Hard-wired or Wireless Debate

There is an abundance of opinions on whether hard wired security is better than wireless.  Well, the truth is that there are differences and mainly, your preference will depend on your pain.  All of these devices have their place.  In many cases and where possible, hardwired devices have some rather nice features.  Many of them can be embedded, which is to say, not seen- aesthetically pleasing.  You won't have to replace batteries in the hard wired device, and in general, they cost less- though, done by a reputable company, the labor charge will eat up your savings.  There are places, however, that are more condusive to wireless components.

Here's a rather fundamental mistake that some alarm installers and sales people make.  Double hung windows open from both the top and the bottom- hence the name "double-hung."  This means that both the upper pane of glass and the lower pane will have to have a sensor, unless you deploy a wireless sensor.  With the wireless sensor, the transmitter can be attached to one pane and the magnet to the other pane.  Another thing about todays windows...many are not well built, at least from a security perspective.  The locking mechanisms are screwed into vinyl or plastic without much substance to really anchor them in place.  Finally, when you screw a contact sensor onto the window, you are likely to destroy the seal on the window, if not void the warranty on it.

A well designed alarm system will probably be a hybrid of sorts...hardwired where possible, wireless where labor is too intensive or the sensor might cause more harm than good.

Of course all opinions and suggestions manumitted here are subject to your own better idea. I'm not proud.