Alarms – pros & cons – wired vs wireless

Wired vs Wireless Alarm Systems

Wired Alarm Systems

Pros:

Cons:

• Installation is invasive and labour-intensive (cabling must be routed).
• Harder to relocate.

Best Used:

• New builds (can run cables during construction).
• Commercial or industrial sites.
• Homes with easy access to roof/ceiling for cabling.

Wireless Alarm Systems

Pros:

• Easier and faster to install.
• Modern systems (like AJAX or Paradox) are highly reliable.
• Can be relocated if you move.
• Stylish and minimalistic (especially Ajax).

Cons:

• Battery-powered devices require maintenance.
• More expensive upfront per device.
• Susceptible to interference if not encrypted.

Best Used:

• Existing homes or rental properties.
• Small businesses or outbuildings (e.g., garages, garden cottages).
• When aesthetic and quick installation matter.
• Indoor Passives vs Outdoor Beams
• Indoor Passive Infrared (PIR) Sensors
• Detect motion via infrared heat (body temperature).
• Commonly installed in rooms, passages, and garages.
• Low cost, effective indoors.

Use Case:

• Inside residential or office spaces.
• As a second layer of defense after outdoor detection.
• Outdoor Beams
• Usually use active infrared (AIR) or microwave technology.
• Detect movement or heat outside, before a break-in happens.
• Typically weather- and animal-resistant.

Types:

• Point-to-point beams: Send a signal between a transmitter and receiver (straight line).
• Strip (curtain) beams: Create a vertical or horizontal detection curtain across an area.
• Strip Beams vs Point-to-Point Beams
• Point-to-Point Beams

Use When:

• Protecting perimeter fences or driveways.
• Need to cover long straight distances (up to 100m+).

Pros:

• Accurate detection.
• Less prone to false alarms when set up properly.
• Cons:
• Line of sight required.
• Can be triggered by pets, trees, or fog if not properly aligned.
• Strip or Curtain Beams

Use When:

• You want a “wall of detection” across windows, patios, or corridors.
• Vertical or horizontal applications (e.g., under roof eaves).

Pros:

• More coverage in a smaller space.
• Ideal for building facades and entrances.

Cons:

• Shorter range than point-to-point.
• May require more precise alignment or multiple units.

Paradox, Ajax, Optex Beams — Comparison

Paradox Beams

• Good balance between price and performance.
• Ideal for integration with Paradox alarm panels.
• Reliable wired and wireless options (MG series, NV780MR).
• Best For: Users already using Paradox systems.

Ajax Beams

• Modern, sleek, fully wireless.
• Encrypted communication.
• Easy app-based control and battery life up to 5–7 years.
• Examples: MotionProtect Outdoor, DualCurtain Outdoor.
• Best For: Stylish, modern homes. High-tech users.

Optex Beams

• Industry-leading outdoor sensor technology.
• Works with many brands (including Paradox, Ajax via integration modules).
• Known for stability, pet immunity, and harsh weather resistance.