What Is the Best Wireless Recessed Door/Window Alarm Contact?

The best wireless recessed door and window alarm contact depends on what system you have and how you plan on using the sensor. Alarm Grid has great wireless recessed contacts for all situations. You must make sure the sensor communicates at a frequency that is compatible with your system.

Unlike a surface-mounted contact, a recessed contact is actually installed inside the door or window frame. This keeps it out of visible sight when the door or window is closed. Many users prefer this, as it makes the installation more aesthetically pleasing. However, the downside to using a recessed contact is that it is more difficult to install. You must drill holes into both the door or window and its frame. This might not be the best option for a DIY user.

When it comes to wireless recessed contacts, you must make sure the sensor communicates at a frequency that is accepted by the wireless receiver used with your panel. The wireless receiver can usually be determined by the panel. If you have a Honeywell Panel, you will probably want to use a 345 MHz Sensor from the Honeywell 5800 Series. Meanwhile, the 2GIG Panels also use 345 MHz sensors. The company has its own 2GIG 345 MHz Sensor Lineup, and the 2GIG Systems can also support the aforementioned Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors. However, you cannot use the wireless 2GIG Sensors with any Honeywell Panel, except for the Honeywell Lyric Controller.

The standard version of the IQ Panel 2 and the Interlogix/GE Systems all support 319.5 MHz Sensors. This includes Qolsys Sensors and Interlogix/GE Sensors. You can use both sensor brands interchangeably. If you own a DSC System, then your system most likely uses 433 MHz sensors. If own a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, then your system will support one of three types of legacy sensors. There are 319.5 MHz versions, 345 MHz versions and 433 MHz versions of the IQ Panel 2 Plus. You should determine which version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus to decide what you need.

From the Honeywell 5800 Series, there's the Honeywell 5818MNL. It requires that a 3" deep hole with a 3/4 inch diameter is drilled into the door or window frame. Then the magnet needs a hole that is 1/2" deep and 3/8" in diameter. The 5800 Series also includes the Honeywell 5800RPS and the Honeywell 5800Micra. The 5800RPS is for doors only, and it uses a plunger switch instead of a magnetic contact. It needs a 3/4" wide hole with a 1.25" depth. Then a 1/4" hole is needed in the center of that to make room for the antenna. Meanwhile the 5800Micra is for windows only. This sensor features a small magnet that can be mounted without voiding the warranty for your window.

2GIG offers a recessed sensor called the 2GIG DW20R, The sensor needs a hole that is 11/16" in diameter and 2.6" deep. The magnet uses a hole that is also 11/16" in diameter and at least 0.5" deep. Remember, you can use the DW20R with the 2GIG GC2, the 2GIG GC3 and the Lyric Controller. You can also use it with the 345 MHz version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus. For owners of a 319.5 MHz system, the Qolsys IQ Recessed Door-S has you covered. It uses a hole 3/4" in diameter and 2.25" deep. The magnet uses a hole the 3/4" in diameter and 0.63" deep. Finally, there's a recessed sensor for 433 MHz systems, the DSC EV-DW4917.

The table below outlines all of the aforementioned recessed door and window contacts: