Unpopular opinion: I think the new wireless sensors are a pain for old brick buildings

I was on a job in the historic district of Savannah last week, installing a system in a 1920s brick house. The owner wanted all wireless gear, so I went with a popular brand's newest sensors. Big mistake. The signal just would not get through the thick interior brick walls to the main panel, even with repeaters. I spent two full days moving the panel to three different spots, testing each window and door sensor one by one. The client was getting annoyed, and I was losing my mind. In the end, I had to run a hardwired zone module to the far side of the house just to pick up the back door sensor. It felt like a huge step backwards. Has anyone else found a good wireless setup that actually works in these old solid-wall places?

3 comments

3 Comments

shah.evan3mo agoProlific Poster

Ugh, that sounds like a total nightmare. @ninam86 is totally right about keeping some wired stuff on hand for those old brick walls (honestly, it's the only way to save your sanity). I've even used a wired keypad as a hidden repeater in a closet before, just to get that one stubborn sensor to talk.

anthony16517d ago

Huh, wait. You hid a keypad in a closet as a repeater? That's genius honestly but also kind of wild. Never thought of doing that with a wired keypad. Sounds like it worked to get that signal through though. I'm impressed you thought of it on the spot like that.

ninam863mo ago

Honestly, been there with those old brick places. Tbh I just stopped trying to force wireless-only in them. I keep a few hardwired sensors on the truck for exactly this. Run a thin wire in the basement or attic to a keypad or a single wired contact for the worst spot, use it as a bridge. It saves a whole day of fighting signals and the client never knows the difference.