There are several reasons why you may need to have your alarm system’s window sensor(s) replaced or installed. Listed below are common scenarios where you might need alarm system window sensor replacement.
Window Replacements or New Additions (before)
Window Replacements or New Additions (after)
False Alarms, Announcement, or Beeps due to Defective Sensors
System Showing Open Door/Window
Window Replacements or New Additions (before)
If you are having new windows installed or existing windows replaced and have a hard-wired home alarm security system in place, it’s important to keep the alarm system wiring intact. If you don’t have a hard-wired system in place and are replacing all of your windows, this would be a good time to see about having wiring installed! We can help. Here are a few things to keep in mind before replacing a window for a smooth installation.
Window Replacements or New Additions (before)
Most window manufacturers and installers recommend that clients’ alarm companies install a new sensor or re-install the existing alarm sensor on a replacement window after the project is complete.
Window installers are not licensed or experienced in security systems to work on or re-attach window alarm sensors however; you should choose a window installer that will at least:
- Carefully remove the wire from the sensor (or keep sensor, if needed) and prevent wire from being damaged (if possible) when removing existing window.
- Pre-drill a 3/8″ hole inside the window frame where previously installed sensor was located and route existing wire through hole, leaving extra wire hanging for new recessed sensor to be installed
– or –
Route existing wire around left or right side of frame for new surface mount sensor to be installed.
Call us to clarify anything if needed or once you have had your window replaced to schedule a sensor replacement visit!
Window Replacements or New Additions (after)
If you already had new windows installed or existing windows replaced and have a hard-wired home alarm security system in place, hopefully the window installer pre-drilled a 3/8″ hole and/or routed the cable around the window to allow for a wired sensor replacement. If you they didn’t leave the wire exposed or you don’t have a hard-wired system in place then your only option without removing sheet rock and making drywall repairs is to add a wireless sensor (if your system supports wireless).
Window Replacements or New Additions (after)
Most window manufacturers and installers recommend that clients’ alarm companies install a new sensor or re-install the existing alarm sensor on a replacement window after the project is complete.
Window installers are not licensed or experienced in security systems to work on or re-attach window alarm sensors however; you should choose a window installer that will at least:
- Carefully remove the wire from the sensor (or keep sensor, if needed) and prevent wire from being damaged (if possible) when removing existing window.
- Pre-drill a 3/8″ hole inside the window frame where previously installed sensor was located and route existing wire through hole, leaving extra wire hanging for new recessed sensor to be installed
– or –
Route existing wire around left or right side of frame for new surface mount sensor to be installed.
If you they didn’t leave the wire exposed or you don’t have a hard-wired system in place then your only option without removing sheet rock and making drywall repairs is to add a wireless sensor (if your system supports wireless).
False Alarms, Announcements or Beeps
If you are experiencing false alarms, announcements or beeps and have a hard-wired home alarm security system in place, you may have a defective sensor, alignment or wiring issue.
False Alarms suck!
Usually most sensors fail open or closed and that is typically easy to location the bad sensor. This is because the problem is there until it is fixed, however, sensors can also be intermittent, or not always showing a problem. Troubleshooting can be more difficult, if not impossible with one visit as the problem is not always present; making troubleshooting nearly impossible.
It is helpful to make a note of the zone # this happens on. If the problem is intermittent and zone chime with voice announcement is on, the zone with the issue should be noted and the chimes turned off for this zone until it is repaired to minimize interruption with false alarms.
Call us to clarify anything if needed or once you have had your window replaced to schedule a sensor replacement visit!
System Showing Open Door/Window
If you have a zone that constantly shows open or if you have your door chime feature enabled, certain windows or doors don’t report open/closed and you have a hard-wired home alarm security system in place, you may have a defective sensor. Or if a door or window was replaced and the sensor was covered up or not replaced it would show open if the sensor or magnet is missing.
We have equipment to find issues with wires and trace when needed but sometimes wireless sensors must be installed instead. Unless you wanted to have the sheet rock removed and have drywall repairs made, a compatible wireless sensor would need to be used instead. (if your system supports wireless).
System Showing Open Door/Window
Usually most sensors fail open or closed and that is typically easy to location the bad sensor. This is because the problem is there until it is fixed, however, sensors can also be intermittent, or not always showing a problem. Troubleshooting can be more difficult, if not impossible with one visit as the problem is not always present; making troubleshooting nearly impossible.
It is helpful to make a note of the zone # this happens on. If the problem is intermittent and zone chime with voice announcement is on, the zone with the issue should be noted and the chimes turned off for this zone until it is repaired to minimize interruption with false alarms.
Call us to clarify anything if needed or once you have had your window replaced to schedule a sensor replacement visit!