What Magnetic contacts to use on exterior door

[newalarm]

Looking to install magnetic contact on exterior metal gate to backyard. Was looking to use a garage door type sensor, such as this device: http://seco-larm.com/Magnet4.htm
 
Any ideas or suggestions of other/better devices?
 
Thanks.

 

[sic0048]

Does it need to be wireless or can you run a wire out to the gate?
 
Honestly I think just about any normal sensor would do.  If you are worried about weather, then cover it with silicone after you attach the wires to it.  Personally I like the smaller, more hidden type of installs vs the large in your face sensors.  If someone knows the sensor is there, it is easy to defeat with a simple magnet.  

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Do you have a pic of the gate?  I use just a typical 'in frame' type for my outside gate and also an exterior one for another, but these are small pedestrian type gates.  I've had them working for years.

 

[newalarm]

Gate is not yet built. BSR, do you have some pictures of the type you are talking about, or of how you installed? I will try to run power/wires...

 

[ano]

I use a wireless GE sensor on a metal gate outside my house. I added a little extra GE silicon to make it waterproof.  It has been running 10+ years summer and winter without problem.

 

[apostolakisl]

This is not magnetic, but is purpose built to your need (exterior gate is specifically listed as its intended use).
 
http://www.smarthome.com/70422/Enforcer-Indoor-Outdoor-Wall-Mounted-Photoelectric-Beam-Sensor-with-35-Foot-Range-E-931-S35RRQ/p.aspx

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Gate is not yet built. BSR, do you have some pictures of the type you are talking about, or of how you installed?

I will try to take some this evening for you.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Here are some pics of the front gate and rear gates as requested (they were all made from steel tubing).
 
I spent more time on the front than the rear one in installing DS10a's in (rain-tight) boxes.  They have been in place for many years (thus the slight rust marks).
 
I just used a typical door/window sensor and used shrink tape on the leads to the DS10a.
 
Front Gate:
     
 
Rear Gate (it was a very quick setup):
  

 

[drvnbysound]

http://www.security.honeywell.com/hsc/products/wireless/do/314990.html

 

[drvnbysound]

Does it need to be wireless or can you run a wire out to the gate?
 
Honestly I think just about any normal sensor would do.  If you are worried about weather, then cover it with silicone after you attach the wires to it.  Personally I like the smaller, more hidden type of installs vs the large in your face sensors.  If someone knows the sensor is there, it is easy to defeat with a simple magnet.  

 
If I were a thief and saw a sensor present I'd just jump the fence

 

[uniforesecurity]

Metal magnetic contact is good for garage door. For better protection, installation of outdoor motion sensor is another good choice.
Like this: http://www.hkvstar.com/item/wired-dual-tech-outdoor-motion-sensor.html
I don't think thief can jump the fence when saw a sensor present. Because I know a typical outdoor motion sensor with very wide detection angle and long distance detection range. 

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

If I were a thief and saw a sensor present I'd just jump the fence

True, as any outdoor gate would have that problem (though that is hard to see from the street view with the additional mesh screen installed).  I don't use mine for security at all actually, rather for notification of the gate(s) being opened for automation purposes.
 
For example, I have an announcement twice a week on garbage nights to take out the can to the street that will start announcing at 7:30 PM and continue every half hour until the automation systems 'sees' that the side gate was opened.  It's also a good indicator when someone for instance is scheduled to come over to walk your dog and that is the main point of entry as you don't want to give them your house key.
 
I also want to know if those gates are closed at times.
 
A lot of other examples, but you get the idea.

 

[drvnbysound]

True, as any outdoor gate would have that problem (though that is hard to see from the street view with the additional mesh screen installed).  I don't use mine for security at all actually, rather for notification of the gate(s) being opened for automation purposes.
 
For example, I have an announcement twice a week on garbage nights to take out the can to the street that will start announcing at 7:30 PM and continue every half hour until the automation systems 'sees' that the side gate was opened.  It's also a good indicator when someone for instance is scheduled to come over to walk your dog and that is the main point of entry as you don't want to give them your house key.
 
I also want to know if those gates are closed at times.
 
A lot of other examples, but you get the idea.

 
Certainly. That is the same reason that I want to add exterior sensors to my gates... just to know when they are open without having to physically check. My comment was just trying to address the other comment about defeating a sensor that can be seen... 
 

Does it need to be wireless or can you run a wire out to the gate?
 
Honestly I think just about any normal sensor would do.  If you are worried about weather, then cover it with silicone after you attach the wires to it.  Personally I like the smaller, more hidden type of installs vs the large in your face sensors.  If someone knows the sensor is there, it is easy to defeat with a simple magnet.  

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Good point and another thing I wanted to point out, there are magnetic sensors that can not be defeated by the inclusion of another magnet.  I remember seeing a demonstration of one at an ISC West Convention here a few years ago (unfortunately can't remember the vendor).

 

[Del91574]

I'd recommend any of the epoxy potted OHD style contacts with a stainless whip to get into a W/P box.
 
In the case of security, a BMS (balanced magnetic switch) can either be reed or other technology. Almost all the manufacturers offer them, but the new guys on the block are Magnasphere units. Nascom also makes some pseudo BMS'