barnes.shane•6d agoTop Commenter

Finally got a customer to stop using those cheap wireless window sensors

I've been doing residential installs in St. Louis for about 4 years now, and I keep seeing the same mistake over and over. People buy those $15 wireless window sensors off Amazon thinking they work just as good as hardwired ones, but they don't account for interference from metal window frames. Last week I had to rewire a whole house because the homeowner's DIY setup failed 3 times in a month. The magnetic contact barely triggers if the gap is more than half an inch on those cheap units. What's your go-to sensor for metal windows that doesn't break the bank?

2 comments

2 Comments

emma_mitchell6d ago

Gotta say though, the gap is really the main issue with those cheap sensors no matter what the frame is made of. Even on wood windows if it's mounted wrong the magnet won't line up and the alarm is useless. You're right that metal frames mess with the signal too, but I've seen a ton of DIY jobs where the homeowner just slaps the magnet on without checking the spacing and then blames the sensor. For metal windows, I've had pretty good luck with the GE brand ones from the hardware store, they have a wider range so the gap doesn't have to be perfect. Not the cheapest option but not crazy expensive either.

janaw115d ago

Kinda learned that the hard way with my own windows last year. I went cheap on some no name brand sensors from Amazon and the gap was so picky I had to remount the magnet like three times before it would trigger right. Switched to the GE ones you mentioned and honestly night and day difference. They're way more forgiving if the alignment is off by a little bit. For metal frames I ended up using those plastic spacer blocks that come with some kits, helps raise the magnet up to bridge the gap better. Also made sure to clean the frame real good before sticking anything on, old paint and dirt can throw off the magnet distance more than you'd think.