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With the rise of smart home security, contact sensors have become integral to protecting your home. Along with cameras, wireless networks and remote monitoring, sensors are at the heart of 21st Century home security. Think of them as tiny security guards that help your other technology do its job. And they allow you immediate access to what’s happening in your home. But how do contact sensors work–and what’s the best way to install them?
How Do Contact Sensors Work?
The three essential components are a magnetic piece installed on the moving part of your door or window, a sensor attached to the jamb or frame, and a wireless interface system. When you open your door or window, it creates a break in the magnetic field. That interruption flips a switch in the sensor, which triggers an alert. We can wire sensors to transmit an alert to your alarm system. However, today’s wireless systems often share alerts directly with your smartphone.
Where Should I Put Contact Sensors?
Doors and windows are the most common locations for contact sensors, allowing homeowners to monitor entry into their homes. However, there are numerous other locations where they can be effective.
- Contact sensors on gates can help prevent trespassing. They’re also a godsend for pool owners, letting you know if your children or others access an enclosed swimming area without permission.
- Garage door sensors stop the door from opening and closing when they detect movement and are an essential safety feature.
- Sensors on drawers and cabinets in your home can help you protect valuables. Sensors on bathroom cabinets keep medications safe.
- We can install sensors on valuable outdoor furniture and equipment to prevent theft and damage.
What Else Can A Contact Sensor Do?
Water sensors can prevent expensive damage from leaks and floods. We recommend them as part of any smart home upgrade. These devices use electrical fields or infrared light to detect the presence of water and changes in water levels. We install water sensors near bathrooms, water heaters, HVAC systems, sump pumps, washing machines and other appliances to detect leaks. We can program your sensor to alert you when a leak occurs and even automatically turn off the source.
What Are the Advantages of Contact Sensors?
Contact sensors are an essential component of a contemporary security system. Here are a few reasons why:
- They come in different shapes and sizes depending on where you’re using them.
- They provide instant feedback and let you know when something is amiss, even before your cameras detect an intruder.
- Wireless sensors easily connect with your smartphone to allow you to get alerts when you’re away from home.
- They’re customizable: we can program them to activate only when your alarm system is armed to avoid unnecessary alerts.
- We can program them with your smart home automation to change thermostat temperatures and lighting when you open doors and windows.
Can I Install Contact Sensors Myself?
A basic sensor system is doable as a DIY. However, professional installation is the way to go for more sophisticated setups. We want to install sensors efficiently and strategically to avoid tampering or accidental damage. We aim to prevent malfunction and secure your wireless interface system. Homeowners also seek seamless integration with lighting, thermostat, and alarm systems. At Aegis Technologies, contact sensors are just one essential component of a seamless home security system. Thoughtful professional design and installation mean top-notch protection and superior connectivity. Let Aegis Technologies put all the pieces together for a safe, secure, and super-functional environment.