What Is the Best Wired Security Door/Window Contact?

The best wired security door and window contact depends on how the sensor is being used. Different wired contacts are best-suited for different types of applications. You should consider how you plan on using the sensor and select the best available option for that type of application.

First, users should consider how door and window contacts work. These sensors usually consist of a sensor and a magnet. The sensor is usually installed on or inside the stationary frame of the door or window. The magnet is typically installed on or inside the moving portion of the door or window. When the door or window is opened, the magnet will separate from the sensor. This will cause a reed switch inside the sensor to activate. The sensor will then send a transmission to the control panel through a hardwired connection to let it know that the door or window has been opened. The system will then respond based on the programming settings for that zone. Please be aware that not every door and window sensor operates in this manner, but this is the standard operation.

Please note that Alarm Grid also offers a great selection of wireless door and window contacts. These contacts communicate with a panel through wireless RF signals as opposed to physical hardwired connections. Wireless contacts easier to set up, since the user will not need to run any wires. However, wired contacts are often cheaper, and some commercial-grade styles of only available as hardwired contacts. But it is important to be aware of all the options that are available. If you do decide that a hardwired contact is the best selection for your needs, many of the options are outlined below:

The Honeywell PAL-T is a good standard surface-mounted hardwired door and window contact. It is one of the smallest contacts we offer, which allows it be be used in a wide-variety of different applications. The magnet must be installed within 1.125" of the sensor in order for the device to work properly. This is a great wired contact to use for any standard door or window. If you require a similar contact with a wider gap, the Honeywell 950W will allow for a spacing gap of 2.25" between the sensor and magnet.

For garage doors, the Honeywell 958-2 is an overhead contact that works best for those types of applications. The sensor will work properly with a spacing gap of up to 2.375". The device is Form C, meaning that it can be used with either Normally Open or Normally closed wiring. Please note that it does not provide protection against lightning strikes or power surges. If that type of protection is required, we recommend using the Honeywell 959XTP Contact instead.

For high-security applications, we recommend the Honeywell 968XTP. This sensor is best-suited for outdoor environments that require the highest level of security available. This could include a safe or a vault. It can be used in any environment, and it offers protection against lighting strikes and power surges. The contact is Form C and allows for NC or NO wiring. If you require a commercial contact with a lesser-level of security, the Honeywell 960 is a similar option that will also provide great results. It is known for its wide spacing gap of 2.5".

Finally, there are some good hardwired recessed contacts that are available as well. Recessed contacts are installed inside the door or window, which puts them out of sight from the outside. They should not be confused with surface-mount contacts that are visible from the outside of the door or window. A simple recessed contact to use for many applications is the Honeywell 951WG. There's also the Honeywell 956RPT, which uses a plunger switch as opposed to a magnet and reed switch. When the door or window is closed, the plunger switch will be pressed in. But upon opening the door or window, the switch will be released. The sensor will then send a signal to the panel to let it know about the situation.