Cant decide if a hardwired panel is worth the extra install time vs wireless...

I spent 4 hours on a hardwired install last Tuesday for a house that could have taken 2 hours with a wireless panel. The homeowner insisted on hardwired sensors for reliability but man, running all those cables through the attic was brutal in this heat. On the flip side, I did a wireless job last month and had to replace a sensor battery after just 10 days cause of a bad connection. So which way do you lean when you have the choice? Does the extra time for hardwired pay off in fewer callbacks or is wireless the way to go now?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_cameron8d ago

I read that the new wireless panels (like from Honeywell or Qolsys) are way better about battery life, but your point about that sensor dying in 10 days is exactly why I still lean hardwired. Running cables in a hot attic sucks (I've been there, soaked in sweat) but I'd rather do that once than get a call every few months for a dead sensor.

craig.parker8d agoMost Upvoted

Qolsys panels usually get 3-5 years on sensors, not 10 days.

hernandez.gavin8d ago

Ha, sounds like a great trade-off: sweaty now or annoyed later.