Alarm System: Contacts (Window & Door Switches)

Alarm Contacts- Contact switches are magnetic switches used to protect doors and windows for the most part. There are three main styles that are used by most alarm companies. They are recessed contacts, surface mount contacts and roller-ball contacts.

Recessed contacts are hidden in the window tracks and door jams so that they can't be seen when the window or door is closed. The switch is on the fixed or non-movable side of the opening and a magnet is placed on the movable side. When the magnet meets the switch the circuit is complete and the control knows it is closed. Recessed contacts are more complicated to install unless they are placed during the construction phase of your home or business. A good installation technician can install recessed contacts in your home after construction as long as they have an unfinished basement, accessible attic or closet to run the wires in.

Surface mount contacts function the same as recessed ones however they are visible when the doors or windows are closed. They come in three main sizes being large, small and micro. They come in the colors white, gray and brown so they can blend in to the door trim or window- sill they are mounted on.

Roller-ball contacts are in the hinge side of your door jam and the spring- loaded ball is pushed in when the door is closed completing the circuit. These are more likely to need replacement in a few years as they are considered a moving part.

All types of recessed and surface mount contacts can be hardwired directly to your control panel or you can get them in a wireless version. Wireless contacts have a transmitter tied to them or built into them that sends a radio signal to a receiver in the control. The transmitter is surface mounted and comes in two colors, white and brown. If white and brown are not your desired colors, you can paint the switches and transmitters to match your decor.

Doors are the most common point of entry and should be protected by your system. I always recommend contacting every perimeter door in your home or business

Window contacts can add up in a hurry as most homes have many windows. I have always felt that window contacts give the homeowner a false sense of security because of the fact that a window has to be opened in order for them to work. If your window is locked (and it should be) when you are away or sleeping, a burglar has to break the glass or remove the glass to unlock it. If they break the glass and the alarm does not sound, why would they open the window? Instead they would most likely clear the broken glass and climb in. That is why your money is better spent on motion detectors and/or glass- break sound detectors.

If you have children, window contacts can be a valuable tool. They will keep your youngsters from opening the window for a stranger. And they will also make your teenager sorry you ever read this. (If they tell you all they want for the holidays is a magnet, the jigs up!) Window contacts are often better at keeping people in than they are at keeping burglars out. If you do choose to use window contacts you may like the fact that the surface mounted versions can be set up so that you can keep your window open a few inches for ventilation and still be armed.

Matthew Francis Alarms@expertsknow.com

22 year veteran of the alarm industry Installer, salesman, licensed alarm company owner, monitoring station designer, promotions and marketing director with one of the worlds largest security dealers. He now works as a consumer advocate, teaching consumers how to buy or get systems for free (without being taken). He is committed to being unbiased. His web site is http://www.expertsknow.com

---

Alarm System: Glass Break Detectors

Alarm System Glass-break detectors- Glass-break detectors are also known as... Read More

Alarm System Keypads

The keypad is the device you and your loved ones... Read More

Infoscams

In this article I am going to talk about those... Read More

Turn Your Home Into A Fortress

The best way to turn your home into a fortress... Read More

Organizing an Arson Watch Program

A wide variety of participants are needed to launch a... Read More

Alarm Controls are the Brain of your Security System, Use Yours When Choosing One

The alarm control is the brain of your security system.... Read More

Fire Safety Tips

Did you know that fire is the third leading cause... Read More

What is Your Security Awareness IQ?

Are you aware of the need for security?Your awareness of... Read More

Handling Weather Emergencies: Part 1 - Forward Planning Makes The Difference

IntroductionAt some time in our lives, many of us will... Read More

How to Buy a Safe for Your Home

The first step is to determine who or where you... Read More

Emergency - Gas Fire!

Woooooooo??Woooo???The siren sounded. All of us looked at each other... Read More

Home Security After An Earthquake

After an Earthquake you need to do an immediate damage... Read More

Six Common Criminal Types And How To Avoid Them

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"... Read More

Someone Spying?

Someone Spying? So are the Teddy Bear and the Potted... Read More

How to Keep Your Postal Mail Private and Secure

Surreptious opening of most envelopes sent through the mail takes... Read More

Alarm Systems: Not Just For The Wealthy Anymore!

Over the last 22 years that I have been involved... Read More

Eavesdropping and Counter-Measures: Technology and Techniques

You need to know how to protect yourself, since your... Read More

Who Abducted the Missing Child?

What is going on with these people who feel they... Read More

Emergency Disaster Planning: Building a Bug-Out Kit

Report after report comes in about how many people couldn't... Read More

Arson Watch Program Agency Interaction

This years fire season has already started and so far... Read More

Handling Weather Emergencies: Part 2; Home Security, Evacuation, and Emergency Kits

IntroductionPart 1 of this article on preparing for weather emergencies... Read More

Handling a Hurricane; Part 2 - Preparing for and Surviving an Approaching Hurricane

Part 1 of this article described some of the characteristics... Read More

Is Big Brother Watching You? Or Are You Watching Big Brother?

Isn't technology a wonderful thing? I thought this as I... Read More

Kevlar Sheets for Your Home Walls

Home security is more important today than ever. You may... Read More

Alarm System: Smoke and Heat Detectors

Smoke & Heat Detectors- Smoke detectors are available that will... Read More

Home Security: Your Yard is the First Line of Defense

You may not believe it but most burglars do not... Read More

Neighborhood Mobile Watch Patrol

Have you found yourself disgusted with the crime lately. You... Read More

Avoiding Pickpockets

Every year, thousands of senior citizens fall prey to the... Read More

Security Cameras For Your Peace of Mind

The reasons for installing cctv cameras are the same whether... Read More

Security Alarm System Motion Detectors

Passive Infrared Motion Detectors- These detectors are also known as... Read More

Securing Home Water Supplies; Conservation of Water Planning

Generally when it rains the water runs off the house... Read More

The Case for Personal, Estate, Corporate and Child Abduction Security in today?s World

When one considers the historical nature of security applications and... Read More

Alarm System: Window Screens

Alarm System Window Screens- Window screens are the ultimate perimeter... Read More