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Andersen windows

P

Power Cat

Jan 1, 1970
0
Greetings. I have the dreaded Andersen doublehung series 400 windows.
One installer said "just do glass breaks" (I don't like that answer)
and another said "no problem with our usual recessed contacts" (but at
my friend's install like that there is a chronic problem).

Any problem with just plain old surface contacts?

Drop me an e-mail at [email protected] or post here.

Hope this doesn't stir up a firestorm -- searching for "Andersen"
reveals some ugly exchanges and some broken links to FAQs on the
subject.

Thanks.
 
J

Jim Rojas

Jan 1, 1970
0
I would use surface mount mini switches. They come with screw terminals,
which allow quick replacement. Micro switches are also available, but you
have to place them were you can splice and bury the leads in the drywall
cavity for future replacement.

Recessed contacts will usually void the warranty on your windows.

Jim Rojas
 
B

Bob Worthy

Jan 1, 1970
0
Power Cat said:
Greetings. I have the dreaded Andersen doublehung series 400 windows.

Not familiar with the series number. Are these vinal clad or all wood?
One installer said "just do glass breaks" (I don't like that answer)

Don't blame you
and another said "no problem with our usual recessed contacts" (but at
my friend's install like that there is a chronic problem)

What kind of problem was your friend having? False alarms or water leakage
or something different?
Any problem with just plain old surface contacts?

No, unless cosmetics are of a concern. There are many different sizes and
colors of contacts (different whites, different browns and grey are typical,
all can be custom painted(spray). I am sure there is one that will be
exceptable. Is this a pre-wire or a retro-fit?

Bob4Secur
 
P

Power Cat

Jan 1, 1970
0
Wow! Didn't mean to stir up trouble. Just wondering what is the best
option. Currently looking at doing a prewire (house is at framed
state). Andersens are a wood/wood composite with exterior cladding,
double hung, with an odd angle at the bottom of the sash. Water tends
to collect and/or contact trouble exists both resulting in false
alarms.
 
C

Croco Stimpy

Jan 1, 1970
0
All you need to do is drill up into the channel and install a bare 1/4 inch
diameter magnet, and a 1/4 contact in the bottom.
Sentrol 1055 is what I use for these windows. (if memory serves)

Use a drill guide and be very careful to go straight and drill the exact
depth, so you don't blow the insulated window.
I've done dozen's of them with zero problems.

You have that 1/2 inch water dam to deal with, the contact obviously goes on
the interior side of the channel.
 
C

Croco Stimpy

Jan 1, 1970
0
I forgot - that contact should be a stubby wide gap. 1055 was wrong. Still
use a 1/4 inch magnet.
 
P

Power Cat

Jan 1, 1970
0
I forgot - that contact should be a stubby wide gap. 1055 was wrong. Still
use a 1/4 inch magnet.

Possibly the 1055W which is listed as a wide gap.

Thanks for the input. Best wishes.
 
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