Remote access to security system and retrofitting existing security system for remote access

A security system, comprising:

• an intrusion control panel;
• the intrusion control panel being coupled to at least one alarm sensor;
• at least one wireless remote transmitter, the at least one wireless remote transmitter comprising:
• a keypad adapted for entering an authorization code;
• and
• transmitter circuitry adapted to transmit wireless command signals to the controller only following entry of a correct authorization code using the keypad;
• a controller, the controller comprising:
• a wireless receiver adapted to receive the wireless command signals;
• a plurality of output channels;
• control circuitry adapted to transmit control signals on respective ones of the output channels in response to the wireless receiver receiving the wireless command signals;
• and
• at least one externally actuable physical switch;
• wherein the wireless command signals include alarm command signals for arming and disarming the security system;
• wherein each wireless command signal corresponds to one of the output channels;
• wherein the output channels comprise:
• at least one switch-controlled output channel coupled to a respective one of the at least one physical switch, the controller being adapted to transmit a switch-generated control signal on the switch-controlled output channel in response to activation of the corresponding switch;
• at least one switch-isolated output channel unresponsive to the at least one externally actuable physical switch;
• wherein one of the at least one switch-isolated output channel is coupled to the intrusion control panel for controlling the intrusion control panel to arm and disarm the security system in response to the alarm command signals while the intrusion control panel remains isolated from and uncontrolled by the at least one externally actuable physical switch;
• so that, when the wireless receiver receives an alarm command signal, the control circuitry transmits a corresponding control signal to the intrusion control panel via the switch-isolated output channel to arm or disarm the security system.