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Nothing is more important than the protection of our families and therefore our homes – door alarms help keep both safe. There are several components to door alarms and a great deal of options especially in terms of alarm contacts. Alarm contacts are the key component to door alarms. These are basically contact switches with magnets. They are used on doors as well as windows and there are three basic styles used by alarm companies. These styles include roller ball contacts, surface mount contacts, and recessed contacts.
Recessed contacts are inserted into the door frames and the window tracks. This is a nice option because they can not be seen when the door and windows are closed. Door alarms like this work because the switch is on the fixed side of the the door opening and the magnet is on the side that is not fixed. When the magnet and the switch come into contact with each other the alarm circuit is completed. Then the alarm systems knows the door or window is closed and locked. Recessed contacts, because they are sunk into the physical door or window, are hard to retro fit. Therefore, if you are interest in door alarms, it is a good idea to have this done when your doors, windows, or house is being constructed. Alarm system companies will retro fit recessed contacts however they will need access to a basement or attic and can require additional home repair. Most people who have alarm systems installed, after the construction of the house, use surface mount contacts. Door alarms with this type of switch work in much the same way as recessed contacts but surface mounts are visible on doors and windows – closed or open. They do come in three sizes: large, medium, and small. Additionally they come in a variety of colors to match the material and color of your existing window or door trim. Another type of contact found in door alarms are roller ball contacts. This type of contact basically hinge to the side of the door jam and operate through a spring loaded ball. When the door or window is closed the ball is push in when the door or window is closed. Due to the constant movement of the roller ball contacts they usually need to be replaced every couple of years. An additional problem is that opening and closing your windows for ventilation can be a big chore. Windows and doors become harder to clean and harder to use. The reward / risk ratio also low for another reason. Be warned most door alarms with contacts give home owners a false sense a security. For example a door alarm will not sound if your window is broken but the it remains locked. This is because the contact has remained intact. It is only if the criminal disrupts the switch that it will help deter criminals from entering your house. Door alarms that use switches are actually great tools for parents to monitor their children's comings and goings. |
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