About Window Sensors

A window sensor is an alarm that is attached to your window that makes a loud sound when someone opens your window from the outside. There are different types of window sensors, but whichever type you choose, it must in some way be connected to your home security system. You should always test a window sensor before trusting it. If a window sensor is not properly installed, your home will not be protected.

Types

There are two types of window sensors--wired and wireless. A wired window sensor is one in which you connect wires from the window sensor to your alarm system. A wireless window sensor can simply be attached to your window and will send out a signal to your home alarm system if your window is opened from the outside, or even in some cases, if the window is simply broken.

Function

The function of a window sensor is to keep intruders out, and if an intruder does happen to breach the window, for you to be alerted quickly enough to do something. Some home alarms systems are even capable of calling your cell phone if one of the windows in your home is breached and your home alarm system is tripped. This can be a good feature to have, particularly if you are away from home on vacation or a business trip because you can be immediately notified, which in turn allows you to notify authorities if necessary.

Size

Most window sensors are usually not much bigger than a small bar of soap. The advantage to this is they are not big and bulky. This makes them easier to attach above your window. Also, they are small enough that you don't really notice them, which is another major advantage.

Benefits

One of the main and major benefits to including window sensors in your home security arsenal is that they are part of an overall active security system. What this means is that you will be alerted whenever someone tampers with your window by trying to open it, before the window is actually breached. The intruder is more likely to leave when he hears the alarm set off by the window sensor you've installed.

Considerations

If you choose the wireless type of window sensor, there is the possibility of the signal between your window sensor and your home security system being intercepted. If a crook is able to disable or interrupt the signal between your wireless window sensor and your home security system, then this leaves your home vulnerable to being invaded without your knowledge. This is one reason wired window sensors may be a better option for homes since it is more difficult to disable them.

Resources

• Hop Technologies
• The Benefits of an Active Home Security System