Alarm sensors are incredibly useful in this day and age to provide security for your building, be it your home or commercial property. There are several types in the market, and thus profound research will help in the selection. Alarm sensors are devices that detect movements considered strange in a normal working environment. Therefore, whatever the type of alarm sensor chosen by the user must be installed correctly and strategically on whatever window type or door type for it to properly observe activities that require security alerts. So, the user must know How To Install Alarm Sensors On Double Hung Windows type where the system will be mounted. People often get confused about how to install alarm sensors on double hung windows, so, this will be our focused discussion.
How Does an Alarm Sensor Work
A window and door alarm sensor uses a magnet and a sensor. Generally, the magnet is positioned on the surface or inside the window or door while the sensor is positioned on the frame or inside. If the sensor is separated from the magnet, a reed switch in the system will flip, sending a signal to the alarm system. When this happens, the system will perform the actions based on the response type of your sensor, such as activating a siren or requiring a system disarm.
Main Categories of Alarm Sensors
Before we discuss the tips on how to install alarm sensors on double hung windows, there are a couple of things you should know. To make sure that you are purchasing the right alarm sensor that will fit your needs, you have to know your options. There are many types of alarm sensors, but it is beneficial enough to identify the main categories of alarm sensors. These differences are surface-mounted or recessed, and wireless or hardwired.
Surface-Mounted and Recessed Sensors
Surface-mounted sensors are easier to install since they are only either screwed or taped onto the window or door. The downside is that they are highly visible. A recessed sensor, on the other hand, is hidden since it is installed by drilling holes in the doors, windows, and frames. But as expected, this method of installation is much more difficult.
Wireless and Hardwired Sensors
Wireless sensors use radio frequency signals instead of wires and thus are easy to install since you don’t need to layout wires. However, the battery of the system has to be switched every few years. Hardwired sensors are the opposite of wireless sensors as you have to layout wires, and the battery will never have to be changed.
Tips and Considerations for Installation on Double-Hung Windows
Everything discussed above has now given you some ideas on how to install alarm sensors on double hung windows. Generally, it is fairly easy to install alarm sensors, especially when they are wireless and surface-mounted. But first, you have to identify whether your window is single-hung, double-hung, or casement since different types mean differences in installation.
In our case, we will be looking into the steps on how to install alarm sensors on double hung windows. Here are some of the points you would want to consider before the actual mounting of the sensors:
- Install the sensors indoors as most are not built for the outdoors.
- If your window is close to a mail slot, doorbell, or any utilities that may be used by strangers, it would be good to consider installing it to a different window to avoid tampering of the sensors. This consideration may also be applied to installation on doors.
- If possible, do not mount your sensors on clear glass windows, as intruders will be able to recognize your system of security.
- Aluminum or steel material may cause interference with the sensor. Make sure to test the sensor before mounting it.
- Double-hung windows have two operating sashes that allow them to open from the top or bottom. You can decide whether you want two sensors placed at the top and bottom or only one correctly installed around the middle.
- Be careful that the sensor will not come off when either of the portions of the window is slid open.
- Make sure that the magnet and sensor are properly aligned. They must be placed close together—generally, no more than an inch apart.
- The placement of the security stop of the window must be relative to the placement of the sensor so both will not cause interference.
- The alarm sensor must be located where it cannot obstruct the latch of the window. The sensor must be installed far enough that the latch or window release will not get stuck.
Steps to Install Alarm Sensors on Double-Hung Windows
Now that you are aware of the considerations to keep in mind, here is the guide on how to properly install wireless alarm sensors on double-hung windows:
- Do some staging. Before officially mounting the sensor onto your window, try out the placement first. Keep in mind the considerations with the security stop and the latch of the window.
- Measure the distance between the glass and the window frame in comparison to the magnet’s width. This step is not necessary if you have a good eye, and you may proceed with the next step. It is only to make sure that it is a good fit.
- Attach the magnet. From the staging of the sensor, you should know where the magnet can be placed to ensure that the sensor can effectively detect it.
- Test the sensor before installation. To be sure that the device is working flawlessly, you may try it out by simply putting the sensor close to the magnet then far from the magnet, and see if the device connected to your sensor such as your smartphone can detect a change in the proximity.
- Of course, you have to install the software or application needed onto your computer or smartphone beforehand.
- Install the sensor. As was stated in the considerations, place the sensor near enough the magnet but do not put it over the edge of the pane as this may cause your device to get stuck when opening or closing the window. The installation is done with screws or tape depending on what is provided with the product.
- Review the placement. Once again, make sure that all functions of the window are not obstructed due to the installation of the sensor. You can also double-check to make sure that it is either screwed or taped correctly.
- Test the sensor with your device. If you are using only one sensor, make sure to test that the sensor is able to detect movements from both the top and bottom panes.
Conclusion
Knowing how to install alarm sensors on double hung windows helps in keeping your space secured. Just make sure that before you make the purchase, identify your needs, then research the many different types of sensors and select the perfect one that fits you. Before the installation of the alarm sensor, make sure you remember all the tips and considerations listed for smooth-sailing. Know more about Window Alarms.