The Pain: You are finally ready to install a security system, or perhaps upgrade an old dinosaur of a keypad that’s been beeping incessantly. But you’re immediately hit with the biggest question in the industry: "Should I go wired or wireless?"
The Agitation: It is a valid concern. Make the wrong choice, and you could end up with unsightly trunking running along your beautiful cornices, or conversely, a wireless system that drops signal every time your neighbour turns on their microwave. In the security game, reliability is everything—if your alarm doesn't trigger when it matters, the investment was wasted.
The Promise: In this article, we draw on our years of experience installing systems across the Western Cape to give you an unbiased comparison. We break down the differences between leading brands like Paradox and Ajax to help you decide.
The Short Answer: If you are building a new home or renovating, wired is usually best for long-term low maintenance. If you are retrofitting an existing home with finished walls, wireless (specifically modern systems like Ajax) is the superior choice to avoid mess and damage.
1. The Case for Wired Alarms (The "Old Faithful")
For decades, wired systems have been the gold standard. Brands like Paradox have built their reputation on hard-wired reliability. In a wired setup, every motion sensor, door contact, and siren is physically connected to the main control panel via cabling.
