Do I Install a Glass Break Detector Directly On a Window?

No, you do not install a glass break detector directly on a window. Instead, the device should be installed near a window where it will be able to hear the glass shattering. If you place a glass break directly on the window itself, the device may become damaged if the window is broken.

A glass break detector works by listening for the specific frequencies of an object striking against glass and the actual shattering of glass. It is not necessary to place a glass break detector directly on a window to pick up these sounds. Instead, the best option is to place it near the window where it will still be able to hear the glass being shattered if the window were to ever be broken.

When choosing a location for a glass break detector there are a few things that you should take into consideration. For one, placing the glass break too far from the window may prevent the sound waves of the breaking glass from reaching the detector and causing the device to activate. The same can be said for having large objects or obstacles in between the window and the glass break detector. With that in mind, the optimal location for a glass break detector is near a window with a direct line of sight to the glass

After a glass break detector has been installed and programmed with the security panel, you should then test the device to make sure that it is working. Of course, you should not actually break any glass to do this. A much safer and easier way to test the device is to use a glass break simulator. This type of device will produce an audible sound that mimics shattering glass. However, you will still need to supply the "thud" of an object striking against the glass, which you can easily produce by gently tapping against the glass with your hand.

To test the glass break, start by putting your system on test with the monitoring station, if applicable. Following the instructions on the glass break, put the device into test mode. Arm your system, then use the glass break simulator to produce the sound needed to set off the glass break. From there, you can disarm your panel using any valid user code or the Master Code. A great glass break simulator to use for this purpose is the Honeywell FG701.