I'm sure I will have an issue - window contacts

[Mike]

Since there are three windows in a single opening, you probably can't go through either side of the center window anyway.  What about drilling through the bottom of the window frame, AKA the "stool", and continuing down through the rough framing under each window?  Look at the bottom of each sash.  Is there room to attach a magnet under there?  If you take this approach, be sure to use a quality caulk when you insert the switch so water doesn't find its way down there.

Yep, the reason I didn't not mention about putting the magnets at the bottom is due to water. I might be wrong though. Here are pictures of the window. If you notice the black line can be drilled. However, at the end of the window is a water drain. I didn't see the windows before install so I don't know the inside of the drain if we can actually see through end to end. I drew a picture of what I had in mind. I can really drill as I have space there for the vertical studs but my worry is the caulking of the bottom part of the window. I don't think I will be able to reach that part. I won't be able to caulk it since there will be a drywall. I also can't put the magnets now since technically, the house isn't mine yet. So what we're doing is just provisioning the wire so that when I move in, if the bottom works, I will drill the bottom part of the window from outside. Then I will try to fish the wire from there.

What do you think guys?

I will go back to the house by afternoon to get the brand of the window and hopefully be able to find it in google.

I am probably missing something (and I am not a pro), but from what I understand:

1. You cannot drill the window itself
2. You can drill the studs
3. You can fish wire

If this is true, could you measure off the locations and set everything up right beneath the window sill stapling the wire lower and then later measuring off the distance, and 'hooking' the prepared package and fish it up. Attach the wire to the sensor, then silicone the hole, and put silicone around the sensor and reinsert (causing the silicone to seal the edges as well)? A pain because you can't drill the window, but why wouldn't this work (or is this a window warranty issue).

The sensor could be placed in the middle (assuming that is an up/down window)

I mean using the recessed sensor like the following:
http://www.automatedoutlet.com/product.php...&cat=198&page=1

and then later you install one of these to the moving part of the window:
http://www.automatedoutlet.com/product.php...&cat=198&page=1

Worst case there are recessed and surface mount wireless sensors...

 

[v1rtu0s1ty]

I am probably missing something (and I am not a pro), but from what I understand:

1. You cannot drill the window itself
2. You can drill the studs
3. You can fish wire

If this is true, could you measure off the locations and set everything up right beneath the window sill stapling the wire lower and then later measuring off the distance, and 'hooking' the prepared package and fish it up. Attach the wire to the sensor, then silicone the hole, and put silicone around the sensor and reinsert (causing the silicone to seal the edges as well)? A pain because you can't drill the window, but why wouldn't this work (or is this a window warranty issue).

Yep, that's what I'm thinking. I don't want to loose the warranty. That's why, I want to go this route. http://www.grisk.com/surface_mount/505.htm This was given to me by a technical support from GRI this morning.

The sensor could be placed in the middle (assuming that is an up/down window)

I mean using the recessed sensor like the following:
http://www.automatedoutlet.com/product.php...&cat=198&page=1

and then later you install one of these to the moving part of the window:
http://www.automatedoutlet.com/product.php...&cat=198&page=1

Worst case there are recessed and surface mount wireless sensors...

Yep, I'm going to try surface mount instead.

 

[huggy59]

Ask the window manufacturer what they recommend for contacts and how to mount them that doesn't void the warranty.

My guess is you'll probably end up with surface-mount devices.

 

[v1rtu0s1ty]

Yes Gordon. I have already decided with surface mount. It will be easier to drill too on the studs. The GRI folks saw my window pictures and they knew it's really tough. They recommended to me the 505 model. It's small and as long as it does the job, it's fine with me.

Thanks!