What is a Glass Break Sensor?

A glass break sensor is a type of security sensor that is used to monitor glass windows and casings. If the glass for a window or casing is broken, it will make a distinct shattering sound. The sensor will detect this sound and send a signal to the panel to perform a programmed response.

Glass break sensors have many applications. The most notable is for homeowners to install them near their windows. This way, if an intruder were to break a window to try and access the property, the glass break sensor would alert the user about the situation. If the user receives monitoring from a central station, they can set up their glass break to immediately request police dispatch to their home.

Many businesses also use glass break sensors. This is especially true for businesses who often keep their products inside of protective glass casings, such as jewelry stores and gun shops. In the event that a criminal breaks into the glass, the detector will be set off and police dispatch can be requested. This is very useful for ensuring that a serious robbery attempt is stopped as quickly as possible.

In order for a glass break sensor to activate, two sounds must occur within a very short duration of time from each other. These are the low-pitched "thud" of an object striking against the glass and the high-pitched "shattering" of the glass. By using this dual-sound verification process, false alarms are largely prevented from occurring. But at the same time, these devices are known for being very reliable and consistent in responding to breaking glass.

Glass break sensors are tested in a very unique way. It is not necessary to actually break some glass in order to test one of these sensors. Instead, there are special glass break simulators that produce the unique sound needed to set off a glass break sensor. These sensors will ensure that a glass break sensor is working as it should and that it can properly pick up the sound of breaking glass. An example of one of these devices is the Honeywell FG701.

All sound-based glass break sensors are grouped into one of two types. These are wireless glass break sensors and wired glass break sensors. Wireless glass break sensors communicate with security systems using wireless RF signals. The frequency of these signals determines which type of systems the sensor can communicate with. Some wireless glass breaks also include built-in encryption to prevent the device from being taken over by hackers.

On the other hand, a wired glass break sensor will connect to an alarm system using a hardwired connection. This requires running a wire from the security system to the sensor. This can make the installation more challenging for DIY users. However, an advantage of wired glass break sensors is that they will never require any type of battery replacement during their lifetime.