How Wireless Alarm Systems Work
Wireless alarm systems use 433MHz or 915MHz radio frequency (RF) communication between the sensors and the central hub. When a door sensor detects the magnet separating (door opening) or a PIR sensor detects body heat movement, it transmits a radio signal to the hub — which activates the siren, sends push notifications to the linked app, and (on GSM-equipped models) sends SMS alerts via SIM card.
The radio frequency communication between sensors and hub is independent of WiFi — the sensors will alert the hub even if your home internet goes down. The WiFi connection is only used for app notifications to your smartphone. This is an important distinction: the alarm itself does not require internet to trigger and sound.
Condo-friendly design: AH-WA Series door sensors attach with 3M Command adhesive strips — no screws, no damage to door frames. Motion detectors use a removable corner bracket. When you move, remove everything in 10 minutes and leave the unit exactly as you found it.
Wireless Alarm vs GSM Alarm — Which to Choose?
| Feature | Wireless Alarm (AH-WA) | GSM Alarm (AH-GA) |
|---|---|---|
| Alert Method | App push notification — Siren | SMS + Phone Call — Siren — App (backup) |
| Internet Required for Alerts | Yes — WiFi dependent | No — GSM SIM works without internet |
| Best for Brownouts | Limited (WiFi router may fail) | Full operation (GSM + battery backup) |
| OFW Direct Alerts | Via app (internet needed) | Via SMS/Call to local contacts |
| Installation | Full DIY — No drilling | DIY — Panel mounts to wall |
| Best For | Condos — Renters — Stable internet areas | OFW families — Provincial homes |
| Price | ₱6,500—₱9,800 | ₱4,800—₱7,200 |
DIY Installation — Step by Step
Installing the AH-WA300 8-piece wireless alarm kit in a Philippine home:
- Place the hub in a central location, plugged into a wall outlet. Connect to your home WiFi using the Tuya app QR code setup.
- Install door sensors — clean the door frame surface with the included alcohol wipe, peel the 3M adhesive, and press the sensor body to the frame and the magnet to the door. Repeat for each entry point (include sliding glass doors and accessible ground-floor windows).
- Mount PIR motion detectors — use the corner bracket on walls 2 meters above the floor, angled to cover the room diagonal. Two screws are all that's required.
- Place the siren indoors at the highest point you can access — hallway ceiling or top of a cabinet. The 105dB siren carries through the entire house and most of the neighbors within 50 meters.
- Test each sensor using the app's zone test mode — open each door and walk past each PIR to confirm signal receipt at the hub.
- Set the arming schedule — configure Home mode (active in all zones except bedrooms), Away mode (all zones active), and entry/exit delay (30 seconds) via the app.