Why Wireless Works Well for Intrusion
More robust technology coupled with the elevated need for installing companies to reduce time/labor costs associated with hardwired devices and systems has made wireless a profitable, efficient and effective proposition. Three security integrators explain the positive impact of wireless intrusion solutions on their businesses.
Photography ©istockphoto.com/tombaky
Today, wireless intrusion accounts for 95% of Gilligan’s residential business. His customers appreciate the small size of wireless devices, such as the vanishing contacts designed for windows. These devices are now so small that they are barely detectable unless a person is next to the window.
One of Gilligan’s customers recently asked him to install an intrusion system in an extra garage at the back of his property where the homeowner houses antique cars and snowmobiles. Because the homeowner had an existing wireless intrusion system in his house, Gilligan was able to install an additional wireless keypad in the exterior garage and connect it to the system in the home. This eliminated the need for an additional phone line for the system in the garage and simplified the overall project.
“The homeowner wanted the detached garage behind the house protected and because of a wireless intrusion system, we could easily do that,” says Gilligan.
Add-Ons Are Easily Accommodated
A relatively newer installer of wireless alarm systems, David Allen, operations manager for London, Ontario-based Canadian Security Concepts, has immediately embraced the benefits wireless intrusion systems have to offer. The six-year-old company, which focuses on residential and small business applications, began installing wireless intrusion systems four-and-a-half years ago.
“At that time we were only doing one install a day,” says Allen. “So the biggest advantage of adding wireless was that we could complete two systems a day and double our production.”
With many homes to
day having a finished basement, which makes it more difficult to pull wire, wireless is often the ideal choice.
“In the case of a finished basement, you would have to install wire mold, molding that is used to hide wires, or not be able to do it at all,” says Allen. “Plus, it would be tough for a technician to wire every single zone.”
One of the most significant advantages is the ability to offer homeowners more systems and services as part of their alarm system. Keyfobs, sump pump monitors, additional smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are popular add-on items that Canadian Security Concepts can sell to customers thanks to wireless.
“The ability to turn on and off the system without touching the unit is a huge selling feature,” says Allen. “About 90% of our customers want the keyfob and sometimes we sell multiple keyfobs with one going to the husband, the wife and the teenager.”
Leon Langlais is the Director of Product Management for Tyco Security Products. He can be reached at [email protected].
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