Recessed Door Alarm Sensors
The actual installation of a standard door sensor for a modern alarm system is not that difficult. Essentially, there is a strip of double sided tape placed on the back of the sensor then it’s stuck to the door. Same process with the magnet. There are however, a number of considerations that make it more complicated. One, the gap between the sensor and magnet need to be close. Many people make this mistake and have to unstick and re-stick the sensor. This causes the adhesive bond to weaken. This may result in the sensor falling off. If the sensor falls off the door or window is not appropriately monitored or it may trigger a false alarm. Two, the design of the system. Does every window in the house need a sensor? Most DIY alarm users just kind of make and educated guess about this. That’s not the approach we take to securing your home or business. A professional alarm company is going to analyze exactly what you need, make recommendations, and consider your desired price point. Two, many doors and door trim configurations make it simply impossible to use standard door alarm contacts. There’s no easy way to get the sensor and magnet on the same plane with minimal gap. One solutions is to cut the door frame in order to place the magnet. You can do this and it works but there’s a product specifically designed for this type of situation. The recessed door contact.
Recessed door alarm contacts can be wireless or wired. The most common application nowadays is wireless. They function and communicate the same way standard door and window contacts work. The only difference is that during installation a small hole is drilled into the door and the door jamb in order for the sensor and magnet to be placed inside.
There are a number of considerations you need to make before you drill a door for a recessed contact. What type of material is the door made out of? Is the door metal? Is it hollow. What is the condition of the door jamb? Are the sensors going to line up appropriately. When you drill for a sensor in the door then the jamb and realize they are out of alignment – you can’t just move one up or down. You need to fill both holes and start again. Luckily, we know a thing or two about doors ;)
The cities of Beachwood, University Heights, South Euclid, Cleveland Heights, and others have a lot of older doors. These doors often times have trim that makes mounting a typical sensor difficult, if not impossible. The only viable way to install a sensor on some of these doors is to use a recessed sensor.
Another benefit of recessed door contacts is that there is significantly less visible equipment. Door contacts have gotten smaller of the years but they are still noticeable on doors. They typically come in white or brown sometimes black. These colors don’t match every door color. Qolsys recessed door contacts come in white and brown. You can easily paint the caps on the sensors to match the exact color of your door. While the out of the box colors may be limited, it’s surprising how well white or black blend in with the door, especially because they are installed in such an inconspicuous place.
Well there you have it. A short explanation of the benefits of recessed door contacts. Another significant benefit of having a professional alarm company install for you!
