Wireless Repeaters

If you have wireless sensors for your alarm system, then you likely know that they have a limited wireless range for communicating with the panel. Thanks to advances in technology, this wireless range is actually pretty substantial. Alarm system manufacturers keep finding ways to fit their sensors into smaller packages, while still increasing the wireless range. It's actually very impressive and quite amazing how well wireless sensors work. But one thing you will definitely want to keep in mind is that there is always a limit to how far a sensor can communicate. And if you need to extend this range, then you will absolutely want to get a wireless repeater.

There are many reasons to choose wireless sensors over hardwired sensors. For one, most wireless systems cannot readily support hardwired sensors, unless you add a wired to wireless converter. Another issue is that wireless sensors are much easier to install than hardwired sensors. Most DIYers will certainly end up preferring the wireless route. Wireless sensors are also much easier to move if you ever decide to relocate and bring your system with you later on. If you get a new wireless alarm system, then it is very likely you will be using wireless sensors. And if you find that you are having range issues, then you will want to add a wireless repeater.

The way that a wireless repeater works is that it takes the signal sent out from a wireless sensor, and it sends it out a second time. This way, the signal will essentially travel twice as far. This can be very important for overcoming range issues and ensuring that the sensor works reliably. And it isn't just pure range issues that wireless repeaters help sensors overcome. Thick walls and large metal objects in the area can drastically reduce the wireless range for the sensor. Using a wireless repeater can help you overcome such losses in wireless range and ensure that the signals from your sensors reach the panel.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using wireless repeaters. The first is that most repeaters can only repeat a wireless signal once. In other words, you can't use multiple repeaters to further extend a wireless signal. You can only have the signal repeated once. Trying to use multiple repeaters in the same direction will not work on most devices. However, you may have repeaters going in opposite directions from the system to extend signals in both directions. This would involve having the panel in the center and having two different repeaters on opposite ends from the system. Also remember that wireless repeaters will only repeat signals at a specific frequency. Make sure that the repeater you purchase is compatible with the sensors for your system.