Wired vs wireless security systems for your rental property

Good features in your property can help you attract great tenants. Many people feel more secure with a security system in their home. So, if you’re thinking about installing a security system in your rental property, is a wireless or wired security system better?

Firstly, it’s best to define what we mean by “Security System”. A security system consists of electronic devices working together to protect your home or office premises. Primarily, it consists of cameras, motion sensors, sirens, alarms, smoke detectors, etc.

There are two types of security systems – wired security systems and wireless security systems. In today’s article, we will tell you the difference between wired and wireless security systems, and how to choose the right system for your rental property.

Wired Security Systems

A wired security system consists of electric lines or wires, which connect each device of the security system. This type of security system can monitor both homes and offices. A wired security system connects detectors and sensors to the alarm control panel or central processing unit “CPU” through copper wires.

A hardwired security system can be beneficial in large buildings or apartments. In larger spaces, long distances between control panels and sensors can make wireless security systems impractical. In a wired security system, the wiring between the CPU or control panel and devices such as cameras and alarms remain intact, they interface easily.

Pros And Cons Of A Wired Security System

When it comes to the pros, first, it is extremely difficult to hack a wired security system. A hacker must connect to it physically to access the system. Since hacking is very common these days, if you have a wired security system installed, you’ll be very safe from hacking.

A wired security system is useful for large spaces. For instance, you can have one security system operating with a single control panel – spanning between multiple properties or buildings. In this sense, a wired system can handle more cameras, sensors, alarms compared to a wireless security system. Likewise, you can install multiple control panels, HD surveillance cameras, alarm systems – all connected through wires. You won’t have to worry about weak connections, which is common with wireless security systems.

On the other hand, talking about the cons the wired systems, the biggest one would be the cost of installation. You can’t simply install the system as a DIY project. You have to hire a professional security installation contractor. The process requires drilling holes, connecting sensors, and wires inside ceilings or walls. However, if you are building a new property, it makes sense to install a wired system before the lining goes on the walls. This makes it far easier for the installer to run the wires throughout the house and decreases the cost of installation.

Cheaper wired systems will require you to operate the system from one control panel in a single location. However, higher-end modern systems often have app integration where you can control your wired system devices from your phone – such as cameras, sensors, keypads, and alarms.

Wireless Security System

A wireless security system includes cameras, sensors, alarms – which are connected through Wi-Fi or radio frequency technology. As the name indicates, this type of security system does not use any wires.

There are many types of wireless security systems and it is the type of equipment that differentiates them. A simple wireless home security system has a Wi-Fi control panel, alarm monitoring, sensors, and sirens. More advanced wireless security systems offer many possibilities such as accessing the devices through smartphone apps, receiving notifications, as well as online access to control and monitor the system’s devices from a remote location.

Pros And Cons Of A Wireless Security System

This type of system offers quick installation. There is no need for complicated wires and drilling holes. So, if you have the basic knowledge, you may be able to carry out the installation process as a simple DIY project. You can easily move the system from one place to another. You can even modify or upgrade the system – for instance, if you want to add more sensors and cameras.

Remote access to the wireless unit is one of the biggest perks. You can, for example, turn on and off your cameras, alarms, sensors, etc. Unlike a wired security system, it would be fairly easier to hack a wireless system. Since a simple home security system operates on Wi-Fi, a hacker can penetrate and turn off the system using your password. Thus, there are chances of breaking in the house or office. Modern burglars are experts in hacking wireless security systems. So, this is a certain disadvantage.

Another problem with this type of system is the limited distance it offers to control your devices. So, these systems are best for small spaces such as small-to-medium sized homes. They are not suitable for large spaces.

So, which type of security system should I choose for my rental property?

Wrapping up, choosing a security system depends on how big or small the house is, how many sensors you need and whether or not you are retrofitting or able to install while the house if being built.

If dealing with a retrofit situation, most landlords will probably prefer installing a simple wired system in their rental property with motion sensors but without cameras, etc. If you want to go with a wireless system, make sure you are confident about setting up strong encryption methods and complex passwords, which will be difficult to hack, and changing the passwords whenever tenants move out.