Who Can I Call to Install a Recessed Door Sensor?

You probably don't need to call anyone to install a recessed door sensor, as it is something you can most likely do yourself. You need a power drill to make the necessary holes. Then you can insert the sensor and its accompanying magnet into their respective holes to finish the installation.

A door contact works using a sensor and magnet. The sensor and its accompanying magnet are installed in such a way that when the door is opened, the magnet will become separated from the sensor. This releases an internal metal reed switch inside the sensor, which opens the circuit and triggers the sensor to tell it to alert the alarm panel about the opened door. The only special thing about a recessed door contact is that the sensor and magnet are installed inside the door and its frame. This is as opposed to a surface-mount door contact, which is mounted on the outside of the door and its frame. Surface-mounted contacts are more commonly used, but if a user wants to hide their sensors and not have them be visible, then recessed contacts may be preferred.

But what many DIYers don't realize is that installing recessed contacts is actually very easy. If you have a power drill, then you can probably do it yourself. Just make two (2) holes - one on the side of the door and the other on the door frame. Make sure the holes are lined up, and exactly level. In terms of dimensions, the diameter and depth of the holes should be based on the recessed contact you are installing. Check the product manual to see the recommended dimensions. You want the sensor and the magnet to be nice and snug in their holes, without being prone to coming loose or falling out. Remember that the magnet typically goes inside the door itself, while the main sensor goes in the stationary door frame. When using wired contacts, this is the only way the two components can be mounted. When using wireless sensors, this is still best practice for the installation.

If you are unable to install your own recessed door contact, then we recommend contacting your alarm monitoring company for assistance. If you are monitored by Alarm Grid, please call (888)-818-7728 or email support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our technical support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F.