I’m building a new house and back in the day, wired security systems were the norm because wireless options weren’t reliable.
Now, fast forward to today, and my builder doesn’t even have a security or low-voltage wiring guy. Is it still worth going with a wired system, or have wireless setups gotten good enough to trust? What would you do?
Go with a hardwired system for both alarms and cameras. There are plenty of reports of burglars using signal jammers to disable wireless alarms and cameras, which is something to keep in mind.
Wired all the way. It’s more reliable in the long run. If you’re setting up cameras, I’d go with POE+ for power and connectivity.
Wyatt said:
Wired all the way. It’s more reliable in the long run. If you’re setting up cameras, I’d go with POE+ for power and connectivity.
POE for alarm zones? That’s new to me.
Wyatt said:
Wired all the way. It’s more reliable in the long run. If you’re setting up cameras, I’d go with POE+ for power and connectivity.
POE for alarm zones? That’s new to me.
I was thinking about security cameras as part of the overall system. If you run Ethernet to every location where you might want a sensor or camera, you can use it for direct connection or break out the wires for sensors.
@Wyatt
I see what you’re saying. Right now, I’m using wireless cameras and not too worried about jamming since I’ll be covering the whole property.
For the alarm system itself, I know wired sensors usually need heavier gauge wire than networking cables, so I wouldn’t use CAT5 or CAT6 for that. I’ve done wired cameras before, but I’m still debating if I want to go that route this time.
I’m mainly thinking about a security system with fire, police, and medical monitoring. Thanks for the input!
Wired is always going to be more reliable than wireless, and it’s easier to troubleshoot if something goes wrong. Plus, if you’re running Ethernet cables, you can use POE to power your cameras and other devices.
(POE = Power Over Ethernet, meaning you only need one cable for both power and data.)
Go with a hardwired system. You can always add wireless if needed.
Some things I wish I had done when I built my house:
Rather than replying to everyone separately, it looks like wired is still the best choice based on the responses.
For the alarm system, I’ll need heavier gauge wiring than networking cables for the sensors, which seems to be the general consensus. Cameras, I’m less concerned about, since I already use wireless ones and I’m not too worried about jammers. But I like the idea of running CAT6 to possible camera locations in case I want to switch to POE later.
Appreciate all the input. Now I just need to find a contractor in North Carolina who can handle the wiring and install the main panel. If anyone has recommendations, let me know!
Both. Wired for things like streaming, but wireless for convenience with laptops, tablets, and phones.
It depends on what you’re looking for. Wired systems are great for reliability, but you might also want some wireless flexibility.
A system like the Resideo Vista H3 lets you have both wired sensors and newer Pro7 Series wireless sensors, so you get the best of both worlds.
One thing to consider—if a wire gets cut or you remodel later, wired sensors can become an issue. I’ve had plenty of cases where people accidentally cut wires during construction, and the alarm starts blaring.
I personally use an ADT+ Smart Home Security system, which now supports wired sensors. Wireless can also be secure, depending on the protocol used. Look for systems using DECT ULE (ADT), SiX/Pro7 Sensors (Resideo), or PowerG (Qolsys) since they’re encrypted and harder to jam.
Wired is simpler, but wireless has its benefits too. Just depends on what matters most to you.