When you hear wired security system, a physical cabling-based setup that connects cameras, sensors, and alarms directly to a central control panel without relying on Wi-Fi. Also known as hardwired alarm system, it’s the backbone of reliable home and business security across the UK. Unlike wireless systems that can drop signals or run out of battery, wired systems keep working even during power surges or internet outages—because they don’t depend on them. That’s why so many homeowners and small businesses still choose them, even in a world full of smart gadgets.
But here’s the thing: CCTV installation cost, the total price to set up a closed-circuit television system including cameras, cabling, recording hardware, and professional setup isn’t just about the price tag on a box of cameras. It’s about the labor, the wiring through walls, the power supply planning, and whether you need professional monitoring. A basic 4-camera wired system with a DVR might start around £800, but if you’re running cables through plaster, concrete, or old wiring conduits, that can easily jump to £1,500–£2,500. And don’t forget the professional monitoring, a 24/7 service where trained operators respond to alarms and contact authorities on your behalf—that’s usually £15–£30 a month, but it’s often the difference between a camera rolling and actual help arriving.
People get tricked by cheap wireless deals that promise "no monthly fees"—but then they realize their cameras go dark when the Wi-Fi dies, or their alarms won’t alert anyone unless their phone is charged. A wired system doesn’t have that problem. It’s why 87% of burglars walk away when they see a real alarm system in action—not just a blinking light, but a fully connected, physically wired setup. And while you might pay more upfront, you save on false alarms, insurance discounts, and peace of mind.
What you’ll find in the posts below are real breakdowns of what goes into these systems—how much CCTV installation really costs in 2025, why wired systems outperform wireless during outages, how pet-friendly alarms avoid false triggers, and what you need to know before signing a contract. No fluff. No marketing spin. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what you actually need to protect what matters.
Wired alarm systems are outdated for most homes. They’re expensive to install, hard to move, ugly to look at, and easy to disable. Wireless systems now outperform them in reliability, cost, and features.