HAI - Which wired door/window contacts are you using?

sloav

Member
I've basically settled on using an HAI setup in my house, and I was wondering which would be the best wired door and window sensors to use with it? I'm from the IT world so I know some products can be more pickier than others with what is connected to it, so I just wanted to make sure I used the correct ones. I have the walls open, and that is why I would rather use wired than the wireless, but if the wireless work better, I will use them. My windows are Tilt/Clean windows if that makes a difference.Thanks in advance.
 
There are many many options, but you need to determine a few things about your system:
 
1. Will you use EOL resistors and do you want them integrated within the sensor (so you don't need to have an external resistor).
2. Are you willing to drill into your windows (to mount the magnet) and possibly void your warranty
3. Do you want surface mount so you don't need to drill?
4. Do you want low profile sensors (very small).
5. What size gap do you want between the sensor and the magnet
6. Do you want to use pigtail connections or terminal screws
 
I am a GRI fan with the built-in 1k resistors. They have a large variety and can custom install a 1k in almost any sensor they sell.
However, I would fist answer the questions that BraveSirRobbin posed as they are the determining factor on the sensor(s) you choose.
 
I would strongly recommend staying away from contacts with integrated EOLR's...it's going to cause more headaches over time compared to benefits.
 
Thank you, I didn't realize there were that many. I figured there were only a handful that would work with a certain brand.
 
1. I will use EOL, and have them external.
2. I rather not, unless someone knows for Anderson windows that it won't void warranty.
3. If this is continued from 2, I rather not drill into the frame, so surface mount would work.
4. If the price isn't too excessive, I'd like low profile.
5. What impact would the gap have? 
6. I do not have a preference, I'm guessing terminal connection is better though?
 
I apologize for some of the noob questions/answers, as I'm new to the DIY automation/alarm install. At my last job we had many buildings with Crestron setups, which I had thought of doing, but I know the realistic pricing of it over the life of the equipment and how locked in you are.
 
Also, depending on the sensor, will it matter the wire and where it is placed? Would it help if I post a picture of the windows? I do have one sliding door I will be sensing too.
BraveSirRobbin said:
There are many many options, but you need to determine a few things about your system:
 
1. Will you use EOL resistors and do you want them integrated within the sensor (so you don't need to have an external resistor).
2. Are you willing to drill into your windows (to mount the magnet) and possibly void your warranty
3. Do you want surface mount so you don't need to drill?
4. Do you want low profile sensors (very small).
5. What size gap do you want between the sensor and the magnet
6. Do you want to use pigtail connections or terminal screws
 
I went all GRI sensors after I had 3 of 4 GE branded roller contacts fail in just a few weeks/months after installation.
 
I use the plunger type door contacs set in the jamb. 
Invisible when the door is closed.
No failures in over 2 years now.
 
In addition to their standard window contacts, I also use their water sensors.
 
I still have't decided on the exact sensor for each, but do most mount halfway up the window, or more near the bottom? It's been tough finding real diagrams, and I rather at least have the wiring there before I put insulation in. Thank you.
 
Deactivated rhodium reeds do not have the tendency to become magnetized over time by a magnet being removed/replaced....if that was the case, then almost every door contact installation would have issues since that's how they're installed, the "slide" past each other every time the door is opened or closed.
 
What causes the issue is if you install a magnetic contact in a steel door without an insulating bushing for the magnet.
 
There is no "best" location for the contacts, but for new or retrofit, you need to factor in what you would need to do in order to service or remove the contact for service/troubleshooting.
 
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