Northwest Residential Alarms 
Idaho's Premier Installers of Electronic Security Systems and Your Partner in Family Protection. Serving Boise, Nampa, Eagle, Meridian, Caldwell and the rest of the Treasure Valley of Idaho with pride!
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Idaho's Premier Installers of Electronic Security Systems and Your Partner in Family Protection. Serving Boise, Nampa, Eagle, Meridian, Caldwell and the rest of the Treasure Valley of Idaho with pride!
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Why Northwest Residential Alarms? Our Promise to You, the Homeowner Wireless vs. Hardwired Alarms and Hybrids Information for System Users and Owners |
Real Security For The Real World Hardwired and Wireless Security Systems By N orthwest Residential Alarms
Wireless vs. Hardwired Have you ever been approached by an alarm company offering to "install" their security system in your home for only a couple of hundred bucks, often times even less, and all you have to do is agree to a lengthy monitoring contract, usually in the neighborhood of $40 per month? Read on.... Back in the 1980's, some enterprising companies saw the potential for a new market in security. The integration of wireless transmitters and alarm systems was aimed squarely at renters and condominium owners. These were fairly inexpensive systems to produce and easy install. The control panel, sounding device, dialer, and keyboard were on an all-in-one panel that could quickly and easily be installed in an easy to access spot, such as the kitchen. Two, battery operated, wireless door contacts were included, one for the front door, and one for the back. Many of these systems also included one battery operated motion detector. And more than two decades later, they have become a mainstay in the alarm industry. So what's the difference? A hardwired system in an existing home (a "retrofit") is usually more expensive for the initial installation due to the extensive and specialized labor involved, but in a preconstruction installation, a Northwest Residential Alarms system is remarkably inexpensive. Either way, in the long run, a hardwired system has many advantages. It becomes a permanent fixture within your home's construction, adding long term value and top grade security. A Northwest installed hardwired system is virtually invisible to the homeowner, with few, if any, visible wires or door and window contacts. All wiring becomes an integral part of your home. The main system receives it power from a standard home outlet, all contact points and accessories receive their power from the main system. The only battery in your entire security system is in the form of an uninterrupted back up power supply, much like one you may find with some computer systems.
A wireless system does have a few of it's own advantages also. Initial cost for a retrofitted home is usually substantially less, or at least it should be, due to a drastic decrease in the amount of labor involved. While a hardwired system is labor intensive, using very specialized methods when done properly, a wireless system can be quickly and easily installed by anyone who can use a screwdriver. It is also a portable system that can be taken with you when you move. Wireless gets it's name from the manner in communication between the system's contact points, it's accessories, and the main control board. Instead of small gauge wire carrying signals, each contact point transmits a continuous signal to the control panel by a built-in radio frequency. Each individual door or window contact has its own transmitter. The main control panel is powered by your home's AC current, but the accompanying contacts and accessories are battery powered, each with it's own individual battery. Un fortunately, some degree of security is forsaken with a wireless system, which does have some inherent weaknesses. But in cases where a very basic security system is all that is needed, a higher quality wireless system (if you ensure your batteries are maintained), is many times all that is needed to encourage the bad guys to search for easier prey. Wireless systems of today have become so simple to install, that virtually anyone who can follow basic instructions can install them themselves. A third choice is a Hybrid system. This system consists of a hardwired control panel and separate keypad with a mixture of wired and wireless components. Oftentimes a hybrid is the very best of both worlds when installed in an existing home. Eliminating most of the inherent weaknesses of a fully wireless system, yet keeping much of the economy. If you are building your own home, or you're a home builder by trade, a fully hardwired system from Northwest Residential is absolutely the very best choice. In terms of cost, reliability and service, no other system or company even comes close!
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Contractors and Builders CLICK HERE for current pricing Our Systems, Simply the Finest Hardware Available! Switch your alarm service to Northwest! Security System Monitoring, Your 24 Hour Help-Line |
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Manufacturers - DSC, Paradox, George Risk, Flair Electronics, GE Security |
