Wondering what to do with old wired security system wires? Many homeowners are now dealing with old wired security system wires as the trend moves towards wireless and smart solutions.
If you’ve moved into a house with an old alarm system or want to upgrade, managing these wires can seem tough.
But don’t worry, we’ve got 15 hacks to help you. These will show you how to recycle or hide those wires, making your home renovation projects shine.
The wired alarm system has lost almost all its market share since 2010. The FHA stopped installing fully wired alarms in 2012.
Now, about 70% of new security systems are smart alarms. Wireless systems are easier to install, taking only 2-4 hours, unlike the 6 hours to 2 days for wired ones.
This shift has left many with old wired parts and cables. They’re unsure what to do with them. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
What to Do with Old Wired Security System Wires when Moving into a House with Existing Wired Security Systems.
Are you just moved into a home with a wired security system? You have a few choices. You can keep or upgrade it to work with smart home devices. The choice depends on the system’s condition and what it can do.
Use And Upgrade Existing Home Security/Alarm System.
If the alarm system is still working well, you might want to keep it. You could sign up for monitoring with the original company or learn to monitor it yourself.
This saves money upfront but might mean paying for monitoring later and being tied to a contract.
Another choice is to upgrade the system to a self-monitored setup. This means you can control it with smartphone apps. You might need to switch from wired to wireless or add IP cameras yourself.
This gives you more control but requires more tech skills and effort. Think about the system’s age and what it can do before making a decision.
Some systems might still be under contract with monitoring services. Companies might also charge more to fix old equipment.
Deciding what to do with your security system depends on what you want, your budget, and the system’s condition.
Upgrading and Breathing New Life into an Aging Security System
When your home security system gets old, you don’t have to throw it away. You can update it instead. Think about swapping the old digital video recorder (DVR) for a newer HD or hybrid one. This upgrade can make your video quality better, let you access it remotely, and work with IP security cameras. By adding new features to your old system, you can make it feel new again.
Replacing the security DVR is a big step. Older DVRs might not show clear video, hold much data, or let you watch footage from afar. A modern HD or hybrid DVR can change that. These models give you sharper images, more storage, and work well with IP cameras. This means you can update your cameras without starting over with a new system.
It’s also smart to connect your old cameras to a new DVR. Even if the cameras are old, they can work better with a modern recorder. Many DVRs today can work with older analog cameras. This lets you use what you already have but enjoy better video and access from anywhere.
Upgrading your system’s core parts, like the DVR and cameras, can make a big difference. You can upgrade the old security system, replace the security DVR, and integrate with IP cameras to improve security system functionality. This way, you can make your security better without spending a lot. It’s a smart move to upgrade the old security system and boost your home’s safety.
What to Do With Old Security System Wires
When you upgrade or replace your home security system, you might be able to use the old wiring again. This can save you time and money. You can use the cables for new security cameras, smart home devices, or to manage cables during renovations.
Reusing Old Security System Wiring
You can use adapters and converters to connect the old wiring with new devices. This is often cheaper than putting in new cables. But, you need to check if the old wiring is in good shape and if it fits with your new system.
Factors to Consider When Dealing with Existing Wired Alarm Systems
- Age and expected lifespan of the existing security system
- Condition of the wiring and other hardware components
- Services and costs associated with any existing monitoring contracts
- Your specific security needs and preferences for the new system
Think about these points to decide what to do with your system. You might keep it, upgrade it, or get a new one. Talking to a security expert can help you make a choice that fits your home and budget.
Transitioning to a Fully Wireless or Smart Security System
Homeowners are moving away from old wired security systems. They’re choosing fully wireless or smart security systems for good reasons. These systems are easy to install and work well with the latest home automation. They make your home safer and more convenient.
Wireless security systems are more reliable. They don’t have wires, so they’re not easily affected by power outages or damage. They also last about 10 years, longer than wired systems.
Smart home security systems go even further. They let you access your security system from anywhere and send you updates in real time. They work with other smart devices in your home. This means you can control and check on your security easily, giving you peace of mind.
Upgrading to a wireless or smart security system might cost more at first. But, these systems are more functional and won’t need to be replaced soon. By choosing a modern security solution, you get the benefits of a wireless security system, and features of smart home security, and can integrate security with home automation. This makes your home safer and more modern.
Conclusion
Homeowners with wired security systems have many choices for old wires and equipment. They can stick with what they have, upgrade it, or switch to a wireless or smart system. It’s important to look at the system’s age, condition, and features, along with your security needs and budget.
This will help figure out the best move. Using what you already have or upgrading smartly lets you make the most of your old security wires. Smart systems bring more security and make life easier by working with other smart devices.
They also let you connect old wired detectors with new wireless panels for better protection.
Deciding to keep, upgrade, or switch your security setup depends on your security needs. By choosing wisely, you can keep your home safe and ready for new security tech.
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