The introduction of wireless technologies into the home security market has changed everything. Wireless systems do not have to be connected via landline telephone. They also don't have to be hard-wired to a home's electrical system. Between standard wall outlets and batteries, wireless home security can be powered easily and inexpensively.
The thing about home security batteries is that you really don't want to compromise on reliability. You want a long-lasting battery that discharges at a consistent rate. That way, your device is always working as long as the battery still has a charge left in it.
If you are looking at wireless home security for the first time, here are some things you need to know about batteries. Your choice of home security batteries will affect whether your system meets your needs.
Most wireless home security devices will work just fine with lithium-ion batteries in the most common form factors. They will also work with alkalines, though we recommend against such batteries because they are single use. That being said, specialty batteries are sometimes necessary.
Certain models of home security control panels require 12V batteries. It is also not unheard of for manufacturers to use specialized battery packs in smart panels with a touchscreen. In both cases, you would have to purchase a replacement battery recommended by the manufacturer. It's also a good idea to keep spare batteries on hand. After all, a wireless home security system with a dead battery isn't going to do much.
Standard battery types are fine for most of your mainstream home security devices. AAA and AA batteries are nearly universal here. Every now and again, you run across a device that operates on a 9V battery or CR123 (sometimes called CR123A). A small handful of devices might also use button batteries – like the CR2032, for example.
We are always going to recommend USB-C rechargeable batteries when possible. And of course, we think Paleblue is your best choice. In the event you need a form factor we don't yet support, at least stick with rechargeable batteries. Single-use alkaline batteries only add to the waste stream and take up space in landfills. 95% of single use batteries end up in landfills or incinerators.
Wireless security systems can be monitored or unmonitored. A monitored security system is monitored by a professional service provider and connected via the internet and your local Wi-Fi network. In some cases, wireless security systems might connect through cell signals or a landline.
Take some advice and contact your monitoring provider before you change batteries. Why? Because some wireless security systems are designed to trigger an alarm if batteries are removed. The design is intended to let monitoring personnel know that a system is being tampered with by an intruder. Letting your provider know you are changing batteries alerts them to what you are doing will prevent a false alarm you could otherwise be fined for.
A good set of batteries should work in a home security device for quite some time. But again, take some advice: check your batteries regularly. A good rule of thumb is to check or replace them with the semi-annual time changes. That means once in the spring and again in the fall. Whenever you are adjusting your clocks forward or backward, check your home security batteries as well.
A wireless security system is only as good as the batteries that power it. As long as you're shopping for high-end equipment, you might as well shop for high-end batteries too. You need good batteries to get the most from home security.
