security alarm system for home
Inside the base, there's a siren, a backup battery the company claims will last up to 24 hours, and a SIM card for cellular communication. The entry sensors are also redesigned, and are much smaller about half the length they were before, squarer, and modern looking. They're powered by inexpensive, user replaceable CR2032 coin cells that should last an average of five years, and the system will warn you when they need to be replaced. Installation requires no wiring or drilling; I simply pulled off the battery activation strips, peeled the backing on the 3M Command like strips, and adhered each component after naming and pairing it with the system more on that below. Components are easy to move around without damaging your walls, and you can take the system with you to your next home, which is a welcome feature. The keypad, also available in
black or white and powered by four standard AA batteries, sees the biggest design improvement, with a 2. 5 inch LCD replacing a tiny monochrome screen. Nicely sized, round backlit rubber buttons replace the tiny oval ones on the old keypad. A proximity sensor is a nice touch, illuminating the keypad for nighttime use. The larger screen also makes the system setup process much easier, since you just pair all the components using easy
step through menus on the display. Each component has a small button you press to pair it with the system.
One of the biggest draws of a DIY system is the opportunity to add in third party equipment like Philips Hue lights or a Nest Thermostat at any point. Z Wave is available in over 2,400 home security and automation devices from more than 700 companies. Plus, you have flexibility in where you place various devices because Z Wave can communicate farther distances than other protocols — like Wi Fi, for example — since it functions by sharing an Internet connection between devices as opposed to a localized router. Ultimately, we wanted systems that could integrate seamlessly into our homes and improve our quality of life. To find which fit the bill, we spent a day outfitting a 1,900 square foot home with the equipment of our finalists. We appraised the installation process, the ease and clarity of registering and syncing, the app experience, and functionality.