When installing wireless burglar alarm systems, there are a few things you’re going to need to take into consideration – along with reading all the instructions for the pieces you’ve used to install your system! Take these tips to heart, as they may depend on whether or not your burglar alarm system functions properly with any amount of longevity.

A Successful Installation Needs…

- For you to always check the strength of the alarm signal, as well as the background noise levels from the theoretical locations of all the alarm devices, before any of the pieces are permanently mounted into place. If you are unable to measure the signal strength, you should do several tests to make sure that the control panel can actually receive the alarm signals – before any of the devices are mounted in place.

- For you to always avoid mounting any of the transmitters, aerials, or receivers underneath mental lintel that are found at the tops of doors and windows. If you’re not sure where they are, or if they’re there, use a metal detector.

- For you to not mount any transmitting or receiving devices into upvc-clad metal or metal door and window frames. Again, use a handheld metal detector if you’re not sure, and check the surface.

- For you to keep any wiring that may run into the transmitter or receiver away from the aerials – any metal or metallic object located near the aerial will significantly impact its performance.

Also, Don’t Forget…

- That you should not alter the aerial’s length or replace an aerial that is inside of either the transmitter or the receiver, unless it has been specifically approved by the alarm system manufacturer. Aerials are created to stay tuned into a specific frequency, and if you alter its physical composition, the performance will also be altered – and not in a beneficial way.

- That you should not mount the receiver anywhere near things like televisions, computer equipment, or electrical distribution equipment. This is because they can generate background noise, and interfere with the receiver. Also, avoid any large metal objects such as air conditioners, radiators, or boilers, since they can prevent radio signals from properly being transmitted between the control panel and the transmitter.

- That if you install a remote aerial, as is typical for a DIY wireless home alarm system, double and triple check that it’s aligned and mounted in the proper orientation. Do not cut the aerial cable until you have made sure of the strength of the signal, and always check the direction that the cable is leaving the aerial. Keep this running in the same direction for as long as possible, and do not clip the cable near to the aerial.

Additional Considerations

- If your home has very thick walls, you may not be able to obtain an adequate amount of signal strength to make the alarm system effective. If this is the case, check to see if the receiver can be placed high up in something similar to a loft room or loft space. This would cause the signal to move through the floorboards instead of through the wall, and will increase the signal strength to where it should be.

- The detection device doesn’t necessarily need to be placed at ceiling level or on an internal wall – because your system is wireless! Since you don’t need to hide a cable, you can look for the ideal location for your device.