alarm contacts- Contact switches are magnetic switches used to protect doors and windows for the most part. There are three main styles used by most alarm companies. They are recessed contacts, surface mount contacts, and rolling ball contacts.

embedded contacts they are concealed in window tracks and door frames so they cannot be seen when the window or door is closed. The switch is on the fixed or non-moving side of the opening, and a magnet is placed on the movable side. When the magnet meets the switch, the circuit is complete and the control knows it is closed. Recessed contacts are more complicated to install unless they are put in during the construction phase of your home or business. A good installation technician can install recessed outlets in your home after construction, as long as you have an unfinished basement, accessible attic, or closet to run wires.

surface mount contacts They function the same as recessed ones, however they are visible when the doors or windows are closed. They come in three main sizes: large, small, and micro. They come in the colors white, gray and brown so they can blend in with the door trim or window sill they are mounted on.

ball contacts they are on the hinge side of the door frame and the spring loaded ball is pushed when the door is closed completing the circuit. These are more likely to need replacement in a few years as they are considered a moving part.

All types of flush and surface mount contacts can be hardwired directly into your control panel or you can get them in a wireless version. Wireless contacts have a transmitter attached to them or built in that sends a radio signal to a receiver in the control. The transmitter is surface mounted and comes in two colors, white and brown. If white and brown aren’t the colors you want, you can paint the switches and transmitters to match your decor.

Doors are the most common point of entry and your system must protect them. I always recommend contacting each perimeter gate of your home or business

Window contacts can add up quickly since most homes have a lot of windows. I have always felt that window contacts give the owner a false sense of security due to the fact that a window must be opened for them to work. If your window is locked (and it should be) when you’re out or sleeping, a burglar has to break the glass or remove the glass to open it. If they break the glass and the alarm doesn’t go off, why would they open the window? Instead, they would most likely clean up the broken glass and get on. That’s why it’s better to spend your money on motion detectors and/or glass break sound detectors.

If you have children, window contacts can be a valuable tool. They will prevent your children from opening the window to a stranger. And they will also make your teenager regret reading this. (If they tell you that all they want for the holidays is a magnet, they find out!) Window contacts are often better at keeping people in than they are at keeping burglars out. If you choose to use window contacts, you may like the fact that the surface mounted versions can be set up so that you can keep your window open a few inches for ventilation and still be armed.