Both wireless and wired fire alarms are used for strengthening security systems, whether it's residential or commercial property. However, wireless vs. wired fire alarms have their own pros and cons. This blog will elaborate on each one’s benefits and disadvantages to help you select according to your needs.
What Is a Wired Fire Alarm System?
When comparing wireless vs. wired fire alarms, knowing their definition and purpose is essential. By definition, the wired fire alarm system is a type of fire alarm that uses cabling to provide electricity and communication connection to the devices of the fire alarm system. They use hard-wired connections ideal for large buildings and commercial fire safety setups due to their 24/7 uninterrupted service.
What Is a Wireless Fire Alarm System?
Wireless fire alarms are indeed wireless and have no wires. However, their definition is more than that. Wireless smoke detectors and battery-powered fire alarms are types of alarms with a radio signal transmitted from the call points or through a smoke/fire detector to the fire alarm or wireless infrastructure. They are suitable for homes, rented spaces, and flexible or temporary use.
Advantages of Wired Fire Alarms
The advantages of using wired fire alarms usually include:
- Continuous power supply from the main electrical system results in 24/7 security support.
- Ideal for long-term fire protection system installation for commercial or business purposes.
- Also suitable for new construction or office setups due to long service support.
Disadvantages of Wired Fire Alarms
When comparing wired vs. wireless smoke detectors, wired fire alarms can show several disadvantages. This may include:
- Wired fire alarm systems usually have higher installation costs.
- Wired fire alarms also involve wall damage, reconstruction, and professional installation support.
- Unlike wireless alarm systems, wired ones are hard to modify during renovations due to their wired connection.
Advantages of Wireless Fire Alarms
In this detailed discussion on wireless vs. wired fire alarms, wireless fire alarms offer several benefits. Some common benefits of wireless fire systems include:
- Wireless fire alarm installation tends to be quicker and hassle-free.
- Wireless fire alarms are easy to relocate or expand if required.
- They are ideal for smart home fire detection systems.
Disadvantages of Wireless Fire Alarms
Even with certain benefits of wireless alarms, they do contain several disadvantages. Some common disadvantages of wireless fire alarms usually include:
- Battery-powered fire alarms require regular checks due to regular charging requirements.
- The risk of signal interference is also common in wireless fire alarms.
- Higher false alarm probability in some models is a common issue in wireless systems.
Installation: Wired vs. Wireless Fire Alarm Systems
Wireless vs. wired fire alarms also differ in terms of installation. Whether you think about tools, time, and labor comparison, wireless ones are easier to install than wired alarm systems.
Also, the suitability of smart fire alarm systems is higher in apartment and residential properties. On the other hand, networked fire alarm systems offer perfect protection for commercial properties.
Reliability & Maintenance
Wireless vs. wired fire alarms also vary in terms of reliability and maintenance.
- Long-term performance can be only accessible with wired smoke detectors.
- On the other hand, battery replacement and testing needs in wireless alarms are quite common.
Cost Comparison: Which is More Affordable?
Installation cost of wired fire alarms vs. wireless ones can be done through upfront cost vs. lifetime value. While wireless has higher upfront cost-efficiency, wired fire alarms can offer lifetime value.
Budgeting for fire alarm system maintenance can involve fire alarm testing and maintenance expenses that you should consider while comparing costs.
Which Fire Alarm System Should You Choose?
Based on safety needs, building type, and mobility, the ideal fire alarm system can vary from one to another. While wired fire alarm systems do best for commercial properties, wireless ones are great for residential or rental properties.
FAQs: Wireless vs. Wired Fire Alarms
The wired alarm system is cheaper than wireless ones. On the other hand, the wireless alarm system is a more clean and neat setup. There is no one best option when considering wireless vs. wired fire alarms. Both have different sets of benefits, and one should choose a fire alarm system based on their needs.
Mains-powered smoke detectors with battery backups are more reliable compared to solely battery-powered smoke detectors. However, battery-powered wireless smoke detectors can be an ideal option for apartments or other residential properties.
The cost of installation of a wired fire alarm system can vary from one provider to another. Compare different providers and choose one who can offer cost-effective services.
Yes, wireless fire alarms are generally battery-powered and can work during a power outage.
One of the most interesting benefits of wireless fire alarms is that they are WiFi-enabled and can be connected to your smart home system for improved safety.
Wired fire alarm systems are designed for long-term use. The lifespan of a wired fire alarm system can be between 10–15 years. Choose a manufacturer that can offer durable wired fire alarm systems.
The batteries of a wireless fire alarm system and smoke detector must be replaced once a year. Ask your fire alarm manufacturer for specific guidelines about battery replacement.
Hard-wired fire alarm systems are more suitable for commercial buildings than wireless ones because of their heavy-duty usage.
Wired fire alarm maintenance should be done at least once every year to check for any potential problems. Routine maintenance is essential to ensure longevity and better functionality of the system.
Yes, you can switch from a wired alarm system to a wireless one if needed. You should contact your manufacturer for an efficient upgrade.