Have you ever watched a horror film where the villain snips the wires to a telephone or home alarm? The scariest part is realizing that, despite your home’s security system, it could happen to you. In order to truly protect your home and family against the threat of break-ins, you need to invest in a wireless security system.

A burglar alarm without wires is the simple explanation for a wireless home security system. They communicate with radio waves instead of over wires. Thus the burglar is unable to determine which wires to cut to disable the alarm.

The two main types of wireless burglar alarms are unmonitored and monitored. If an intruder is detected, unmonitored systems sound a loud alarm that is audible in the home and for a short distance outside. If you live in the countryside, these systems are not ideal, because if you are not at home, neighbors may not be able to hear the alarm, so no one will know about the break in. Monitored services, on the other hand, detect a break-in and then send a signal to security company staff, who determine whether it is a real burglary, and then call the police.

The control panel is the brains of all wireless security systems. It is usually found in the basement or in a closet. The control panel is where all wireless signals are sent from the various motion sensors and magnetic switches placed throughout the home. If a suspicious movement signal or entry is detected, the control panel sounds an alarm, or phones the security company’s monitoring service.

Small, inconspicuous magnetic contacts are attached to windows and doors. They include two parts, a magnet that is placed on the window or door, and a switch that is placed inside the door jam or window sill. They work very simply: if the distance between the switch and the magnet increases, which would happen if the door or window were forced open, a signal is sent to the control panel, which sounds the alarm.

If your home has large spaces such as hallways, you can equip them with a feature of the wireless security system called a body sensor, or motion detector. They use infrared motion or body heat detection to sense someone’s presence, and send a signal to the control panel. The panel will determine if the threat meets its standards and if so, will alert the monitoring station or sound the alarm.

Every wireless security system comes equipped with a keypad, which is used by the homeowner to activate or deactivate the system. The keypad is normally installed next to the entry door, allowing the owner easy access to arm the system when leaving home, and disarm the system upon returning. Remote keys, much like a car alarm, can also be used to operate a wireless alarm system. The homeowner can also use the remote controller to switch lights on from a distance, giving the illusion that someone is occupying the house.

Some wireless security systems also have hidden or wall-mounted cameras, which connect to a video unit and recorder, such as a VCR. When movement is detected, the cameras record the scene onto the VCR. For extra fees, the cameras could also be monitored by staff of the security service.

If you’ve decided to invest in the peace of mind and security of a home security system, be sure to consider the added advantages of a wireless system. The advanced features and stronger security may make it your best choice.