Wireless vs Wired Alarm Systems: Perth Complete Comparison
Choosing between wireless and wired alarm systems impacts installation cost, reliability, and future flexibility. This guide compares both technologies to help Perth property owners make the right decision.
Quick Recommendation
Choose Wireless if: Existing home, rental property, heritage building, want fast installation (1-2 days)
Choose Wired if: New construction, major renovation, maximum reliability priority, no battery maintenance preference
Complete Comparison Table
| Feature | Wireless Systems | Wired Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Time | 1-2 days | 3-5 days |
| Installation Cost | $1,800-$3,500 | $2,200-$4,200 |
| Equipment Cost | 10-15% higher | Lower |
| Wall Damage | Minimal | Moderate (cable routing) |
| Battery Maintenance | Every 2-5 years per sensor | Panel backup only (3-5 years) |
| Signal Reliability | 99.5%+ (modern encrypted) | 99.9%+ |
| Rental Friendly | ✅ Yes (removable) | ❌ No (permanent) |
| Expansion Ease | Very easy (add sensors instantly) | Moderate (requires cable running) |
Wireless Alarm Systems
Advantages
- Fast installation: No cable routing through walls/ceilings (1-2 days vs 3-5 days)
- Clean aesthetics: No visible cables or conduit
- Rental property ideal: Easily removed when moving
- Heritage homes: No drilling through protected walls
- Easy expansion: Add sensors in minutes without running cables
- Power outage protection: Each sensor has built-in battery backup
- Tampering resistance: No external cables to cut
Disadvantages
- Battery replacement: Each sensor needs battery change every 2-5 years ($5-15 per battery)
- Higher equipment cost: Wireless sensors cost 10-15% more than wired
- Potential interference: Rare in modern systems but possible near heavy machinery
- Signal range limits: Typically 100-200m maximum (rarely an issue in homes)
Modern Wireless Technology (2025)
Today's wireless systems use encrypted 868MHz or 433MHz frequency-hopping:
- Ajax: Jeweller protocol, 2km range, 5-7 year battery life
- Dahua ARC: 433MHz encrypted, jam detection
- Bosch AMAX: 868MHz, military-grade encryption
Wired Alarm Systems
Advantages
- No battery maintenance: Sensors powered through cables (only panel backup battery)
- Slightly more reliable: Direct electrical connection = 99.9%+ reliability
- Lower equipment costs: Wired sensors cheaper than wireless equivalents
- Unlimited range: Cable can run hundreds of meters if needed
- No interference possible: Physical connection immune to radio jamming
Disadvantages
- Expensive installation: Labor-intensive cable routing adds $400-800
- Longer installation: 3-5 days for typical home
- Wall damage: Drilling, cable routing creates repair work
- Not rental-friendly: Permanent installation can't be removed
- Difficult expansion: Adding sensors requires running new cables
- Vulnerable to cutting: External cables can be cut by burglars (though rare)
Perth-Specific Considerations
Climate Impact
- Extreme heat: Both systems reliable in 45°C+ Perth summers
- Wireless battery life: Heat can reduce battery life 10-20% (still 2-4 years)
- Coastal homes: Wireless avoids cable corrosion issues
Perth Property Types
- Double-brick homes (common in Perth): Wireless ideal—avoids drilling thick walls
- Tile roofs: Wireless prevents roof tile damage during cable routing
- Asbestos homes (pre-1990): Wireless avoids drilling asbestos walls
Cost Analysis (5-Year Ownership)
Wireless System (Standard Home)
- Initial cost: $2,500 installed
- Battery replacements (Year 3-5): $120-200
- 5-year total: $2,620-$2,700
Wired System (Standard Home)
- Initial cost: $3,200 installed (higher labor)
- Panel backup battery (Year 4): $80-120
- 5-year total: $3,280-$3,320
Result: Wireless systems cost $600-700 LESS over 5 years when installation savings outweigh battery costs.
Hybrid Systems (Best of Both)
Many Perth homes benefit from hybrid approach:
- Wired critical sensors: Front/back doors hardwired for maximum reliability
- Wireless everywhere else: Windows, garage, shed on wireless
- Cost balance: Slightly higher than pure wireless, cheaper than full wired
- Best reliability: Critical points wired, convenience of wireless expansion
Decision Framework
Which System For You?
Choose Wireless If:
- • Living in existing home (not new construction)
- • Renting or may move within 5 years
- • Want installation completed in 1-2 days
- • Heritage/protected building restrictions
- • Budget under $3,000
- • Plan to expand system later
Choose Wired If:
- • Building new home or major renovation
- • Want zero battery maintenance
- • Maximum 99.9%+ reliability essential
- • Commercial property (wired often preferred)
- • Very large property (100+ meters between sensors)
Get Expert Alarm System Recommendation
Great White Security installs both wireless and wired alarm systems across Perth. We'll assess your property and recommend the optimal solution for your situation and budget.