Can I Use the Honeywell 5816 With a Wired Overhead Door Contact?

Yes, you can use the Honeywell 5816 with a wired overhead door door contact. The Honeywell 5816 is able to operate as a wireless transmitter for a single Normally Closed (NC) hardwired contact. You can connect an overhead contact to the 5816 to have it communicate with the panel wirelessly.

When choosing a sensor to use as an overhead contact, you need to make sure it allows for an extra large magnet spacing gap. In other words, you should be able to have the magnet a little bit further away from the sensor when the overhead door is closed. There are certain door sensors that are specifically designed for use as overhead contacts. However, these are often hardwired contacts, and you will need to get creative if you want to use them with wireless systems.

One solution is to connect the hardwired overhead contact with a wireless transmitter so that it can communicate with a wireless panel. The hardwired overhead contact will still be faulted and restored like normal, but the wireless transmitter will communicate with the panel on its behalf. You will need to make sure that the wireless transmitter communicates at a frequency that will work with the system. The 5816 will only work with systems that accept the 345 MHz frequency. Remember to program the 5816 using Loop 1 if you plan to use the device as a wireless transmitter.

If you are looking for a good hardwired sensor to use as an overhead door contact with the Honeywell 5816, then the Honeywell 958 is usually a pretty good option. This Normally Closed overhead contact features an adjustable magnet with an L-bracket easy mounting and a 24-inch armored cable for added protection. Its maximum allowed magnet spacing gap when the door is closed is 2.5 inches. Overall, the Honeywell 958 is perfect for use in garages and other non-climate controlled areas.