How Do I Install a DW10 Window/Door Alarm Sensor?

You can install a DW10 Window/Door Alarm Sensor by programming it to the panel, mounting the sensor and magnet, and testing the sensor. The sensor should be mounted on the door or window frame. The magnet should be mounted on the main part of the door or window within 0.4" of the sensor.

The 2GIG DW10 is a wireless surface-mounted door and window contact that operates at a frequency of 345 MHz. It is specifically designed for 2GIG Alarm Systems, including the 2GIG GC2 and 2GIG GC3. It will also work with the Honeywell Lyric Controller and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with Honeywell/2GIG Legacy Daughtercard.

As a door and window sensor, the DW10 will be extremely close to its magnet when the door or window is closed. It may even be in direct contact, which is how these sensors get their nickname of "contacts". The sensor should be within 0.4 inches of its magnet when the door or window is closed for proper operation. There are ridges on the sensor that tell you which side its internal reed switch is located. The sensor should be installed so that the side with the ridges faces the included magnet.

When the door or window is opened, the magnet will become separated from the sensor. This will release the sensor's internal reed switch. The sensor will recognize this, and it will send an alert to the security system. This will let the system know that the door or window has been opened. The system will then respond based on its programming settings.

The reason why the sensor should remain stationary on the door or window frame is because it is more valuable than the magnet. It is better to have the magnet on the moving portion of the door or window in case the opening is slammed. This way, you can prevent damage to the sensor. The magnet is much less likely to become damaged, and it can be cheaply replaced anyway.

To install a 2GIG DW10 Door and Window Contact, complete the following steps:

1. Enroll to panel. Follow the specific steps for your panel to program the 2GIG DW10. This will usually involve accessing programming, putting the panel into its wireless enrollment mode, and then faulting the sensor to have it automatically recognized. You must then configure the settings for the sensor. A door and window sensor will usually use a Response Type of Entry/Exit, Interior or Perimeter. But you can program the sensor to suit your needs. Make sure to save your changes when finished.

2. Install the sensor. Mount the sensor (the larger part) to the door or window frame. You can do this using the included double-sided foam tape or included screws. The double-sided foam tape is often easier for DIY installers, since no holes need to be drilled. Make sure the side with the ridges faces the main portion of the door or window. This way, you can install the smaller magnet so that it faces the sensor's reed switch.

3. Install the magnet. Mount the magnet (the smaller part) to the actual door or window. If possible, it should be in direct contact with the sensor when the door or window is closed. But the sensor should work properly as long as the magnet is within 0.4 inches. Again, you can mount the magnet using the included double-sided foam tape or the included screws.

Below is an example of what the sensor will look like after it has been installed. Note that the battery tab hanging from the bottom would be removed for normal operation.

4. Test the sensor. Try opening the door. Check to make sure that the panel acknowledges that the zone was faulted. If it does, then the sensor was enrolled properly. If not, then you need to check your programming settings or readjust the positioning of the sensor or magnet. Also make sure that the fault restores when the door or window is closed.