Best of Hard-wired Security and Surveillance Systems

Hard-wired security and surveillance systems use wires installed inside the
walls, attics, crawl spaces, and underground to connect the sensors to a cen-
tral controller. Surveillance cameras or microphones are also wired to speak-
ers, video switchers, and video display monitors. A hard-wired system design
normally uses power from the home AC power wiring as the primary source.
A rechargeable battery pack is used by the controller for backup during
power outages. The main components of a hard-wired system are similar to
a wireless system but without the radio receiver and transmitter components.
They include a central control panel, sensors, one or more keypads, motion 

detectors, smoke and fire sensors, cameras, camera switchers, video displays,
and sirens. The advantages for a hard-wired security system are :

➤ Hard-wired security systems are considered by most contractors to be
more reliable than wireless systems.
➤ Hard-wired systems are usually installed by a professional security sys-
tem contractor with warranties and maintenance support.
➤ Hard-wired systems avoid the problem of EMI and radio range limita-
tions inherent in some wireless security systems.
➤ The hard-wired components are usually less visible and more aestheti-
cally pleasing than wireless components.
➤ Hard-wired systems do not depend on batteries except for power failure
backup protection.
The disadvantages of a hard-wired security system are
➤ Hard-wired systems are more expensive than wireless systems.
➤ Hard-wired systems are usually leased from the company that installs
the system. Unlike a wireless system, the hard-wired system remains an
integral part of the home. The components are not capable of being
moved to another home when the owner relocates.
➤ Problems can arise in the installation of sensors in existing homes where
some areas are not accessible for pulling wires inside the walls.