Technology Posts

Hi DIYers! We have very exciting news for Qolsys IQ Panel 2 users today. Software update 2.3.0 is now available! This biggest highlight of this update is the ability to control up to four distinct partitions with the system. Other great features are also provided to enhance the system.

With the all-new partition support, the IQ Panel 2 is now the second wireless alarm panel we carry to support the feature, after the 2GIG GC3. This feature allows a user to essentially section off their alarm system so that they can restrict access to certain areas. Each partition can be assigned a certain set of user codes in order to determine who can access each part of the security system.

After receiving the update, a screen lock feature will also be added to limit access to the panel. Please note that you must enable partitions from within Installer Settings before the feature can be used. This will also apply the screen lock. After you have done this, the main screen will reflect that partitioning has been enabled, and there will be a Partitions option within the Advanced Settings menu.

Also note that this update is available for both the original IQ Panel 2 System, as well as the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Other features that also come with the update include:

• Support for new PowerG devices for IQ Panel 2 Plus System, including the PG9936 Smoke Detector, PG9933 CO Detector, PG9307 Recessed Contact, PG9309 Vanishing Door and Window Contact, PG9309 Door and Window Contact with Auxiliary Input, PG9312 Outdoor Door and Window Contact, and PG9862 360-degree Ceiling Mount PIR Motion Sensor.
• Ability to create 6-digit user codes.
• Improvements to panel camera, including "peek-in now" and "peek-in next motion" from Alarm.com, as well as disarm photos after remote disarm through Bluetooth, key fob or ADC.
• Local automation features for panels not yet set up with ADC, including automatic locking of all locks at night, setting all thermostats to automatic mode, and controlling lights to activate Light 1 at night and turning off all lights in the morning.
• Maximum number of thermostats increased from 6 to 10.
• Maximum number of door locks increased from 6 to 20.
• User code names now sync automatically between the panel and ADC.
• New Sensor Type of "Temperature - Group 51" for the PG9905 PowerG Temperature Sensor.
• Fixed various bugs.

To perform the update, press the small grey bar at the top of the main screen. Choose Settings > Advanced Settings > Installer Code (default 1111) > Upgrade Software > Patch Tag. Then enter in "iqpanel2.3.0". Press OK. Then choose "Upgrade Using Network". If the panel is connected via WIFI, you will be able to begin the installation process.

If you have any questions about this update, please reach out to us! You may email us at support@alarmgrid.com. You may also call us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours, which are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. Please note that our office will be closing at 6pm on December 31st, and we will be closed all day on January 1st.

Ah the Honeywell 6160 Keypad. This is perhaps the most common alarm system keypad used with the Honeywell VISTA Security Panels. It is an alphanumeric keypad that allows for deep-level programming of the system, and it allows for the backdoor method if a user gets locked out.

With these great features, every Honeywell VISTA System should really have at least one keypad from the Honeywell 6160-series. For the Honeywell VISTA 15P, VISTA 20P and VISTA 21iP, up to eight of these keypads can be supported, as long as appropriate power is provided. Even if you supplement your VISTA with additional keypads like the fixed English 6150 or the touchscreen Tuxedo Touch, you'll still want at least one 6160 Keypad around to perform deep-level programming functions and for using the backdoor method in case you ever get locked out.

Many users mistakenly believe that the 6160 is an actual alarm control panel. But that is not the case. The 6160 is just a keypad use for controlling the rest of the system. The actual system is most likely inside a metal container that is hidden somewhere in the building. Some users also mistake the name for the Honeywell 6160, believing that it is called the K4274V1-H M274. However, this is just the part name of the small plastic door that is used to cover the buttons. This small plastic enclosure is used across all Honeywell 6160 Keypads. Indeed, the actual name for the keypad is 6160.

