Double Hung Windows lock sensors

[firefly]

Hi, working on my Elk system. Used an idea I found here to put both a mag sensor and plunger into a standard door lock. I can tell if its open or shut, and if locked or not. Great.

Wish to do the same for my double hung windows. Easy to do the open and close with a mag sensor, any ideas how to determine if a lock is set? Most are that claw or buckle type. I have been looking for a lock that could support a sensor, but no luck.

thanks, Jay

 

[beelzerob]

Are you talking a wireless sensor? Because otherwise, how would you run a wire to a lock on the sash, when both sashes can move?

 

[politics123]

Are you talking a wireless sensor? Because otherwise, how would you run a wire to a lock on the sash, when both sashes can move?

I don't understand why the window companies don't offer embedded sensors (even wireless) as options. What a quick way to make a buck without a huge amount of effort.

 

[beelzerob]

I don't understand why the window companies don't offer embedded sensors (even wireless) as options. What a quick way to make a buck without a huge amount of effort.

Oh BELIEVE ME, I kept thinking that, as I wired all 50 or so sashes....

All they would need to do is put a connection in there so that the connection is closed when the sashes are together....if the bottom sash top is next to the top sash bottom...then it's closed! I agonized for a while trying to think of some way to use a single sensor that could accomplish this, but couldn't.

But anyway...ya, being able to connect the wires to some ready-made terminal on the window casing would have been really convenient....

 

[firefly]

Are you talking a wireless sensor? Because otherwise, how would you run a wire to a lock on the sash, when both sashes can move?

Hi, no, I am using wired sensors. The problem is that I have not found any double hung locks that work well with standard sensors. I am hoping others have found a good combination. Conceptually they all could work, but I am looking for a clean installation.

thanks.

 

[SteveQ]

Wish to do the same for my double hung windows. Easy to do the open and close with a mag sensor, any ideas how to determine if a lock is set? Most are that claw or buckle type. I have been looking for a lock that could support a sensor, but no luck.

thanks, Jay

Jay,

If your windows have the old metal locking mechanism, you may be able to connect one of the wires from your magnetic switch wire to each half of the lock. When the lock is closed it would complete the circuit (assuming there is good electrical connection). Your security system would alert you if the window was not locked.

Might be worth a try!

Steve Q

 

[Photon]

I would also like to do this, and I also haven't thought of a decent way to sense the position of the supplied latch. My best idea so far is to close the upper and lower sash, and drill a hole where they overlap, at one side as close to the track as possible. The hole would go all the way through the stile of the lower sash but not all the way through the stile of the upper sash. A shortened 10D nail slipped into the hole secures one sash to the other. Now epoxy a magnet to the head of the nail. A surface mount switch or even a recessed switch goes into the casing next to the magent. Using this scheme, a single switch determines both sashes are in the closed position and that the security pin is in place.

This scheme seems like it takes care of the alarm aspect, but not without problems. The holes probably void the window's warranty, this probably won't work in my vinyl windows, and it would have a rather low WAF.

I've pretty much concluded that the usual magnetic sensors on a closed and locked double-hung window are almost worthless anyway. I imagine a perp will enter with a rock rather than finesse the latch open, so I don't think I'll use magnets on most of my windows. Instead, I plan to rely on glass breaks, PIRs, and eventually some sort of outdoor sensor. I may change my mind if I see any really creative solutions to your issue, though.

 

[pete]

<snip>. . . I imagine a perp will enter with a rock rather than finesse the latch open, so I don't think I'll use magnets on most of my windows. . . . <snip>

I think firefly wants to know if the window is locked, not if an intruder has un-locked it . .

. . what about using a selenoid, mounted in the framing next to the window, that could throw a pin to lock the window . .

 

[Photon]

"I think firefly wants to know if the window is locked, not if an intruder has un-locked it . ."

My first paragraph offers a way to know if the window is locked by a nail slipped through the sashes.

My last paragraph explains why I think it is not worthwhile, at least in my situation.