Looking for alarm recommendations for a property..

[Anonymous]

One question on the wifi based alarms with a router plugged in to a network port - if the wifi drops out (or for example if the main breaker is turned off in the house), how does it function?

If meaning wireless based alarms like those mentioned from Yale, these don’t work over WiFi using a router. All of the sensor types, e.g. PIR’s, door contacts etc., are battery powered and independently communicate with the main alarm monitoring panel wirelessly. The alarm panel is mains powered but with battery backup. The batteries in the sensors and in the external siren typically last 18-24 months.

Depending on the system, some will plug into a telephone line to call out and alert up to three recipients in the event of the alarm being triggered. You can also dial into the system to set, unset the alarm remotely.

I think somebody mentioned that it’s now possible to plug cameras into these systems and those individual items will probably need to work through a WiFi router.

 

[ph001]

Good replies - thanks. Yeh, I saw the Yale smart home alarm had a control box that wired into a network port, but I get it now that it just means you don't get notification if the power is off to that. The alarm still works.

Looks like a decent bit of kit for home use. I quite like the cameras built into the PIR and also that you can add dedicated 720p cameras etc.

 

[tomscott]

The only issue with the Yale cameras is they dont yet have movement sensors they just document.

Whereas most cameras no will send you a notification if there is any movement in a given area you specify. There isnt really a perfect kit atm. I would like the quality of the Nest cameras with the usability of the Netgear Arlo pro that are compatible with the Yale alarm.

Picking your battles atm none of them do everything. The only way to get sorted it to ensure they are all compatible with Alexa, google home or something like Samsung smart things.

 

[craig3.2]

TBH Alan, I've decided to hardwire it, just ordered a mid range Texecom panel with remote KP, one more thing to add to the list of "to-do's" lol.

Mike

I may be old fashioned but I still believe wired is best. You've got something you can put a Meter on and it also gives you the flexibility to use any12v PIR sensor allowing you to best suit the environment.

Totally agree.
Well seeing those who don't install these professionally advise on wireless,lol.
Only a small part of what I do,given I am an Electrician,etc,but always prefer wired to wireless.

 

[craig3.2]

Just bought the Yale one myself

Smart home view and control kit.

Great piece of kit and super easy to install. Easy to add to a smart home set up with cameras and all controled via Alexa or google home.

If it detects a wireless blocker it will automatically set the alarm off.

The main thing for me after being burgled last year is it just letting you know somethings going on so you can call the police and take action quickly.

An alarm on its own is pointless as to most people it’s an inconvieneince and anoying and they won’t do anything about it.

The wireless kits serve a purpose,mainly the DIY market.
Majority of Electricians and Alarm installers choose wired.

Any decent wired kit allows you to add a Speech and Text dialler,that will phone and or message upto 10 or so numbers that you put into it,example your mobile,parents house,etc etc,which will notify you of an alarm going off.
Just that not many people choose to have a text and speech dialler installed!
As you say,Tom,kind of pointless without,if you want to keep notified