DIY Security Systems
Home security is very important nowadays, especially with the rampant danger of burglars or intruders preying on vulnerable homes. One solution to counter these criminals is installing door alarm sensors in every entry point of your house. That way, once the alarms go off, these criminals will run away and leave your property alone. However, you ask yourself, “How to install door alarm sensors at home?” It is simple and quick! In this article, you will learn the kinds of door alarm sensors, their benefits, and many tips installing these devices.
What Are Door Alarm Sensors?
A door alarm sensor is a motion detector that you attach by your door. These work the same with window alarm sensors. Generally, this sensor has two components—the reed switch and the magnet. You connect these two to the door and its frame. They go off when they are apart for more than two inches, setting off an alarm.
Kinds of Door Alarm Sensors
Before you learn how to install one, you need to know the different kinds of door alarm sensors. They can come in many styles, but they all work the same way: protect the entry points of your house. Here are three of the most used door alarm sensors out there:
Recessed Contact Sensors
This door alarm sensor is discreet devices that you install inside the frames of doors or windows. Burglars and thieves will not likely notice them.
Surface Contact Sensors
This door alarm sensor is the most common sensor used for home security. Not only that, but it is also the most affordable kind of door alarm sensor.
Vanishing Sensors
This kind of door alarm sensor is the most difficult to detect. They usually blend with your home décor and is perfect for offices and establishments.
How Do They Work?
As mentioned, most door alarm sensors use the reed switch and magnet components to set off an alarm when your door is open or close. You can attach the reed switch on the door frame and the magnet to the door itself. They both have to be parallel to each other to create a close circuit when the door is close. When an intruder opens the door, these two components separate, breaking the circuit, and sends a signal to the control panel, which will trigger the alarm.
Benefits of Door Sensors
Before we answer your question: “How to install door alarm sensors at home?” Let us first know the many advantages it will provide. Here are a few of the advantages by installing a door alarm sensor:
Affordable Protection
As mentioned, door alarm sensors are among the cheapest and affordable home security tools that you can use.
Keep Burglars and Thieves Out
Once your door alarm sensor goes off, you get a notification instantly that there are intruders at home, allowing you time to call help from authorities.
Keep Loved Ones In
It works to keep intruders out, but it also works as an alert system for you to check if your child or an elderly gets out without informing you.
Lower Insurance Premium
Installing home security systems in your home means it is less likely to be a victim of robbery or theft, which can put discounts on your home insurance.
Peace of Mind
Knowing that you have done every home security measure, you can think of putting you in a less worried or anxious state. You will have that peaceful and calm mind knowing that your family and property are safe and secure.
Benefits of Door Sensors
Before we answer your question: “How to install door alarm sensors at home?” Let us first know the many advantages it will provide. Here are a few of the advantages by installing a door alarm sensor:
A Brief Guide
Here is a brief guide in installing your door alarm sensor:
- The first thing is to consult the user manual that comes with your device for the installation’s details.
- Clean the surfaces or the spot where you will be attaching the reed switch and the magnets. So, it is either in a door frame or the door.
- After that, remove the adhesive backing of your reed switch component.
- Place it firmly on the cleaned spot and hold it in place for a minute.
- Do the same thing for the magnet component.
- Make sure that the reed switch and the magnet components are only one inch apart. Once someone accidentally or intentionally opens the door, an alarm goes off.
What to Avoid
Of course, there are some things that you need to avoid when installing your door alarm sensors. These are:
- Do not install your sensors in a non-climate-controlled area.
- Never attach them on the same side as the door hinge.
- Never place them on any metal surface.
- And as mentioned, never install them more than one inch apart.
Other Tips
Finally, there are other things you have to consider on how to install door alarm sensors! One, if you have a swinging door, you can place the magnet component on the door in the top corner that is opposite the hinges. The reed switch can be on the molding above or of the next door. Two, if you have a sliding door, install the magnet component on the door itself, at the top corner opposite the pane.
As for the reed switch, you can attach it also on the molding above next to the door. Three, if you have a double door, you place the magnet component on the center mullion, and the reed switch on the primary door—the one that you always open. Four, always place both pieces at a ninety-degree angle and less than one inch apart. Here’s how to learn more about Door Alarms.
Conclusion
Now you know how to install door alarm sensors at home! All that is left for you to do is apply what you have learned to add more protection and safety to your house. Always remember that there are many kinds of door alarm sensors that you can choose and install. They have multiple advantages, and familiarizing yourself with the dos and don’ts of installing your door alarm sensors will save you so much trouble. Hopefully, this article has provided you with more knowledge to protect your family and property.