Are Door and Window Contacts Tamper Proof?

Yes, door and window contacts are tamper proof. If someone tries to disable these sensors, they will alert the system. This way, the end user will know about it. The panel will display the resulting trouble condition. Also, Criticom provides automated calls for all trouble conditions.

Many intruders will go the extra mile to try and beat a security system. They may think that they can disable various sensors while they have regular access to the building to try and make a clean break-in later. Fortunately, security system manufacturers thought of this problem. They design their equipment so that it cannot be easily tampered with without letting the end user know. How this is accomplished varies between different sensors.

For hardwired door and window sensors, this is usually done through an end of line resistor (EOLR). The resistor is wired in at the end of the line for the hardwired zone. If an intruder cuts or disconnects the wire, the EOLR will ensure that the system knows about it. Additionally, the EOLR will alert the system if an intruder puts a short across the zone at the panel to render it useless. The type of resistor to use will depend on the system and sensor you are using. Please check their respective instruction manuals for more information.

For wireless door and window sensors, there is usually a tamper cover that lets the system know if an intruder tries to open up the sensor. Opening the sensor would allow them to take out the batteries and prevent the sensor from communicating with the panel. However, the system will report a trouble condition as soon as the tamper cover is opened. Even if they close the cover, the trouble condition will still be displayed on the panel. The only way to clear the trouble is to provide a valid system code, which an intruder will not know.

Some wireless door and window sensors may not feature a tamper switch that lets the system know about an opened cover. However, this is usually only true of recessed sensors that are hidden inside of a door or window. An example of a wireless door and window sensor that does not have a tamper cover is the Honeywell 5818MNL. But since this is a recessed sensor, it is very unlikely that an intruder will access it.

Additionally, most wireless sensors provide added protection through RF supervision. This means that the wireless sensors check-in periodically with the panel to let the system know that they are communicating properly. if a sensor is taken offline or physically taken out of range of the system, then it will not be able to send a check-in signal to the panel. The system will recognize this and display a trouble condition for the zone. The user will need to restore the sensor or bypass the zone to clear the trouble. They will also need to acknowledge the trouble condition at the panel. This will require a valid system code.

Also remember that any Alarm Grid customer with central station monitoring will receive an automated call from Criticom whenever a trouble condition occurs. Monitored customers can also receive text and/or email notifications from an interactive service like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com whenever trouble conditions occur. This includes customers who receive self-monitoring service.