Door and Window Sensors

[mikek]

I need a fair number of these and I was looking at two different models.

 

To keep the cost down, and for locations where looks are unimportant - https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=24259

For locations where I would prefer something a little more unobtrusive - https://www.fibaro.com/en/products/door-window-sensor/

 

Any opinions on or experience with these? Thanks in advance.

[smokegrub]

I am moving in the direction of Cao tags for motion sensing. Thus far, I am very well pleased.

[mikek]

I am moving in the direction of Cao tags for motion sensing. Thus far, I am very well pleased.

Are you bringing the signals into your ISY? Or using another application?

[Teken]

I need a fair number of these and I was looking at two different models.

 

To keep the cost down, and for locations where looks are unimportant - https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=24259

For locations where I would prefer something a little more unobtrusive - https://www.fibaro.com/en/products/door-window-sensor/

 

Any opinions on or experience with these? Thanks in advance.

 

What is the primary goal security or home automation awareness? If the former please consider installing a certified hardwired security alarm system. If wiring is found to be too costly then going with a certified wireless security solution is the next best option. Very few if any of the the Z-Wave wireless devices are UL / cUL certified for burglary protection.

 

Keep in mind you receive no discounts from your home insurance company for the latter (Z-Wave Hardware) vs the former (UL / cUL Hardware) which is monitored by a certified Central Station (CS).

 

The money you save in the front end is no savings in the back end when a real world threat is present and isn't detected / monitored. If life and safety of the family and the most expensive possession you own which is your home is the priority. 

 

Please consider having a certified security alarm system . . .

 

If these Z-Wave devices are to compliment an existing security alarm system ~ Rock On!

[smokegrub]

I am moving in the direction of Cao tags for motion sensing. Thus far, I am very well pleased.

 

Although the tags can be interfaced with the ISY, I have not yet done so. For my purposes the tag manager does an outstanding job letting me know if motion is detected.

[Scottmichaelj]

Are you bringing the signals into your ISY? Or using another application?

You can use KumoApps to integrate the CAO tags. There’s a thread how to do it and with the code posted.

[Outlander]

I need a fair number of these and I was looking at two different models.

 

To keep the cost down, and for locations where looks are unimportant - https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=24259

For locations where I would prefer something a little more unobtrusive - https://www.fibaro.com/en/products/door-window-sensor/

 

Any opinions on or experience with these? Thanks in advance.

 

For unobtrusive I have been looking at these: https://aeotec.com/smallest-door-window-sensor

[Teken]

For unobtrusive I have been looking at these: https://aeotec.com/smallest-door-window-sensor

 

At $69.99 each before tax, shipping, people better have deep pockets . . . Spec's indicate 12 months for low use and 10 months for high traffic use for doors etc. One simply can't match the long term value, cost, and reliability of hard wiring. Never mind this ensures solid connectivity with out worries of RF interference or drop out. The bulk of these sensors don't offer tamper protection never mind RF blocking detection.

 

Those that offer heart beat and mounting (tamper) detection only monitor one aspect of what's required.

 

Regardless, this sensor has to be hands down the sexiest RF sensor out there to monitor windows and doors.

[Outlander]

Yes they are expensive which is probably why I just keep looking and not buying.

The 10 to 12 month spec is for the USB rechargeable battery that you won't need to keep replacing/buying.

[Teken]

Yes they are expensive which is probably why I just keep looking and not buying.

The 10 to 12 month spec is for the USB rechargeable battery that you won't need to keep replacing/buying.

 

Well, at some point the battery will fail because everything has a cycle life. I would be eager to learn what the company spec's as the *Expected* cycle life of the sensor. Keeping in mind this can vary quite a bit which depends on the users maintenance intervals. Regardless of what anyone ever tells you no matter the type of battery in use the DOD (Depth of Discharge) impacts directly how long a battery will remain in service and the performance of such.

 

Given the spec's indicate the hardware pretty much sips power taking the time once a month to recharge the sensor will ensure many multi years of service.

 

If you decide to buy one I would be eager to read your review of it as there doesn't seem to be many here that has one in use.

[Scottmichaelj]

At $69.99 each before tax, shipping, people better have deep pockets . . . Spec's indicate 12 months for low use and 10 months for high traffic use for doors etc. One simply can't match the long term value, cost, and reliability of hard wiring. Never mind this ensures solid connectivity with out worries of RF interference or drop out. The bulk of these sensors don't offer tamper protection never mind RF blocking detection.

