How Does a Window Sensor Work?
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Two Different Kinds of Window Sensors
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A window sensor is an alarm that makes a loud sound when someone opens a window from the outside. There are two different kinds of window sensors: wired and wireless. Wireless window sensors don't rely on wires in order to work. With a wired window system, it is necessary to have a wire going from the window sensor to the alarm system. Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages, but both work on the same principle.
The Wired Window Sensor
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A wired window sensor has to have a switch installed. There is a magnet that has to be stuck to the window's frame with double stick tape, and then the contact is adhered to the glass. It is important that the contact and magnet are aligned, otherwise when the window is opened the alarm system may not be tripped.
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The Wireless Window Sensor
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The wireless window sensor works differently from the wired window sensor. Instead of relying on the wire from the sensor to the alarm system, it relies on a wireless signal. Whenever someone opens a window, a signal is sent to the home security system. As a result, an alarm will go off. In some cases, these types of sensors can also be set up to call your cell phone and the authorities when the window is broken into.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
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Because window sensors are easily disabled, they are not necessarily the best way to keep out intruders. For example, wireless window sensors, while they may seem more convenient, have a limited range, and their signal can be jammed or blocked by other devices in the same area. However, if you add a glass break sensor in addition to your window sensor, if any pressure is put on the surface of the window, the alarm will go off also.
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