In addition to the standard Honeywell 6160 Keypad, there are also two other very popular keypads that are part of this same lineup. These include the 6160V and the 6160RF. For all intents and purposes, these are the same keypads as the standard 6160, but each offers an additional feature. The V in 6160V stands for "Voice", and the keypad offers voice annunciation. This means that the keypad will speak out any zone descriptors and the current arming status for the system. Users can also use the 6160V to record and playback voice messages of up to 2.5 minutes.

As for the 6160RF, the letters RF stand for "Radio Frequency". This keypad has a built-in 345 MHz transmitter for supporting Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors. This a great keypad to add if you want to start using wireless sensors with your Honeywell VISTA System. Not only can uni-directional devices like standard security sensors, be used, the transceiver will also support bi-directional devices, like the Honeywell 5800WAVE.

If you have questions about any of the 6160 Keypads, please reach out to us! You can email us at support@alarmgrid.com or call us at (888) 818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to helping you with all your security needs!

As you may know, stolen packages is a very serious problem today. It's easy for a common thief to walk right up to your doorstep and make off with your belongings. And in many cases, these criminals get off entirely scot-free. Well one victim decided to take matters into his own hands.

This YouTuber managed to rig up a contraption that, upon opening, would spew out more than a pound of glitter and shoot out continuous sprays of fart gas. It also included four smartphones that would record the reaction of the unsuspecting thief and upload the footage to a cloud server for later viewing. Needless to say, any package thief unfortunate enough to steal this guy's mail certainly got what's coming to them!

We gotta give it to this guy for this genius idea, and we're sure that no thieves are going to mess with his packages ever again! While Alarm Grid doesn't have anything quite like this, we do offer SkyBell Doorbell Cameras that you can use to record any bad guys who try and violate your privacy. You might also have some luck with our new Arlo Cameras as well. But props to this smart YouTuber for putting together a great way to get back at some thieves!

Hi DIYers! We have learned that Alarm.com is adding a feature that will let you place an image of Santa Claus directly into a security camera screenshot! Now, as we all know, you can't actually capture a real picture of Santa - he's magic! But you can at least pretend with this fun feature!

Alarm.com is making this feature for any Alarm Grid customer on a Platinum Level Plan who uses the Alarm.com interactive service platform. The feature will only be available from December 21st thru the 26th. This will give you a chance to test the feature before Christmas Day. But once Christmas is over, the feature will disappear. You'll have to catch Santa next year instead!

The feature will be supported by the following Alarm.com Security Camera models only:

• ADC-V520
• ADC-V520IR
• ADC-V521IR
• ADC-V522IR
• ADC-V622
• ADC-V722W

To get started, simply pull up the Alarm.com App or website. Navigate to the Cameras Section, and select the video feed for a compatible camera. Then press the Santa icon:

You can then choose which Santa image to add to the screenshot:

You can even move or resize Santa to fit your home's setting. Finally, download the image or share it via text or email. Then you can show all your friends and family that Santa paid you a visit! If you have any questions about this feature, reach out to us at support@alarmgrid.com or call us at (888) 818-7728 from 9am to 8pm EST M-F.

Alarm Grid is proud to announce that Arlo Security Cameras are now available on our site! These are versatile and easy-to-use security cameras that provide exceptional performance for virtually any residential application. It has never been easier to set up video surveillance for your home!

Arlo Cameras are unique for their ability to operate 100% wire-free. They receive power from removable batteries. Depending on the camera model, the batteries can be rechargeable for easy use. The cameras can remain powered for several months at a time with a single charge. However, this duration varies significantly based on overall usage. For communication, the cameras send wireless signals to a central base station. This module serves as a central hub for the setup, and it allows the cameras to connect with a local WIFI network.

The cameras will activate for recording whenever motion or sound is detected. The user can configure the settings for the cameras so that they only activate when they need them to. For example, a user might set up a GeoFence so that their camera only records while they are away from home. All recordings are stored on the Arlo App, which is free to download for Android and iOS devices. The app will store recordings for up to 7 days. All of the Arlo Cameras we offer are water and UV resistant, making them great for outdoor use.

