GE SmartHome Wireless Alarm System Kit

I recently moved into my first apartment, and if I said that I don’t live in the best of neighborhoods, it would be an understatement. I purchased the GE SmartHome Wireless Alarm System Kit, mainly because I needed an inexpensive way of protecting my apartment.

The Ge wireless alarm comes with four parts, the main door unit with keypad, and three window alarm units. The alarm modules are really uncomplicated to install, you undo the back of the units, install the triple A batteries, mount the alarms, and program your alarm code into the door module. There is two sided tape supplied for mounting the units, but I would advise using the provided screw slots, as the tape does not look all that secure.

The alarm unit for the door actually has two modes chime and alarm, but switching between the two means you must remove the unit from the door frame, and take off the back cover to make the adjustment.

The door alarm unit has a thirty second delay feature, and a shockingly loud alarm siren. If the siren from the door unit does not scare away your burglar, you are dealing with a hearing impaired thief, but do not worry, all of your neighbors will hear this alarm.

The alarms on the windows are not quite as loud as the door unit, and they stop ringing the moment you close the window. I really don’t have confidence in this design feature because, a burglar that is not scared off by the initial alarm when the window contact is broken , could in theory enter your place, close the window, and the alarm shuts off. Also the window units have the off switch mounted right on them, not so sure about this design feature.

There are many things about the GE SmartHome Wireless Alarm System Kit, that bother me, but the weakness of the window alarm modules is such a glaring security weak point, that it bears repeating.

I give the Ge wireless alarm a passing grade. That may be shocking considering the weaknesses in the system that I just pointed out, but in all fairness the alarm costs fewer than 30 dollars, and you cannot expect the same security as a million dollar mansion.

What this system should be is a starting point for you to build on. If you spend a few more dollars and get a security door bar, and maybe some window locks, you will be more secure than 90 percent of your neighbors.