window sensor problem

[smithsonga]

Hello
I have a ITI concord express system in my home. My windows are all
hardwired with magnetic sensors.(I believe magnetic?). One of my
windows was starting to false chime...the system showing it was opened
when it was not. It was steadily getting worse. I popped the sensor
and one of the two wires to the sensor fell out of the crimp. I was
pleased as the fix seemed obvious. I restripped the wires and
reattached. Put it back in the window but now the system never shows
the window closed. I even tried putting the two wires together to
close the circuit, did nothing.

I did feel a slight tinkling feeling of low voltage when I first
restripped the wires...I did not unplug nor did I consider unplugging
the main system prior to doing this.

What else could be wrong? Why would this sensor suddenly stop working?
I dont have an installation manual for this system, only the user
guide.

Any help or troubleshooting would be appreciated-
Thanks
Jim

 

[alarman]

Hello
I have a ITI concord express system in my home. My windows are all
hardwired with magnetic sensors.(I believe magnetic?). One of my
windows was starting to false chime...the system showing it was opened
when it was not. It was steadily getting worse. I popped the sensor
and one of the two wires to the sensor fell out of the crimp. I was
pleased as the fix seemed obvious. I restripped the wires and
reattached. Put it back in the window but now the system never shows
the window closed. I even tried putting the two wires together to
close the circuit, did nothing.

I did feel a slight tinkling feeling of low voltage when I first
restripped the wires...I did not unplug nor did I consider unplugging
the main system prior to doing this.

What else could be wrong? Why would this sensor suddenly stop working?
I dont have an installation manual for this system, only the user
guide.

You may have eliminated an end of line resistor. Try putting one in the
circuit. The diagram inside the control panel may show the value.
js

 

[smithsonga]

Ok, first when I say popped the sensor...I only mean pulled it out of
the 1/2" hole in the window sill. I didnt damage the sensor itself.

Regarding the resistor, there was no resistor there before, just the
small wire that pulled from the crimp. I can see that it is wired in
series with the window next to it...and when I look at another room's
windows, the sensors look to be wired in the same manner.

Regarding the chewed wire, it goes straight down to my basement, I see
no issue.

Lets review however: The sensor was working but that zone kept chiming
as if it was opening (once a week at first and now every 1-2
mins)...there are 4 windows in the zone, I checked all. This last
window appeared to be an issue as the wire fell out of the crimp. I
reattached, but now the zone doesnt close at all. In non of the
windows do I see resistors...I do see resistors in the box downstairs,
but it is a jumbled wire mess and the installer recently checked it out
OK. This 'installer' will not come out again, as I am experienced
DIY'r, I am trying to fix it myself.

Do I go and restrip and attach all wires in all those 4 windows just in
case? Do I go get another sensor from another zone and swap with this
particular window to verify it isnt the sensor?

Thanks!
Jim

 

[smithsonga]

Ok, I already tied the two wires at this window together and it did not
close the circuit. I will go to each of the 4 sensors and try the
same.

If wiring the entire zone together without sensors and the zone is
still open, that concludes a break in the wire somewhere, correct?

but if it is closed, I can put each sensor in one at a time to find the
bad one.

Are these available online somewhere?

Thanks-

 

[Robert L. Bass]

Remove the switch that you repaired, put a

meter on it and use the magnet to see if it
really is closing. You may have a bad or
intermittant switch or the magnet may not
be line up.

Also note that you can sometimes damage the internal contact during removal.
The damage may not be visible from the outside. It's also possible that the
sensor was failing and has now completely failed, all with no externally
visible indication of a problem. For these reasons it's a good idea to
remove the sensor from the circuit and verify operation with a meter.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

=============================>
Bass Home Electronics
2291 Pine View Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34231
877-722-8900 Sales & Tech Support
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
=============================>

 

[smithsonga]

Ok, I fixed this problem. I went to each sensor and a 2nd sensor had a
very loose wire...two in one zone!
Makes me want to check each window in the house...but I guess if there
is no problem at this time, dont bother with it.

Thanks everyone-
Jim

 

[Frank Olson]

If you've got a half way decent Volt/ohm meter you could try doing a "rattle"
test.

Where do *you* get your rattles?? Personally I like "Baby's R Us".

Sorry Jim; I just couldn't help myself! )