One of the best options is to pair an Arlo Camera setup with a home security system and an Alarm Grid monitoring plan. This way, you can receive notifications from Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com and then check your Arlo Camera to see exactly what happened. The cameras are also compatible with various smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, Stringify and Samsung SmartThings (select models only).

At this time, we are proud to offer the following Arlo Camera models:

• Arlo HD Camera
• Arlo Pro Camera
• Arlo Pro 2 Camera

Note that the Arlo HD Camera is a certified refurbished model. Alarm Grid is not offering a new model of the Arlo HD at this time. A four-pack of refurbished Arlo HD Cameras is also available. Meanwhile, the Pro and Pro 2 Cameras are both new models. There are no refurbished versions available for either of these cameras.

The Arlo HD uses four replaceable lithium CR123A batteries, while the pro models use rechargeable batteries. Both the Pro and Pro 2 come with a single rechargeable battery. Additional rechargeable batteries can be purchased through the following link:

• Arlo Rechargeable Battery for Pro and Pro 2

Remember that the Arlo HD, Arlo Pro and Arlo Pro 2 all require an Arlo Base Station for basic operation. The cameras communicate wirelessly with this module, and it connects to the internet on their behalf. The base station uses a hardwired ethernet connection to communicate with your home's WIFI router. Without a base station, you will not be able to use any of the Arlo Camera models mentioned above. One Arlo Base Station can support up to five Arlo Cameras. This module also allows for local video storage by inserting a USB flash drive.

Alarm Grid offers both a new Arlo Base Station model and refurbished Arlo Base Station model:

• Arlo Base Station New
• Arlo Base Station Refurbished

Arlo Cameras are also known for their flexible mounting options. Each camera comes with a magnetic mount for basic installation. Users can also purchase any of the following separate mounting options.

• Arlo Outdoor Knob Mount
• Arlo Table & Ceiling Mount
• Arlo Indoor Wall Mounts 4-Pack
• Arlo Outdoor Mount
• Arlo Quadpod Mount

Finally, we are also proud to offer the following optional Arlo Camera accessories:

Arlo Dual Battery Charging Station

Arlo Solar Panel Charger

Arlo Camera Skins for Pro and Pro 2

Arlo Indoor Power Adapter Replacement

If you have any questions about Arlo products, please do not hesitate to reach out to us! You may email us anytime at support@alarmgrid.com, or call us at (888) 818-7728 from 9am to 8pm Monday thru Friday. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! We're taking a look at the 2GIG CO3-345 Wireless Carbon Monoxide Detector today. This life-safety sensor responds to the presence of invisible and odorless carbon monoxide gas that can be lethal when inhaled. Every home should have a CO detector as a form of protection.

As we enter into the winter months, it's important to know that carbon monoxide related deaths are the highest this time of year. This is largely due to the increased use of heaters in the home. The best way to prevent these fatalities is to have any heating systems inspected by a certified technician annually and to maintain ample carbon monoxide detecting sensors in the home. For owners of 2GIG Systems, the 2GIG CO3-345 is arguably the best sensor to use for this purpose.

The CO3-345 is a wireless sensor that is powered by a CR123A lithium battery. Upon activation it products a loud temporal 4 pattern sound to alert those in the building to the danger. A helpful LED status light assists users in recognizing an alarm. The device has a five year product life before needing to be replaced. For best results, the CO3-345 should be installed near fuel burning appliances and kept clean of any dirt or dust. In addition to working with the GC2 and GC3 Systems from 2GIG, the device will also work with the Honeywell Lyric Controller.

Alarm Grid also offers CO detectors for other systems. These include the Qolsys IQ Carbon and the Honeywell 5800CO among others. All of these sensors can offer great protection for your home or business. Keep your property monitored for CO gas with a new carbon monoxide detector from Alarm Grid!

