The importance of feeling safe in your own home cannot be overstated, and entry sensors are among the most important home security features.

One of the first things burglars look for is entry points such as your front doors and windows. Installing door and window sensors is a must if you don’t want your home to be the next target.

The Installation Procedure for Window Sensors:

1st Stage:

Choose which of your home’s windows you want to include in your home security system. Once you’ve determined that a particular type of sensor is compatible with your burglar alarm system, buy one of each.

It is not necessary to cover all of your windows. Windows that are clearly visible from the street, as well as windows higher than the first level, are typically not required to have a sensor. Windows that are too small for a thief to fit through are also ineffective. Windows that have been blocked or painted shut may need to be protected because a thief may choose to break through that window.

Step two:

Carefully read all of the instructions and warnings that come with the window sensor. Different brands and models installed in a variety of ways. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations if anything you read here contradicts the handbook.

Step three:

Secure the window sensor to each window with double-sided tape. Because they obstruct less of your view, corners are ideal locations for sensor mounting.

4th step:

Connect a sensor to the connecting wire. Connect the cable to the control panel by running it along a wall corner or, if possible, through the wall. The connecting wire is usually included in a window sensor kit. If you don’t have it, you can get it at any electronics or home improvement store.

Rep this step for each sensor you want to install.

5th step:

Locate the relevant input points for window sensors in your burglar alarm’s control panel. Insert the ends of the connecting wires into the input locations.

Sixth step:

Turn on your burglar alarm and put it through its paces by opening each window one at a time. It’s a good idea to call ahead and let them know you’ll be doing this if your home security system has a live-response service.

The Installation Procedure for Door Sensors:

The ability to detect when doors open is an essential component of security systems and the foundation of intrusion detection. A door sensor works best when it is mounted on a level surface and the magnet is placed nearby: one half on the door and the other half on the door frame.

It usually doesn’t matter which half goes where—as long as the two halves are close to each other (within an inch or two).

Typically, the process of installing a sensor on a door or window is the same. If you want to install a magnetic sensor on a metal door, you may need to modify the installation because it can interfere with normal operation in some cases.

• If it’s a metal door with a metal frame, first test your sensor to ensure it’s working properly. During testing, you can temporarily hold it in place with your hands or a piece of tape.
• If it’s a metal door with a wooden frame, stick the magnet to the door and the door alarm to the frame. If the magnet sticks firmly enough to the door, you may not need any additional mounting hardware. It doesn’t hurt to tie it in place, though, to keep it from flying off if the door bangs.

Other helpful suggestions:

• Install the sensor normally if everything goes as planned. If that doesn’t work, here’s what you should do:
• Check with the manufacturer to see if the sensor can be jigged. Expect to be told there is nothing you can do. Before moving on to step two, take a few deep breaths or eat a couple of spoonfuls of ice cream (whichever works best for you).
• If jerry-rigging fails, see if your system has a plunger sensor, hinge sensor, or vibration sensor.