How to Install a Glass-Breaking Sensor in Your Home

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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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.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Selecting the Sensor Location

Step1
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.
Step2
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.
Step3
Determine how many rooms you wish to cover with a glass-breaking sensor.
Step4
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

Step1
Gather the following tools: drill, screwdriver, screws, tools to fish wires through walls.
Step2
Read the installation instructions that come with the sensor.
Step3
Mount the sensor to the ceiling or wall in a location that allows it to cover all the windows.
Step4
Be certain that it is not mounted near insulation.
Step5
Use the drill and screws to secure it to its mount.
Step6
Route the wire from the sensor across the ceiling and down a corner to the base board.
Step7
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.
Step8
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.

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eHow Article:  How to Install a Glass-Breaking Sensor in Your Home

eHow Home & Garden Editor

eHow Home & Garden Editor

Category: Home & Garden

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