Wireless security system: everything you need to know

Struggling to decide which type of home security system is right for you? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our handy guides. Whether you need a complete guide to burglar alarms or want to compare traditional vs modern burglar alarms, we’re in the know. But in this guide, we’re here to focus on the wireless home security system by giving you a rundown of everything you need to know about this smart home security option. 

What is a wireless security system?

Using radio signals, Wi-Fi and cellular connection, cameras and sensors are all connected to a main control panel without the need for wires or cables to run along frames or walls. This type of security system is the most advanced, using smart technology to control alerts and detect triggers. 

How long does it take to install a wireless security system?

Minutes! You can have a wireless home security system set up in no time by simply plugging in a base station and placing sensors around the home. The wireless network does the rest. You don’t have to pay out installation costs for professional engineers, as you can do it yourself in less than an hour. 

Can it come with interactive monitoring?

Yes. With a home security system from SimpliSafe, you can decide which professional monitoring plan best suits you and your home. This means you can rely on a security specialist to be on the other end of the line to check if things are safe if an alarm has been triggered. If you can’t be reached, they can call other keyholders and send out a guard to check over the house. If an incident such as a burglary has been visually verified, the monitoring centre can dispatch emergency services on your behalf. 

How exactly does a wireless alarm system work?

With a wireless home security system, you get a base station or control panel that can connect to a range of sensors using radio signals to communicate with one another. 

With SimpliSafe, the base station is the ‘brains’ of the system. If any of the wirelessly connected sensors are triggered, a siren will sound. Plus, if you have a professional monitoring plan, a signal will be sent through to the alarm receiving centre (ARC) via an inbuilt cellular or Wi-Fi connection. They will then call you and access a home security camera (you can grant them permission to view the SimpliCam via the app or over the phone) to visually verify an intrusion or incident to confirm, then they will request emergency services to be dispatched. 

How much does a wireless security system cost?

The cost for a Wi-Fi alarm system varies depending on the plans you opt for, but based on The Foundation package with premium monitoring included, you can expect to pay from £200. 

What devices can you connect to a wireless security system?

There are so many smart alarm sensors you can connect to a Wi-Fi security system and you can control it through your phone, tablet or computer. With SimpliSafe this includes ones that can detect smoke, to ones that can detect dangerously low temperatures that could cause pipes to burst in a worst case scenario. This means you can get complete home protection, in addition to protection from burglaries. 

Cameras can be connected to a wireless security system, where you and the ARC can watch live footage and use it to visually verify intrusions - this helps to reduce the number of false alarms the police and fire service receive. 

Another bonus of having SimpliSafe’s Pro Premium monitoring is that you can also connect the wireless system to Amazon Alexa, Apple Watch and Google Assistant for smart home integration. 

Is a wireless home security system safe for pets?

Yes. With SimpliSafe, if your pet is under 23kg it shouldn’t accidentally trigger the alarm but in our set-up guide we do have some handy tips for installing the Motion Sensors. However, with intelligent technology that only detects the unique heat signature of humans, pets and other furry family members are usually safe from triggering any alarms. In fact, you can use a smart home security camera connected to your system to monitor them in your absence to keep an eye on them. 

What happens if motion is detected?

Your wireless security system sounds the siren if a sensor is triggered. You can watch what’s happening live via the camera and if signed up to a plan, it will record when motion is detected in 60-second clips. If you have a monitoring plan, you get all the benefits of a security specialist team contacting keyholders, guards and emergency services on your behalf if you are out of reach, can’t come to the phone or are away. They will also stay on the line with you to make sure you are safe. 

Can I set it to a ‘home’ mode?

Yes. You can have a ‘home’ and ‘away’ mode so even when you’re inside but want to protect some inactive rooms or areas, the ‘home’ mode will be perfect for this. You will be alerted if any entry points detect motion, like an open window for example. Find out more about the benefits of home mode here. 

Can a wireless security system link to a mobile?

What’s great about alarm systems like these is that you can access and control them from mobiles, tablets and computers. All you need is the home security company’s app. From the app, you can arm, disarm and check over things with the integrated security cameras, as well as viewing your event timeline. Please note that with SimpliSafe, you need to be signed up to Pro Premium monitoring for full app access. 

What if I need to move house?

This is one of the other brilliant features of a wireless home security system, being able to easily take it with you wherever you need to go, as it is portable. Unlike wired alarm systems, you don’t need to worry about paying out more for reinstallation or the repair of damaged wires and cables. 

What’s the maintenance cost for a wireless home security system?

Once you’ve set up your wireless security system at home - which can be done in less than an hour - you’re good to go. Plus, your SimpliSafe system has a three year warranty. You only need to change batteries every once in a while - the keypad will show you when batteries start to run low so you can always be organised. They typically last 18-24 months in the wireless keypad. Batteries in sensors can last 24-36 months and 12-18 months in the 105dB siren. Then it’s just figuring out which plan is right for you, whether you just want a camera plan or one with monitoring; it’s simple to set up and there are no contracts tying you down. 

So, there you have it - everything you need to know about the smart wireless security system. We really have come a long way with home security - delve into the history of burglar alarm systems to see just how far. If you’re searching around for a new alarm system, also see our comparison of wireless alarm systems vs wired systems to see which is best for you.