Hi DIYers! Recently, we paired an Alarm.com Security Camera with our Alarm.com account so that we could try viewing it through a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Alarm System. We gotta say, we're extremely pleased with the crystal clear recording capabilities, and we're sure that you will be too!

Streaming video directly to the panel from Alarm.com is a feature available for both the standard Qolsys IQ Panel 2 and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems. The system just needs to be running firmware version 2.2.1 or higher, and the user needs an alarm monitoring plan with video surveillance that is set up with Alarm.com. For Alarm Grid customers, these are our Platinum Level Plans.

Only select camera models are compatible with this feature. At the time of this writing, the following Alarm.com Security Cameras can be used with the IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus for panel streaming:

• ADC-V521IR
• ADC-V522IR
• ADC-V622
• ADC-VDB101 or 102
• ADC-VDB105 or 106
• ADC-V722W (no audio)
• ADC-VC725 (no audio)
• ADC-VC726 (no audio)
• ADC-VC736 (no audio)
• ADC-VC825 (no audio)
• ADC-VC826 (no audio)
• ADC-VC836 (no audio)

Many of these cameras can support two-way audio as well. For our testing, we worked with the ADC-V522IR 1080P Indoor Security Camera. We were amazed with the quality of the video, both through Alarm.com and from the panel itself. The two-way audio functionality worked great as well.

If you don't believe it, just see for yourself. Here's a quick photo taken of our IQ Panel 2 System as it streams live video and audio. Yeah, our support room is a bit messy, but bear with us! The key point here is that the quality looks absolutely tremendous for an easy-to-use security camera. Just imagine putting one of these cameras in your home and streaming directly from Alarm.com and your IQ Panel 2 System!

We also took the opportunity to create some new FAQs to help users get started with this feature:

• How Do I Stream an Alarm.com Camera to My Qolsys IQ Panel 2?
• How Do I Use the 2-Way Voice Feature for My Alarm.com Camera on the Qolsys IQ Panel 2?

We have to give it to Qolsys for creating such a versatile alarm system with this outstanding feature. Now you can view your ADC Camera from Alarm.com when you're on the go, or from your alarm panel when you're at home!

You can get the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus and many great Alarm.com Security Cameras from the Alarm Grid website. If you ever need any help deciding please reach out to us any time at support@alarmgrid.com. You can also call us during normal business hours, which are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Update: When streaming cameras to the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 or Qolsys IQ Remote (keypad streaming introduced in FW Update 2.4.0), the stream will typically time out after three (3) minutes. At that point, the user may receive a "Video Device Not Responding" notification. They will need to refresh the screen to continue streaming. An Alarm.com Streaming Video Recorder (SVR) device can more reliably provide continuous local playback when connected with a stable network.

Hi DIYers! As you may have heard, smart home automation scene control was recently made available for the Total Connect 2.0 Alexa Skill. We thought this would be the perfect time to show Honeywell System users how they can get started with the Total Connect 2.0 Skill for Amazon Alexa.

Before we begin, let's go over everything that is required. You will need a Honeywell Security System with active monitoring service. If your panel isn't monitored, check out our monitoring page to learn more about our alarm monitoring plans. The monitoring plan you choose must include access to the Total Connect 2.0 service. Your alarm monitoring company should give you the resources needed for you to create a Total Connect 2.0 account. This account is what will link your Honeywell System with your Amazon Alexa Device.

Your Honeywell Panel must have an active internet or cellular connection in order to communicate with the Honeywell AlarmNet360 Servers and Total Connect 2.0. You must also have an Amazon Alexa Device, and you must download the Amazon Alexa App on a compatible Android or iOS Device. If you do not have the Amazon Alexa App, you can download it for free from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. The app can be identified by its light blue background with a white circle in the middle.

Before starting, make sure your Alexa Device is linked with your Android or iOS Device. This will require linking your Amazon account. Please see the manual for your Amazon Alexa Device for more information about the pairing process.

