is there any disadvantage to a wireless system over wired?

Why would any one want a wired system when u can easily install a wireless system? i would think a wired system would be even less reliable!.. r there any advantages to a wired system other than the fact that you don't have to change batteries every 3-5 years? please explain. Ty.

 

Wireless devices are subject to RF interference from our increasingly noisy electronic environment, which is the source of nearly all false trips on wireless systems. In many modern buildings, especially those with metal stud framing (which is becoming more and more common), the building is essentially a Faraday cage, and the range on the transmitters is _far_ shorter than the specs suggest.

The battery issue is obvious, of course; and the transmitters run about 40-90 dollars each (and you need one for each opening, so a large structure with lots of operable windows can add up.) Finally, even the smallest transmitters are relatively bulky, and can be a bear to install on certain styles of windows and doors.

Hardwired devices _rarely_ fail once properly installed. The contacts cost about 5-8 dollars each, and there are many designs to accommodate nearly any style of door or window.

 

My house has 38 downstairs windows and 4 doors. The windows upstairs are 35 ft. up except a couple. The sq footage is approx 6,500. Wireless wouldn't work everywhere I wanted it to. I have since starting switching it over to wired. I don't like wireless to be honest. I have been running the wires for about a month now and am almost done. If you have the time and patience I say go wired over wireless. It is a lot less expensive and there won't be any RF interference to worry about and also you won't have to worry about the range of the devices.

Dave

 

3-5 years on a battery? Not likely. More like 3-5 months on active points.
As others have mentioned, wireless is limited in it's range and subject to any interference it receives.

Wireless is a good option for small, wood frame homes with relatively few sensor points though, and it is easy to install.

 

Depending on the manufacturer, your wireless devices can last up to 20 years. Alkaline based transmitters should last 3-5 years , while lithium based should last 5-8 years. A few of the "long life" lithuim transmitters are rated anywhere from 15 years and up.

If I'm building a house, and I can run wires before the walls are up, it is an absolute no brainer...go hardwire. For those of us who aren't so lucky, wireless is often the way to go...In the cases where the walls are already up, where do you want to spend your time and money?! Yes, RF devices cost more, but you could spend days running wire....

 

Exactly! You have to make a cost vs. benefit calculation. I've had more than a few instances where the correct solution was to use hardwire for several critical points, and wireless for the rest. Sometimes the right answer is a mix.

Seriously, if the cost in labor and things like wall repair will cost as much or more than the wireless transmitter, assuming a decent RF environment, go for the wireless.