SimpliSafe -- Home Security System

9 years ago

We have a traditional, wired, home security system. It is a monitored system and, of course, there is a monthly monitoring fee.

There is a (new?) wireless security system that doesn't use landlines for the monitoring -- it uses cellular. They say that the advantage is that burglars often cut phone lines so that monitoring companies won't be notified when the house is broken into, but with the SimpliSafe system this isn't a factor. Also, the monthly monitoring doesn't require a long-term contract and is $15 per month.

Does anyone here have a SimpliSafe security system, or know anyone who does? If so, would you please post comments/opinions?

Their website

Thanks!!

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Comments (11)

Chi
9 years ago
I don't have that one, but I'm interested in this thread. We'd like a home security system but my husband is not crazy about the idea of having installers do it. I think he's a little paranoid but it is what it is! They have many self-installed ones like the SimpliSafe.
Elizabeth
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
My security system is wired into the phone box though the interior wall. There is a "dummy wire" going into the box on the exterior. I was not happy at first with installers coming in but I have had contractors, plumbers etc over the years so I guess it isn't much different.
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I'm a woman. I also understand statistics. >I understand your stats that we are more likely to get into a car accident than have a child abducted from their bed but do you think that Polly Klaas's parents would take comfort in those stats. So if it was your child you would just say wow, they had more of a chance being killed in a car accident than being abducted from home. That's insane thinking. If my kids died because they got a phenomenally rare form of cancer, I'd be devastated, but I wouldn't spend time obsessing about the possibilities of really rare cancers and wouldn't make sure I lived close to a great cancer center, just in case. Nor would I go around hysterically advising parents of the same if it DID happen. >The biggest risk from an unlocked window is burglary and a possible encounter with the burglar(s). That risk will vary greatly by location and time of day. The VAST majority of robberies are during the day--for a reason! If someone who knows you wants to kill you, having a bedroom on the second floor isn't going to help. And the vast majority of murders are of this type. If a stranger is interested in a crime of opportunity, there are many other things to think about before decided that having no first-floor bedrooms window is the solution. A stranger can enter just as easily through any other window and then CLIMB THE STAIRS. Windows can be broken, believe it or not, too. Want to block off all windows with bars? Then you're far more likely to die--from a fire! If you live in a bad neighborhood or a neighborhood with high "crime exposure," then you should have burglar alarms, lights, thorny plants, a dog, etc., before worrying about what floor your bedroom is on. Best advice for not getting murdered? Stay away from unstable people. Seriously. Be careful who you marry! And stay away from drugs, gangs, etc., and those who are involved in them. Don't work in a convenience store or gas station. or be a food delivery person. Don't live in the most crime-ridden neighborhoods, and don't walk through them, either. There. You've just taken out more than 98% of the risk of being killed.
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In my experience, you don't need to test them frequently. I test mine about every couple of years. My system has electronics that allow my alarm company to monitor it continually for things like low battery backup, etc. Presuming you have a monitoring company, ask them for advice on testing. In any case, remember to warn your neighbors and the company in advance if you are going to set it off. Otherwise you may get a police visit and a fine for a false alarm. Generally, though, if the alarm can be armed and disarmed, it's working correctly. If the alarm horn was tested when it was first installed, you're probably good. Just remember that the backup battery should probably be replaced every 5 years or so, and this is easy to do yourself.
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I'm with Sophie. Even if you're not willing to adopt the dog, you can do quite a few things to convince burglars to skip your house. In contrast, a security system does NOTHING to prevent the break-in from occuring, and neither you nor the police are likely to be quick enough to get home to catch the thieves in the act. Having their picture is great -- if they're dumb enough not to cover their faces, and if you or the police happen to know them. My plans: - Solid deadbolt locks - No pretty little pier glass windows by the front door (so easy to smash, then just reach in and turn the lock) - Don't over-do exterior doors - Electronics, etc. not visible from the front door /windows - Motion-activated lights - A fence and a dog to deter people from coming to the more-vulnerable back door - Inside, a safe for valuables
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magic_arizona
9 years ago
I have one. Just got it in December. What do you want to know?
pudgeder
9 years ago
How does it work, Magic?
maire_cate
9 years ago
We have the same set up as Elizabeth. Our phone line comes into the house underground but we still have the original exterior line showing - it's our decoy.
Lindsey_CA
Original Author
9 years ago
Our house was built in 1990, and it was wired for the security system during construction. We have two landlines here at the house (one of which is used for the alarm system monitoring), and although all of the utilities are underground (no overhead wires of any sort), the phone lines come into the house via a box on the side of the garage. I think we put a lock on it a long time ago, but I can't say for certain because it's been a long time since I've needed to check anything on the side wall of the garage. :-)

Many wired security systems have box (also on the side of the garage in most cases) where all of the wires terminate. I guess it's because it's close to where the phone line could come into the house and they can easily connect everything there.

Our system, on the other hand, has the box with all the wires in the master walk-in closet. It's a very large walk-in, and the box is up high -- just under the roof line.
Lindsey_CA
Original Author
9 years ago
Magic -- please, if you don't mind, tell me why you decided on the SimpliSafe system; how easy/difficult was it to install; and whether you've had any issues/problems with it. Any and all info you can provide would be helpful. Hubs has reached the conclusion that he doesn't want to spend $45 per month for monitoring any longer...

Have you set up (or do you know how easy/difficult it would be to set up) temporary codes for relatives/repair people, etc.?

If you prefer to send into via a private message, you can send me a message via my page here on Houzz.

Thanks!
chisue
9 years ago
I wonder how hard would it be to hack into one of these? I'm not comfortable with any 'ether' controls for anything. (wouldn't a severed phone line immediately alert your wired security system?)

I can see the use of systems to monitor fire or flood. They can't save your valuables from a burglar or save you from an intruder bent on harming you. (Those people are in and out long before police can respond.)
crazybrunette64
9 years ago
I am interested in this system as well - looking forward to your comments, Magic.
magic_arizona
9 years ago
It was pretty easy to install, did it in an afternoon. We did have some questions but we got on the phone with them and they walked us through it. We had another company come out and quote us on a hard wired system and they wanted almost 3,000.00 dollars and the $45.00 dollars a month. We paid around 500.00 for the Simpli safe. You can construct your system to meet your specific needs. For example, we have heavy steel doors into the garage and our front door. No one is going to get in those doors but we have a lot of windows and sliders. A lot! We mostly bought Glass shattering monitors for every room. That is what we felt we needed and what I was most concerned about. If someone were to break a window or glass door on the other side of the house, I wouldn't hear a thing if I was sleeping. Now I will. I did not want a bunch of un-needed things like motion detectors and such, I just wanted to know an intruder entered the house by breaking the glass.

I have not actually set different codes for guests or service people yet but it's very easy. There is also a "HOME" setting and an "Away" setting. since I leave through my garage. I just leave it on home all the time and I don't have to mess with it, it is always on.
Bluebell66
9 years ago
We have recently had a breakin and several attempted breakins in our neighborhood, so security systems have been the topic of conversation on our Nextdoor site. A handful of neighbors have Simplisafe and all highly recommended it. I don't know much beyond that, but we are now looking into it, and prefer the idea of a system that isn't connected to land lines.

SimpliSafe -- Home Security System

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Chi

Elizabeth

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SimpliSafe -- Home Security System

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