Start by opening up the Alexa App on your Android or iOS Device. Navigate to the Skills & Games Menu, which is found in the main toolbar. Search for the "Total Connect 2.0 Skill". Then click the "Enable Button".

Alternatively, you can enable the TC2 Amazon Alexa Skill from the Total Connect 2.0 Mobile App on an Android or iOS Device. Simply open up the app, and login to your Total Connect 2.0 account. Then navigate to the "Settings" menu, and choose the "Alexa" option. The Settings Menu in the Android App can be found by pressing the menu bar in the top left (three horizontal lines), and choosing "Settings". On iOS, press "More" on the bottom toolbar, and choose "Settings". After choosing "Alexa", you will then be taken to a page where you can login to your Amazon account and enable the Total Connect 2.0 Skill.

After taking the first step to enable the skill, provide your login information for your Total Connect 2.0 account.

Press "Allow" to continue.

Choose all the devices you wish to connect, and press the blue "Connect" button.

The pairing process will complete!

You will now be able to perform the following voice commands through Alexa:

• “Alexa, ask Total Connect, What is the status of my security system?”
• “Alexa, ask Total Connect, Is my security system armed?”
• “Alexa, tell Total Connect to Arm.”
• “Alexa, tell Total Connect to Arm Away.”
• “Alexa, tell Total Connect to Arm Stay.”
• "Alexa, tell Total Connect to run (scene name)."

Please note that you cannot ask Alexa to disarm the system, as that would present a security risk. The ability to control individual Z-Wave smart home devices is also not available at this time. Instead, any Z-Wave operation must be done through scenes. Any automation scene that is set up with your TC2 account can be performed through a spoken Alexa voice command.

To test scene control for spoken commands, we created a nifty Total Connect 2.0 Smart Scene called "Example". This scene will lock a Z-Wave door lock and set our Honeywell Lyric Security System to Arm Away. We simply say to our Alexa Device "Alexa, tell Total Connect to run Example". And just like that, our Z-Wave lock will activate, and our Lyric Alarm Panel will Arm Way!

If you have any questions about linking your Total Connect 2.0 account with your Alexa Device, or if you need help using Alexa voice commands, do not hesitate to reach out to us! You may email us at support@alarmgrid.com, or you can call us at (888) 818-7728 during normal business hours, which are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Hi DIYers! It is a common misbelief that installing a security system is very expensive and costly. That may be true if you hire a professional installer. But what many people don't know is that a DIY installation can be done for absolutely nothing. And a DIY install actually super easy!

When a customer hires an installer to setup their security equipment, it's very possible that they will spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars. This will depend on the installer itself and the extent of the installation. It can seem like a daunting task - the panel needs to be installed, the sensor need to be mounted, all wiring must be completed, and everything needs to be programmed.

What these installers won't tell you is that each step of the process can be completed with ease. The security industry has made great strides in recent years to make things easier and more accessible for DIY users. When all is said and done, you can purchase a complete and total security system from Alarm Grid, install it on your own for free, and pay nothing more than an affordable monthly monitoring fee moving forward. Let's see how this can be done.

Before getting into any costs, let's break down why installing a security system is not as difficult as many professional installers would lead you to believe. It all starts with the panel. This is the centerpiece of the security setup, and all sensors will communicate to this piece of hardware. To get started, the panel must be provided power. This used to be a challenging process. But now, with the Honeywell LT-Cable, no wires need to be stripped, no difficult connections need to be made, and the entire process can be completed using a screwdriver. Most of our system kits come included with this nifty accessory. Simply connect to the included transformer and plug into the wall.

But what about mounting the panel? That has to be difficult, right? Wrong. Sure, you can drill holes and fish wires if you want to. But most of the wireless alarm panels used today can be attached to a simple desk mount. Just slide and click, and now your security panel can be rested conveniently on a desk or table for quick access. Suddenly your difficult and challenging installation has been reduced to something that could be completed by any member of your family in a matter of seconds.

