| Wired | Alarm devices connect to the panel through physical cabling. | Existing alarm wiring is usable, or suitable cable routes are accessible during building work. |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless | Compatible alarm devices communicate with the hub by radio. | New device cabling would be disruptive or restricted, subject to the proposed layout supporting the required radio links. |
| Hybrid | The system combines wired and wireless alarm devices. | A project could retain usable wired points and add wireless devices elsewhere, provided the proposed equipment supports both. |
An old wired installation does not automatically make a hybrid upgrade possible. Usable cable, compatible existing devices and a panel that supports the planned combination are separate conditions. If those conditions are not met, compare replacement options instead of assuming every existing point can be retained.
Also keep the device connection separate from the remote reporting connection: a wired alarm can send remote notifications, and a wireless alarm does not become professionally monitored merely because it connects to the internet. For the site conditions and checks that settle an architecture choice, use the wireless alarm architecture guide.
Local burglar alarms, self-monitoring and central station monitoring
A local burglar alarm, as used in this comparison, warns people at the premises without sending a remote notification; this is the local-only arrangement. “Local warning” by itself describes a function that may remain part of a remotely monitored system.
| Arrangement | Who receives the alarm | What changes the initial choice |
|---|---|---|
| Local-only | People within reach of the site’s warning devices. | If the project needs someone away from the premises to receive an alert, local-only does not meet that requirement. |
| Self-monitoring | Designated users receive alerts through the configured notification path and decide what to do. | The named users must be able to notice and act on those alerts at the times protection is needed. |
| Professional monitoring | An Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) receives configured events and handles them under a service agreement. | Include it in the shortlist when the project requires an external monitoring service; the equipment and reporting path must support that service. |
A central station burglar alarm sends configured events to a monitoring centre for handling under a service agreement.
Local warning can accompany either remote arrangement. User notifications and ARC reporting can also coexist where the system and service support both. An owner receiving an app alert does not, by itself, establish that an ARC received the event or took action.
The type name identifies the intended arrangement; it does not promise a particular response. To decide who handles an alarm when users are unavailable and what a monitoring service should provide, continue to the self-monitoring and professional monitoring guide.
Combine the labels around the actual requirement
Use the building condition to shortlist a connection type, then add the warning and monitoring arrangements required. These examples show why changing one requirement need not change the other classification.
| Project condition | Useful initial description | What would change the shortlist |
|---|---|---|
| A finished premises restricts new cable work; designated users can receive and handle alerts. | Wireless, with user notifications and local warning if required. | If those users cannot cover the required hours, reconsider the response arrangement even if wireless still fits the building. |
| Existing wired points may be retained, but an extension needs new coverage; an ARC service is required. | Hybrid with professional monitoring, subject to equipment compatibility. | If existing points cannot be supported, reconsider the connection type. The monitoring requirement remains. |
| Cable routes are accessible, and the requirement is limited to warning people on site. | Wired with local-only warning is a candidate. | If the premises must also alert someone while empty, add a supported remote arrangement; cable accessibility has not changed. |
These are initial selection examples, not finished designs. “Residential” and “commercial” describe the application, while “DIY” and “professionally installed” describe delivery. Neither pair replaces the connection and response descriptions. A professionally installed alarm is not necessarily professionally monitored.
Put the combination into the project brief
Before comparing products, complete this sentence:
We are shortlisting **[wired / wireless / hybrid]** because **[the relevant cabling or building condition]**. We need **[local warning, user notifications and/or professional monitoring]**, with **[the named people or service]** responsible for acting.
If two proposals use different type names, rewrite both in this form. You can then see whether they differ in installation method, response responsibility or both. Take that shortlist into the intrusion alarm system guide to define the protection and system requirements before selecting equipment.