| This article covers the operation and design of Wireless Intruder Alarm Systems.
About Wireless Alarm Systems
Wireless (also termed Radio, Wirefree, RF) intruder alarm systems communicate between the various devices using radio signals. The major advantage of wireless systems is in the ease and neatness of their installation.
Wireless alarm systems utilise two main frequency bands - 433MHz and 868MHz. The newer 868Mhz band is a narrowband frequency reserved for Intruder Alarm Systems and is not over-crowded. As such, the current systems by Scantronic, Visonic and Texecom, all operate on the 868MHz frequency.
If you have searched the web for wireless alarms, you may have seen wireless systems at very low prices which appear to offer a host of features. Our advice is to be wary of such systems - they are usually cheap imports, are not supervised (i.e. they do not have two-way communication between the devices) and can often operate on unregulated frequencies. The wireless alarm systems we sell are designed for the UK market and meet current standards (BS6799 Class 5).
FAQs
The following questions are commonly asked. If you have further questions then please email, phone 01744757657, or post to the Forum.
Q. What is the range of the wireless signal?
Most manufacturers quote a range of around 100m for Control Panel (receiver) to Detector (transmitter). This figure is a line-of-sight value and is reduced by walls and other obstructions. Under normal circumstances, a range of around 50m is achievable, which is usually more than enough for small commercial and domestic properties. NB: wireless devices should NOT be sited near large metal objects.
Q. What is the battery life of the battery powered devices?
Manufacturers usually quote 3 years before the battery needs replacing. However, to be on the safe side we would expect the batteries to last 2 years. Also note that on supervised systems the control panel will report a low battery signal before the battery becomes totally exhausted. Note; all wireless control panels are mains powered with a rechargeable back-up battery.
Q. Can the wireless signals be 'Jammed'?
In theory any wireless signal can be 'Jammed', however, systems conforming to BS6799 Class 5 and above incorporate ant-jamming technology.
Q. Will my mobile phone or WiFi radio signals interfere with the wireless alarm?
No, the frequencies used are totally different.
Q. Can I use equipment from different manufacturers on the same frequency?
No, even though the same frequency is used, the codes sent from transmitter to receiver are different. Note that Scantronic and Menvier are part of the same company - Coopers
Q. What Security Grade are wireless burglar alarms?
The equipment we sell is Grade 2 (see 'security Grades'). Wireless alarm systems cannot exceed Grade 2
Q. Can I fit a hard-wired sounder to a wireless control panel?
In the majority of cases a hard-wired sounder can be fitted instead of, or in addition to, a completely wireless sounder. Totally wireless sounders are battery powered with a battery life of approximately 2 years (dependent on usage); as a result many installers prefer to install a hard-wired sounder which is powerd from the control panel. We sell the Powermax Quick fit kit with or without the wireless sounder.
Wireless Alarm System Design
As with all burglar alarms, there are three main components. The difference with wireless systems is that all the devices in the system must be from the same manufacturer and on the same frequency. This somewhat limits the devices that can be used in the system - compared to hard-wired systems in which any hard-wired control panel can be connected to any hard-wired sounder and any hard-wired detectors. As a result it is often better with wireless systems to purchase a basic kit such as the Visonic Powermax systems.
The basic alarm system design principles apply - i.e. the following comprise an alarm system.
- A control Panel
- One or more detectors
- One or more signalling devices - usually an external sounder
However, now when choosing the equipment we must choose from the same manufacturer and frequency. The wireless systems are grouped in this way. For example, if you decide to go with the Powermax system, then selecting Powermax Plus or Powermax Pro from the left-hand menu will bring a listing of the compatible products. You can then choose which devices to use.
Related Articles
Which System - The types of intruder alarms and their advantages/disadvantages.
Designing A Hard-wired Intruder Alarm System - this article is full of information about hard-wired systems and also allows you to produce a 'Wishlist'.
Designing A Wireless Intruder Alarm System
Designing A Hybrid Intruder Alarm System
How Alarms Work
About Alarm Systems
How to Design Your Alarm System
Alarm System Design Examples
See also the How To... section of our site.
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