the same.
If you are building a new home, a hard-wired system is still the industry standard. While putting a hard-wired alarm in an existing home is difficult, putting one in a home in the construction phase is much simpler. It is still a time consuming process, but much less so. And overtime, you may appreciate that you system is permanent in your home, especially if this newly built home is where you plan to stay for a while.