As homeowners ensuring the safety and security of our property and loved ones is always a concern. The possibility of burglary, break ins and home invasions can make us feel vulnerable and raise questions, about the effectiveness of our home security measures. This is where door contact sensors come in. These devices offer a level of protection by securing entry points such, as doors and windows. In this guide we will delve into all the aspects of door contact sensors including how they function, their features, benefits and even the costs associated with their installation.
What Are Door Contact Sensors?
Door contact sensors are devices that you can attach to the entry points of your home, such, as doors and windows. Their main purpose is to let you know when someone enters your home or tries to mess with these entry points. If your security alarm is off the sensors will simply notify you when a door opens or closes. However if your security alarm is armed any unauthorized entry will trigger a silent alarm based on what you prefer.
Door contact sensors are made up of two parts; a reed switch and a magnet. When someone opens a door or window these two parts separate, from each other breaking the circuit that activates your alarm system. This separation sends a signal to the control box, which can then inform you or a professional monitoring service if you have subscribed to one.
How Do Door Contact Sensors Work?
The door contact sensors work in an effective manner. When you close the door or window the magnet and reed switch come close together allowing the circuit to remain connected. However when you open the door or window the magnet moves away, from the reed switch breaking the circuit and setting off the alarm system.
Inside the reed switch is a glass tube that is sealed and contains two metal contacts along with an amount of mercury. When the magnet is, near the reed switch it causes mercury to flow between the metal contacts completing the circuit. When you move away with the magnet gravity pulls on the mercury causing it to separate from both contacts and opening up the circuit which triggers an alarm.
Advantages of Door Contact Sensors
Door contact sensors provide benefits that make them a crucial element of any home security system. Here are some important advantages:
1. Enhanced Security and Deterrence
One of the benefits of using door contact sensors is the increased level of security they offer. When you secure the entry points of your home it gives you a sense of reassurance that any unauthorized access will be promptly detected and alerted. This alone serves as a deterrent as potential intruders are less inclined to target a home that has security measures, in place.
2. Immediate Notifications
Door contact sensors provide the benefit of receiving notifications. If someone tries to break into your home these sensors will send a signal to your control panel, which can then alert you through a smartphone app or activate an alarm. This enables you to take action, such, as contacting the authorities or reviewing the security footage.
3. Customizable Security Levels
Door contact sensors offer the convenience of tailoring your security settings to meet your requirements. You have the option to arm entry points or activate all sensors depending on your preferences. This enables you to protect areas while still maintaining accessibility, in areas like when you’re, at home.
4. Integration with Home Automation Systems
Numerous door contact sensors can be seamlessly incorporated into home automation systems providing you with the convenience of managing and monitoring your security system. By empowering you to arm or disarm the sensors receive alerts and even access security camera footage through your smartphone you gain authority over safeguarding your home of your location.
5. Cost-Effective Solution
Compared to methods of securing your home door contact sensors provide a budget option. They are reasonably priced, especially when considering the losses and damages resulting from a burglary or intrusion. Moreover installing door contact sensors is uncomplicated and often manageable, as a do it yourself endeavor.
Types of Door Contact Sensors
There are types of door contact sensors available each suited for specific door types or security needs. Here are a few used varieties of door contact sensors:
1. Surface-Mount Door Sensors
Surface mounted door sensors are used and adaptable contact sensors. They can be applied to types of doors. Operate by affixing the magnetic component to either the door or frame while the reed switch is placed on the opposite side. Soon as the door is opened these components separate, thus activating the alarm system.
2. Rollerball Door Sensors
Rollerball door sensors are perfect, for doors that are set into a recessed position. Unlike surface mounted sensors that sense the opening of a door rollerball sensors detect the closure of a door. These sensors have a ball that gets pressed down when the door aligns with the hinge causing the alarm to activate.
3. Garage Door Sensors
Garage door sensors function similarly to surface mount sensors. They incorporate magnets to maintain a greater distance, between the reed switch and magnet. This helps prevent alarms triggered by the movements of garage doors. These sensors are specifically engineered to enhance the security of garage entry points.
4. Pull-Apart Sensors
Pull apart sensors are commonly utilized on emergency exit doors that are designed to be kept shut for the majority of the time. These sensors consist of a component connected to a wire that is inserted into a tube. When the door is opened the magnet is drawn out of the tube thus alerting the alarm system.
Where to Install Door Contact Sensors?
When it comes to setting up door contact sensors it is crucial to position them in areas that are most susceptible, to unauthorized entry. Here are a few spots you should take into account:
1. Front Door
The main entrance of your house commonly known as the door holds importance in terms of security. It is crucial to take measures to protect this area. Begin by installing a sensor that detects any contact or movement, on your door. This will ensure that you have a defense mechanism, in place.
2. Ground-Floor Doors
Ground level entrances, like side entrances are generally the accessible points of entry, for potential trespassers. It is essential to ensure that door contact sensors are installed on these entrances to offer coverage and safeguarding.
3. Windows on Lower Levels
Make sure to secure the lower level windows in your home as they can be entry points. Install contact sensors, on these windows to detect any access attempts.
4. Additional Entry Points
Depending on how your home’s arranged and designed you might have entrances that need security measures. These could be basement doors, sliding doors or patio doors. Take a look, at your requirements. Set up door contact sensors accordingly.
Cost of Door Contact Sensors and Installation
The price of door contact sensors and installation can differ based on factors, such, as the brand, type of sensors and the level of complexity involved in the installation process. Let me provide you with a breakdown of the associated costs:
1. Sensor Costs
The price of door contact sensors usually varies from $20 to $50, per sensor depending on the brand and features. When deciding on the sensors for your home security system it is essential to take into account both the cost and the long term advantages.
2. Installation Costs
If you’re familiar, with do it yourself projects there’s a chance you can handle the installation of door contact sensors, on your own. However if you’d rather have professionals take care of it the cost can vary between $100 and $300 depending on how complicated the installation’s where you’re located geographically.
Conclusion
Door contact sensors play a role, in keeping your home secure and giving you peace of mind. They are designed to detect any access and trigger alarms making them an effective deterrent against intruders. By installing door contact sensors on doors and windows you can ensure coverage and protection for your home. It’s important to consider the different types of sensors available and their features to choose the ones that best suit your security needs. While the cost of door contact sensors and installation may vary it’s an investment considering the loss and damage that can be prevented. With door contact sensors, in place you can have confidence knowing that your home and loved ones are well protected.