Honeywell 5811 vs 5820L

All Honeywell 5800 series wireless sensors are compatible with the Honeywell LYNX Touch and any VISTA series alarm system that supports an integrated RF receiver. The Honeywell 5811 wireless door/window sensor has become the new door/window sensor standard for our Honeywell wireless alarm kits. Compared to the original, bigger Honeywell 5816 the 5811 is much skinnier in depth at only --- inches and more aesthetically pleasing overall. Adding the 5811 sensors to the kits is a huge upgrade from the 5816s. However, the Honeywell 5820L wireless door/window sensor offers some of its own unique features including its very narrow width.

5811: 2-1/8 inches high, 1-3/16 inches wide, 1/4 inch deep

5820L: 3 inches high, 1/2 inch wide, .8 inches deep

The 5820L is longer length than most other sensors but the narrow width makes this sensor a perfect solution for window protection. Installing window sensors can be tricky. Every window casing is a bit different and most have limited real estate to mount a sensor. Although the 5811 is the thinnest in depth, the width of the window trim is the most limiting factor. Even some door jams make it difficult in terms of width to properly mount a sensor while maintaining an ideal gap spacing between the magnet and sensor. It is in these common situations that the 5820L will save theday!

Yes, the 5820L is more expensive but its long, skinny figure is often the only viable surface mount solution. While both units have a 150 nominal feet maximum wireless range, the depth of the 5811 limits its battery life to 4 years. Since the 5820L can house a lithium AAA battery it can last up to 10 years without replacement. All in all, both of these slim line sensors have their own unique advantages. It depends on the specific application to determine which one is best.