Was skeptical about wireless sensors for high-end homes, but a job in Austin changed my mind

I used to think wireless sensors were just for cheap apartments or temporary setups. Always pushed hardwired stuff for any house over $500k because I figured batteries would die at the worst time. But last spring I did a install on a 1920s brick colonial in Austin where running wires was a nightmare. The walls were plaster over brick and I was looking at 3 days of chiseling. Client insisted on wireless and I went with a Honeywell 5800 series on a Vista panel. That was 14 months ago and I haven't had a single false alarm or low battery call. The range through all that brick and metal lath surprised me. I still prefer hardwire for reliability on commercial jobs but for residential renovations I'm converted. Has anyone else had good luck with wireless on tricky old houses?

2 comments

2 Comments

angela_coleman1mo ago

Yeah, wireless has come a long way. That Honeywell setup is solid in tricky spots.

william9171mo ago

Did I mention I nearly put a chisel through my own hand trying to wire that first old house back in 2012? Took one swing and realized I'd rather eat a box of dead batteries than do that again. That Honeywell setup must have magical powers or something because I've seen those 5800 series units punch through three layers of brick and a cast iron bathtub without flinching. My own home still has hardwired stuff from 2008 though, and every time I change a 9-volt I wonder if I'm just being stubborn. What's the oldest house you've seen wireless actually work in?