How to Install a Glass-Breaking Sensor in Your Home

One way to protect several windows in one room is to use a glass-breaking sensor. Also called an audio discriminator, this device is designed to detect the sound of breaking glass.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Glass Breaking Sensor/detector
• Electric Drill/assorted Bits
• Fish Tapes
• Multiuse Screws
• Screwdriver Sets

Selecting the Sensor Location

1. Survey your home and determine which windows you wish to monitor. Keep in mind that all windows need not be covered. For example, you might not need a sensor for windows on the second floor, where access can only be achieved with a ladder.

2. Notice the groupings of the windows in each room. For example, a room may have windows on two walls relatively close to one another. Because this type of sensor detects the sound of the breaking glass, you will only need one sensor per room in that case.

3. Determine how many rooms you wish to cover with a glass-breaking sensor.

4. Purchase the number of sensors you will need. Keep in mind, like other sensors offered for home security, glass-breaking detectors come wired and wireless. The type you choose will depend on whether your security system is a wired or wireless system.

Installing the Sensor

5. Gather the following tools: drill, screwdriver, screws, tools to fish wires through walls.

6. Read the installation instructions that come with the sensor.

7. Mount the sensor to the ceiling or wall in a location that allows it to cover all the windows.

8. Be certain that it is not mounted near insulation.

9. Use the drill and screws to secure it to its mount.

10. Route the wire from the sensor across the ceiling and down a corner to the base board.

11. Continue routing the wire along the base board and/or through walls to the control panel if you are using a hard wired version of the sensor. If you are using a wireless sensor, of course, there will be no wires to route.

12. Connect the wire to the proper input on the control panel.

Tips & Warnings

• The alternative to a glass-breaking sensor is a window magnetic switch. The window switch is designed to monitor one window. So you will have to determine how many windows you wish to cover and purchase that many switches. Budget becomes a factor. Depending on your home, glass-breaking detectors may be more cost-effective.
• Another thing to keep in mind is that a window switch senses movement of the window (that is, the window being opened), not breaking glass. If you fear that an intruder will gain entry into your home by breaking a window, you should choose a glass-breaking detector.
• Some states regulate who can install home security systems. Moreover, the task requires that you be well-skilled doing electrical work. National codes concerning the electrical wiring of a home must also be taken into account.
• If the windows are covered by a drape, the sound of breaking glass will be muffled, and the glass-breaking detector may not be able to sense it.