Sensor for skylight?

[benze]

I have an Elk M1G and have just added in a Velux S04 skylight (4 x 4ft). I would love to put an additional window contact/sensor on the window to know if it is open or closed. Not as much from a security perspective, but more to be able to know the state of the window.

My other windows and doors have standard reed contacts, but not sure how to setup something for the skylight. I have a 4C-22AWG wire available for a hardwired contact, but it seems like a very large gap that would need to be covered.

Has anyone had any luck with wiring a skylight into the panel?

Thanks,

Eric

 

[Sandpiper]

I don't see why it would be any different than a regular window. There are plenty of contacts available that are peel and stick. (They will stick to metal and glass). Do you need an "open" and "closed", or just "closed"? Normally window contacts are installed to sense "closed" only. If it is not "closed", then it is open.

What is it about this that I do not understand?

 

[Sandpiper]

I have an Elk M1G and have just added in a Velux S04 skylight (4 x 4ft). I would love to put an additional window contact/sensor on the window to know if it is open or closed. Not as much from a security perspective, but more to be able to know the state of the window.

My other windows and doors have standard reed contacts, but not sure how to setup something for the skylight. I have a 4C-22AWG wire available for a hardwired contact, but it seems like a very large gap that would need to be covered.

Has anyone had any luck with wiring a skylight into the panel?

Thanks,

Eric

Here is a link to an example of what I would have used.

https://www.amazon.com/GAGALOR-Magnetic-Contact-Sensor-Double/dp/B0BMG19XTW/ref=pd_sbs_d_sccl_2_2/131-0681630-5128368?pd_rd_w=5sw7z&content-id=amzn1.sym.2cd14f8d-eb5c-4042-b934-4a05eafd2874&pf_rd_p=2cd14f8d-eb5c-4042-b934-4a05eafd2874&pf_rd_r=PRB2DVC2PEVV5HQ0P18B&pd_rd_wg=6Q4ac&pd_rd_r=5cf2e80a-4dce-4914-bd5d-56a4cff83c56&pd_rd_i=B0BMG19XTW&psc=1

 

[ano]

Here is a link to an example of what I would have used.

https://www.amazon.com/GAGALOR-Magnetic-Contact-Sensor-Double/dp/B0BMG19XTW/ref=pd_sbs_d_sccl_2_2/131-0681630-5128368?pd_rd_w=5sw7z&content-id=amzn1.sym.2cd14f8d-eb5c-4042-b934-4a05eafd2874&pf_rd_p=2cd14f8d-eb5c-4042-b934-4a05eafd2874&pf_rd_r=PRB2DVC2PEVV5HQ0P18B&pd_rd_wg=6Q4ac&pd_rd_r=5cf2e80a-4dce-4914-bd5d-56a4cff83c56&pd_rd_i=B0BMG19XTW&psc=1

Here is an Amazon posting tip. When posting an Amazon link, only post from the start to just BEFORE the question mark. Disregard the question mark to the end, It just contains tracking info about you and is not needed. (It might even be a security risk.).

Use this link

 

[benze]

I don't see why it would be any different than a regular window. There are plenty of contacts available that are peel and stick. (They will stick to metal and glass). Do you need an "open" and "closed", or just "closed"? Normally window contacts are installed to sense "closed" only. If it is not "closed", then it is open.

What is it about this that I do not understand?

NO or NC is fine. I tend to use NO. The biggest concern for me is I like hidden contacts, and the window frame provide 0 clearance for recessed contacts. Particularly, the way it is installed against the roof trusses and joists makes it difficult to thread wires. Similarly, the drywall gets installed flush with the skylight, so no trim or rough window frame that you can wire into or around easily.

Realistically, I suspect my only option is the peel & stick style, but I find those are kind of eyesores and was ideally looking for a large gap contact that I can hide somewhere in the framing, but I think that is asking too much.

I will try to post pics tomorrow.

Thanks,

Eric

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Google "pill magnetic security sensor contacts"

 

[benze]

I don't see why it would be any different than a regular window. There are plenty of contacts available that are peel and stick. (They will stick to metal and glass). Do you need an "open" and "closed", or just "closed"? Normally window contacts are installed to sense "closed" only. If it is not "closed", then it is open.

What is it about this that I do not understand?

As promised, here are some pictures of the window. No real access to the sides of the frame. The channel is where the drywall slides in. The joists are the exterior frame of the window. Really a difficult run for wiring, unless someone has a great idea.

Thanks,

Eric

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Can you take a pic with the skylight partially open so we can see what 'moves' within the framework?

 

[benze]

Can you take a pic with the skylight partially open so we can see what 'moves' within the framework?

That's been my hiccup too; been difficult getting the skylight since install as it has been -20C here recently. Today it has finally thawed temporarily, yet it is freezing rain. I am hoping to find a break in the weather to see if I can get it opened. So far the best I have is curtesy of HomeDepot. I'll try to take some IRL pics if the weather calms down a bit.

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/velux-vse-electric-venting-deck-mount-skylight-size-s06-outside-frame-44-3-4-inch-x-46-1-4-inch-laminated-loe3/1001132755

 

[Mark S.]

I would suggest running your wire into a small white project box that you could use as a junction box. Leave it loosely taped to the window frame or dangling for now - until the sheetrockers and painters finish their thing. Afterwards, tighten up the wire to mount the box right at the wire exit location or at the best spot on the frame or the wall, wherever it it least obtrusive, then place your reed switch on the frame, the magnet on the window, and wire it all up.

I suggest the mini junction box because 1) it will protect your wire during finish work, 2) it gives you flexibility to decide later on the exact location for the contact, 3) it is easy to relocate or replace your contacts in the future if the need arises, and 4) a small junction box should be un-noticeable from the ground.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Can you use those 'pill' contact sensors and mount something like this?



You may be able to place it against the lip off to the edge and only have a small bit of wire showing. Those pill sensors are very tiny and IMO won't be an eye sore.

You can use the peel and stick backing at first, but then once you have a place that works and you like, I would epoxy as the temperature extremes won't work well with the sticky backs.