And mounting sensors is also an easy task. In the old days, sensors were hardwired, and there had to be wires run across the building. This certainly required assistance from a professional. But that is no longer the case. Today, most new security systems use wireless sensors. These devices don't even need to be drilled into the wall. They can be mounted with double-sided foam tape. You don't even have to spend the few dollars for the tape; it usually comes included with the sensors.

So now, you have a panel set up and sensors installed. How about programming the sensors to the panel? This is also easy. Every newly purchased panel comes with a default Installer Code that can be used to access programming. This is where new sensors are enrolled with the security system. Once you've programmed a sensor, configuring the others is mostly just a process of repetition. Sure, you might need to adjust a few settings, but this is simple.

Alarm Grid is happy to help any monitored customer through the entire process online or over the phone if they need further assistance. This help is free and complementary for any customer who signs up for Alarm Grid monitoring services. We'll also walk you through the simple process of getting your system connected with a central station for automatic emergency dispatch. Alarm Grid is proud to partner with Criticom Monitoring Services for central station dispatch.

Just like that, you have a complete and total security system that you installed using nothing more than a screwdriver. The installation cost? Nothing. The only cost incurred was the price of the equipment. Alarm Grid sells all of the necessary equipment on its website. But if you can find it cheaper somewhere else, go for it. We can takeover almost any equipment that is brought to us and provide you with top-quality alarm monitoring services.

If you are looking for an affordable home security system kit from Alarm Grid, then one of the best options is the 2GIG GC2 Verizon-LTE 3-1 Kit. This complete kit includes a 2GIG Go!Control GC2 System, a Verizon LTE Cellular Communicator for fast and reliable communication with a central monitoring station and Alarm.com, three wireless door and window sensors, a wireless motion sensor and a Honeywell LT-Cable. Add in a compatible desk stand, and the total cost is under $350.

This mentioned above has everything you need to get started with alarm monitoring. You can install it yourself for free. Assuming you purchased the equipment new, you have just put in your own security system for $350. From there, you only costs would be any monthly monitoring fees. We have cellular monitoring plans starting at just $25 per month. Who's to say that professional alarm monitoring has to be expensive?

There are many reasons to install your own security system. It's empowering, it helps you understand your equipment better, and it can leave you more satisfied with your equipment than if you had someone else do it for you. Wanna get started? Simply sign-up for Alarm Grid monitoring and buy a complete system kit. Before you know it, you'll learn the true cost of installing a security system - it's whatever you pay for it. And if you do it yourself, it's free.

It is a better time than ever to get your own DIY security system. Sign-up for Alarm Grid, and protect your home or business today!

A couple of weeks ago, we released a complete guide to door contact sensors. Today, we're taking a look at alarm window contacts. Admittedly, there's not much difference between door sensors and window sensors. Many can be used interchangeably. But there are a few tips to keep in mind.

First, let's review how alarm contacts actually work. It is the same general process for both doors and windows. These devices consist of two portions, those being a sensor and a magnet. When the sensor and magnet are in direct contact or very close proximity, a reed switch inside the sensor will remain closed. Once the magnet becomes separated from the sensor, the reed switch will be released, and the sensor will know to alert the system to let it know that the structure has been opened.

The key with window contacts is to place them so that when the window is opened, the magnet and the sensor will become separated. But when the structure is closed, the sensor are magnet will remain in direct or near-direct contact. It is almost always recommended to place the sensor on the stationary frame of the window and the magnet on the moving portion of the window that is opened and closed. This will prevent the more valuable sensor from being pushed around and potentially damaged. The magnet is designed to take much more abuse and use than the sensor itself. Positioning the sensor this way will also make it easier to wire the sensor if a hardwired contact is being used.

