Wireless alarms fight back!

What words would a typical security installer use to describe the perfect residential intruder alarm system? Reliable with no call backs? ... Of course. Easy to fit? ... Naturally. Easy to upgrade? ... Yes. Easy for the customer to understand and use? ... Definitely. Wireless? ... Probably not!

Since their inception, wireless alarms have been subject to considerable enhancement. Their benefits, in terms of ease of installation and minimal disruption to the customer, have combined to deliver new opportunities to installers – particularly those who undertake a significant proportion of retrofit work or work in historic or listed properties.

As a supplier to the professional security market, we know that many installers are still fiercely loyal to wired systems although contractors will be aware of the move towards wireless technology with some central heating programmes. What is also evident is that the reasons given for avoiding wireless systems are often misguided and outdated. More importantly, we know, through our own research, that the customer's perceived value of a modern wireless system is far higher than many installers imagine. Even though they are far quicker to install, the installer who charges by the hour can still make a good margin by providing a rapid turnaround with minimal mess and disruption. New technology has not resulted in higher pricing because market forces dictate "more for less" ... as with PCs.

Wire-free of prejudice

Despite the mindset of much of the industry, a growing number of installers are recognising the benefits of wireless systems. Some of the major housebuilders too, such as Beazer, are beginning to specify wireless systems into some of their new developments. We are witnessing a trend towards their increasing use, as myths about unreliability and perceived low value are being dispelled. Wireless alarms now have an established and growing place in the security industry – and here are the reasons why.

Question of quality

The perception of professional wireless systems being of poor quality may still exist in some quarters but is untrue today. The quality of components and technology incorporated within (for example, the products marketed under the Response Professional label) are such that they meet the relevant British and International standards and have undergone the rigorous testing required to achieve the independent DTI and EMC certifications of compliance. They are also fully approved to MPT1340. Response is an ISO assessed company and its products are manufactured in an ISO9001 facility. The company's Professional range is technically superior and offers many features.

Out of a jam

Its jamming detection system is a case in point and also addresses an issue traditionally associated with wireless systems. Although jamming of the radio signal cannot be prevented, BS6799 stipulates that an alarm is triggered after 30 seconds of continuous jamming. The sophistication of one Professional wireless system is now such that it defies the burglar who moves through the premises jamming the system repeatedly for ten seconds or so as he approaches each detector. A built-in microprocessor controlled "count and store" unit adds up the periods of jamming and, once a cumulative 30 seconds is reached within any five minute period, activates the alarm. Not having a cable to trace to the next detector is more perplexing for the burglar and is another benefit of wire free systems! In the early days, interference from taxi ranks was cited as causing a problem to wire free systems and there were problems particularly with poor quality products using cheap components.

No interference

However, the rigorous testing of the higher quality products which meet the European EMC directive ensures these systems cannot be affected and neither will they interfere with any other radio signal. Products with DTI exempt licences also undergo additional independent testing for "interference and immunity" every two years and also have to be retested whenever a product is updated.

Additional wireless system features over and above those found in typical retail wireless systems often include a choice of wiring or wire-free between the control panel and bell box (which gives more flexibility over the siting of the bell box which can be solar powered), and a far higher number of system house codes with which to encrypt the radio signals of an individual system. Some professional systems offer over 2000 combinations.

There is a school of thought that says thick solid walls will affect the radio signal in a wireless system and in rare cases, such as very thick granite walls, and where reinforced concrete may have been used, transmission may be affected. But it may be easily overcome by correct installation techniques.

Where wireless systems really score over their wired-in counterparts must be the ease of installation. There's little or no wiring! (In a part wired system, the installer cables only between the panel and the siren box). That means hardly any disruption to the customer and one huge advantage to emphasise when selling in the high value concept of "the latest high tech system" to a customer.

Surely consumers, given the choice, would opt to not have their floorboards taken up, plaster chased out and holes drilled through walls – especially if they've just decorated! They'll be more easily encouraged to upgrade later too, when they remember just how little dust and inconvenience was caused the first time round! A further benefit for the customer is that he can easily take his investment with him if he moves and upgrade the system to suit a different property.

We know of many installers whose more informed customers have actually specified wirefree systems – especially those who live in listed properties. Even the most careful installer, who prides himself in making good after a wired system installation, often faces problems when having to run wires in, for example, medieval timbered buildings or around thick stonework, period coving or skirting boards. Suppliers of residential security systems have to keep ahead of the sophisticated burglar and, consequently, wireless systems are constantly evolving. Equally the technology is becoming more widely used for everyday household automation and security. Established applications include CCTV, cordless phones, audio visual control, home automation systems and controls for heating systems. Response predicts an inevitable convergence of these applications.For example, security and home automation already combine to increase the deterrent factor by switching on lights when an alarm is activated.

Keep an open mind

CCTV camera pictures can already be transmitted, without wires, to the TV or PC. Alarm systems can be integrated into highly featured telephones. Household appliances can be controlled by any standard telephone ... remotely! We believe the future for wireless alarms will be a highly profitable one, especially where minimal disruption and speed of installation are paramount.

It's time for installers to take a new look at these products, to start believing in the technology and to enjoy the opportunities they will bring.