Door switch/contact location?

[Bob]

I'm installing an alarm system in an older house that was never
previously wired for it. If I could install a switch/contact on the
hinge side of one door and on the bottom of the other door, I could
still go with a hard wired setup. Is this acceptable, and what would
be the best style of switch/contact for these locations? Thanks in
advance for anyones comment.

 

[alarman]

Bob wrote

I'm installing an alarm system in an older house that was never
previously wired for it. If I could install a switch/contact on the
hinge side of one door and on the bottom of the other door, I could
still go with a hard wired setup. Is this acceptable, and what would
be the best style of switch/contact for these locations? Thanks in
advance for anyones comment.

You can install your contact on the hinge side. Use a roller plunger switch
like a Sentrol 3008. The drawback with this type is the possibility of the
plunger getting stuck if it's painted, or gets real dirty. Test often.
Some installers use a standard 3/8 press-fit, and recess the magnet in the
door. Here you have to be careful to get the magnet positioned just right.
Too close to the surface and the door has to open to far to trip the sensor.
Too far back and it won't hold the contact closed.
js

 

[Bob]

How about the bottom side of the door? Has anyone ever installed a
contact/switch there?

 

[RH.Campbell]

Not me, for two reasons ! Firstly, the contact would be subject to all
sorts of abuse from "dirt crud and corruption", and damage fro possibly
being walked on. Second, in many cases you would have to remove the door to
drill it for the magnet, since there often is limited space for a drill
between the top of the door and the ceiling.

I occasionally see pre-wires done this way. After I finish cursing the
idiots, I end up redoing it properly....

RHC

 

[alarman]

RH.Campbell wrote

Not me, for two reasons ! Firstly, the contact would be subject to all
sorts of abuse from "dirt crud and corruption", and damage fro possibly
being walked on. Second, in many cases you would have to remove the door to
drill it for the magnet, since there often is limited space for a drill
between the top of the door and the ceiling.

I occasionally see pre-wires done this way. After I finish cursing the
idiots, I end up redoing it properly....

Yeah, I agree. It's terrible place for a contact. I don't mind removing the
door so much as the fact that the switch is so visible, and exposed to
damage. No experienced installer would choose that location.
js

 

[RH.Campbell]

Fortunately for me, I have never encountered a situation in any kind of home
that needs a sensor in the floor. I'm sure it has worked for you, but
thanks, I'll pass on that idea....either a magnetic switch in the frame on
the lock side of the door or a roller ball at the heel of the door seems to
cover most any situation....

And for doors that never seem to fit properly, both switches in parallel....

Regards,

RHC