Alarm contacts- Contact switches are magnetic switches used to protect doors and windows for the most part. There are three main styles that are used by most alarm companies. They are recessed contacts, surface mount contacts and rolling ball contacts.
Recessed contacts they are hidden in window rails and door frames so they cannot be seen when the window or door is closed. The switch is on the fixed or non-moving side of the opening and a magnet is placed on the moving side. When the magnet meets the switch, the circuit is complete and the control knows it is closed. Recessed outlets are more complicated to install unless they are placed during the construction phase of your home or business. A good installation technician can install recessed outlets in your home after construction, as long as you have an unfinished basement, accessible attic, or closet to run wires through.
Surface mount contacts They work the same as the built-in ones, however, they are visible when the doors or windows are closed. They come in three main sizes: large, small, and micro. They come in the colors white, gray and brown so that they can be combined with the door trim or window sill they are mounted on.
ball contacts they are on the hinge side of the door frame and the spring loaded ball is pushed in when the door closes completing the circuit. These are more likely to need replacement in a few years as they are considered a moving part.
All types of flush and surface mount outlets can be wired directly to your control panel or you can get them in a wireless version. Wireless contacts have a transmitter attached to or built into them that sends a radio signal to a receiver on the remote. The transmitter is surface mounted and comes in two colors, white and brown. If white and brown are not the colors you want, you can paint the switches and transmitters to match your décor.
Doors are the most common point of entry and your system must protect them. I always recommend contacting each perimeter gate of your home or business
Window contacts can add up quickly since most homes have many windows. I have always felt that window contacts give the homeowner a false sense of security due to the fact that a window must be opened for them to work. If your window is locked (and it should be) when you’re away or sleeping, a thief has to break the glass or remove the glass to open it. If they break the glass and the alarm doesn’t sound, why would they open the window? Instead, they most likely cleaned up the broken glass and climbed in. That is why it is better to spend your money on motion detectors and/or glass break sound detectors.
If you have children, window contacts can be a valuable tool. They will prevent your children from opening the window to a stranger. And they will also make your teen regret reading this. (If they tell you all they want for the holidays is a magnet, they’ll find out!) Window contacts are often better at keeping people in than they are at keeping burglars out. If you choose to use window contacts, you may like the fact that the surface mounted versions can be configured so you can keep your window open a few inches for ventilation and still be armed.