One special note with window contacts is that they are only designed to let a system know when a window has been opened normally. If an intruder smashes a window to gain entry, they will avoid activating a window contact, as long as the sensor remains in contact with its magnet. This means that they might be able to gain entry without setting off an alarm. Fortunately, there are two other types of sensors that can be used to alert an alarm system to a broken window. These are glass break sensors and shock sensors. Glass break sensors detect the audible sound of a window being broken, while shock sensors detect the physical vibrations associated with a broken window. However, these sensors are used for intrusion support only. Unlike a standard window contact, they will not let the user know if the window has merely been left open by accident. But they are still recommended for users who want to know if a window has been broken. We generally prefer glass break sensors over shock sensors, since they tend to work more reliably. It can also be helpful to use monition detection sensors alongside standard window contacts to detect any movement in the building.

Just like door sensors, window sensors can be either surface-mounted or recessed. Another major distinction is whether they are wireless or hardwired. So really, window sensors can be grouped into four major types. These are wireless surface-mounted, wireless recessed, hardwired surface-mounted and hardwired recessed. Choosing the perfect variation for your window and the type of installation you want to perform is crucial for success. Fortunately, it's relatively easy to decide on the perfect type of window sensor for your needs.

Simply put, surface-mounted sensors are installed on the exterior surface of the window and its frame. This means that they will be visible when looking at window. However, these sensors are usually very small and discreet, so they won't normally be drawing direct attention to themselves. A major advantage to surface-mounted sensors is that they are very easy to install, since no holes necessarily need to be drilled. Instead, many surface-mounted sensors and magnets can be mounted using double-sided foam tape.

The other option is to use recessed sensors. These sensors are hidden inside the window and its frame so that they are out of view. To do this, holes must be drilled into both the window and its frame for the magnet and sensor. Using recessed sensors for windows is somewhat less common than it is for doors. This is because some windows don't have an effective solution for drilling a hole to insert a magnet. Additionally, some window manufacturers put disclaimers stating that drilling holes into the window will void its warranty. But if the window has space for a hole to be drilled so that the magnet can be accommodated, then a recessed window sensor can certainly work. Please note that recessed plunger switches aren't normally used with windows, but there's no definitive reason why they couldn't work in certain situations.

A special mention needs to go to the Honeywell 5800Micra. This is a recessed alarm contact specifically designed for use with windows. The advantage to the 5800Micra is that only one hole needs to be made in the window frame for the sensor. The magnet is small enough that it can be surface-mounted on the side or bottom of the window. It uses an adhesive backing to remain securely in place. This is a great way to achieve a recessed installation without having to void the manufacturer's warranty for your window. Please note that the Honeywell 5800Micra is a wireless sensor that operates at 345 MHz. It is part of the Honeywell 5800 Series, and it will only work with compatible systems.

Users must also decide between wireless and hardwired sensors for their windows. Wireless sensors are much easier to install, since no wires need to be run. They are the recommended option for almost any DIY installer. Assuming that you have a wireless system with a wireless receiver, there is almost certainly a contact that will work for you. Just make sure that the sensor operates at a frequency that is compatible with your panel. The most common wireless frequencies at 319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, 433 MHz and 915 MHz. Additionally, the encrypted Honeywell SiX Series Contacts, the Honeywell SiXCT and Honeywell SiXMINICT operate at 2.4 GHz WIFI.

If you go with hardwired contacts, the installation will be more challenging, since wires must be run. This can sometimes be an impossible task for the typical DIY user. However, there are two distinct advantages that make hardwired window sensors suitable for certain applications. For one, having them integrate with the building can add to the property value. Users also appreciate the fact that they never need to replace batteries for hardwired sensors.

Below is a table that outlines many of the window contacts available for purchase on the Alarm Grid site. It's actually the same as the one posted for our door contacts guide, only with some minor tweaks for windows. Make special note of the Honeywell 5800Micra at the very bottom!

If you need any help deciding on the perfect window sensor, do not hesitate to reach out to us! You may email us at support@alarmgrid.com or call us at (888) 818-7728 during our normal business hours, which are 9am to 8pm EST M-F. We also encourage you to check out our monitoring page for more information about the services we offer. We look forward to hearing from you!