 

Those that offer heart beat and mounting (tamper) detection only monitor one aspect of what's required.

 

Regardless, this sensor has to be hands down the sexiest RF sensor out there to monitor windows and doors.

No question wired is the optimal way to go, but drilling holes into a window frame will void the widows manufacture warranty. So if the dual pane seals dry or they fog up, the manufacturer won’t warranty it. It could be a bad lock and if they find an out they will.

[Teken]

No question wired is the optimal way to go, but drilling holes into a window frame will void the widows manufacture warranty. So if the dual pane seals dry or they fog up, the manufacturer won’t warranty it. It could be a bad lock and if they find an out they will.

 

Agreed, there isn't any window vendor that will offer warranty for someone else drilling into their product. Having said this that is why there are super small pill sized sensors on the market. Never mind it really comes down to the type, style, of the window in question but that is why a professional installer will offer the home owner the different choices.

 

I am personally not a fan of the stick on magnets but if done correctly and placed where its reliable there's less risk in damaging a window seal. Counter sinking a recessed sensor takes experience and thus should be contracted out to those comfortable and certified to do so. A DIY home owner bares the risks if it goes wrong but a certified installer is on the hook if the window is damaged in the install process.

 

I can say that the first security alarm vendor that mimics the look of this Z-Wave hardware is going to have gold mine.

[Scottmichaelj]

Agreed, there isn't any window vendor that will offer warranty for someone else drilling into their product. Having said this that is why there are super small pill sized sensors on the market.

The issue with going “smaller” is then you deal with gap issues and false alarms if there is any expansion or contraction due to weather. Earth magnets are strong but there are limits. Just something people reading this thread should be mindful of. Checking things out before drilling into the window would be prudent. BUT that’s no fun!

[Teken]

The issue with going “smaller” is then you deal with gap issues and false alarms if there is any expansion or contraction due to weather. Earth magnets are strong but there are limits. Just something people reading this thread should be mindful of. Checking things out before drilling into the window would be prudent. BUT that’s no fun!

 

Well, certainly a person would need to ensure the maximum *Gap Distance* was followed per the maker / vendor. Even a dollar store magnet sensor offers more than 4 inches of distance from the sensor before it trips. Better quality magnets and sensors offer more than 12 inches of distance which in my mind is crazy. Because that would allow window / door to be opened very far before it tripped.

 

There are many brands and type which offer short vs wide gap distances . . .

 

Really comes down to engaging the installer to ensure your requirements are met in the pursuit of securing the home and family. 

 

Asking probing questions, surfing the Internet, and doing your own research is key to having a solid security alarm system. I've been in multi million dollar homes and have been shocked more times as to how little care and consideration is given toward security. On the other hand I've seen more modest homes under $450K that had all of the basics done right.

 

Which allowed them to scale up with out issues which of course requires forethought and planning . . .

 

Too many people go into things as a after thought and never plan for the future or expansion. 

 

I can say the benefit of having the Internet is having the opportunity to ask, learn, and not repeat mistakes of others. 

[lilyoyo1]

Really comes down to engaging the installer to ensure your requirements are met in the pursuit of securing the home and family.

 

Asking probing questions, surfing the Internet, and doing your own research is key to having a solid security alarm system. I've been in multi million dollar homes and have been shocked more times as to how little care and consideration is given toward security. On the other hand I've seen more modest homes under $450K that had all of the basics done right.

 

Which allowed them to scale up with out issues which of course requires forethought and planning . . .

 

Too many people go into things as a after thought and never plan for the future or expansion.

 

I can say the benefit of having the Internet is having the opportunity to ask, learn, and not repeat mistakes of others.

You hit the nail on the head. I did a multi million dollar home newly built, full marble, etc. but not a single alarm wire ran anywhere in the house. Ended up needing a wireless alarm system ruined the whole thing because you see sensors all over the place.

 

My house was custom built. I took a few months before hand picking and choosing the exact products to go into the house down to the wall boxes and bulbs. Anytime I walk into a home that's new it always amazes me how much people spend to build but not take an interest in what is going into the place they'll be in for years to come.