I’m currently installing some sensors on my windows and the trim has an angle that makes adding a sensor a little awkward. I have a couple options for orientation that I want to double check.
Option 1: (the part against the trim would actually be a bit angled)
Option 2:
Option 3:
Should any of these work? Or should I try something else?
It looks like the side of the smaller piece should line up with the lines on the transmitter. I would put the transmitter flat on the side of the trim/window frame, then stick the smaller contact onto edge of the window. I believe most of these door/window sensors just need to be within 1" of each other. Several of my door sensors have about a .5" gap between them and still work fine.
When I was first installing my system I had similar questions trying to figure out orientations that would work with various sensors on my windows and doors. I started a thread here: Door/window sensor orientations - Support - Surety Support Forum (suretyhome.com)
What I learned is that the magnet (smaller piece) has to align with a spot on the sensor (larger piece). It just has to align such that when the window/door is closed, the magnet is pulling the switch in the sensor, and when the window/door opens, it releases it. You can actually hear this action in the sensor if you are in a quiet room and hold it up to your ear. So you can test different orientations by lining them up the way you want when it is closed, and then simulate the motion that will occur when it opens. Then simulate the motion back to closed again. If working properly, you will hear the faint “click” of the switch as you simulate each motion. As long as you get that click on open and close, it should be OK.
I also found that the IQ DW Micro-S is quite a bit smaller than other door/window sensors and might work better for you with windows in that picture.
Also, since I too have black windows and doors, I painted my sensors so they blend in and you don’t notice them. This likely voids the warranty on the sensor, but it was worth it to me and they still work fine. I just used a light coat of satin black spray paint. You can be pretty careless when painting the magnet since there are no electronics in there. The sensor you need to take care not to get paint inside. You can also purchase a small roll of 3M black double-sided foam tape to use instead of the white tape that comes with them.
Should any of these work? Or should I try something else?
No they will not work reliably.
From the sensor manual, see how the magnet needs to line up below:
Awesome, thanks for all the replies! This is super helpful. I was also thinking of painting them, so I’m happy to hear that it worked on your end. I realize now the pictures aren’t super useful because they are not lined up properly, but I was mostly trying to double check that the angles of the magnet and sensor are okay. I’ll be sure to make them line up correctly when installing. Thanks again!
