How to Install Door Alarm Sensors?2024

With the rise in the number of unauthorized intrusions everywhere, home security has become very important these days. A great way to tackle such scenarios is by installing door alarm sensors. Door alarm sensors, also sometimes referred to as contact or entry sensors, are used for detection of an intrusion into your home.

They work well as a part of a home’s security system along with the motion sensor and alarm panel. Although you may feel that installing door alarm sensors might be a tedious job, it is actually a pretty simple process once you are aware of the steps involved. This article will talk in depth about the different steps you need to carry out for effective installation of door alarm sensors in your home.

What are Door Alarm Sensors?

Just like its name suggests, a door alarm sensor is installed at the door of your home to detect or sense a motion by your door. Generally, a door alarm sensor is composed of two components, the magnet and the switch. Both of these components are connected to the door as well as its frame. When the distance between these two components is two inches or more, the alarm goes off.

What are Types of Door Alarm Sensors?

There are majorly two types of door alarm sensors that are explained in detail below.

1. Open-Door Alarms

Open-door alarms get activated when an intruder opens a door and keeps it open for a certain time period. The time the door is held open can be programmed and is used to check whether it is opened by an authorized person. The open-door alarm would warn the owner by a sound or a loud siren and even a flashing light sometimes.

This type of door alarm is made up of two components, a magnetic strip on the door panel and a sensor on the door frame. Whenever the contact between these two components is hampered, the alarm gets triggered.

2. Forced-Open-Door Alarms

A forced-open-door alarm is triggered by force when someone opens a door, which activates the switch contact. For instance, if someone tries to enter the door without a valid access card, it can be categorized as a forced entry.

What are Necessary Requirements and Equipment to Follow Before Installing Door Alarm Sensors?

Before you start the installation process, you need to have all the required tools and materials ready at your disposal. The tools required include,

• Electric drill
• Automatic sensor door kit
• Level
• Screwdriver
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Anchors
• Screws
• Cables and wiring
• Electrical components
• Safety gear

Most importantly, while installing the door sensor, you must refer to and carefully follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific door alarm sensor.

How To Install Door Alarm Sensors?

This guide will walk you through the steps of installing different door alarm sensors.

1. Installing Ring Alarm Door Sensors

Ring alarm door sensors are generally wireless and they integrate smoothly with the ring alarm security system. Here are the steps you need to follow to install the ring alarm door sensors.

• Set up your ring alarm system for sensor installation by referring to the user manual provided by the manufacturer.
• Open the designated Ring app on your phone, go to ‘Settings’, tap on ‘Add a Device’, and follow the instructions given on the screen.
• Pick the location where you want to install the ring alarm door sensor. Ideally you need to place it on the door frame and align the magnet with the door.
• Use double-sided tape or screws to attach the ring alarm door sensor to the frame of the door.
• Align the magnet with the sensor and attach it to the door while ensuring that there is a small gap between the sensor and the magnet when you close the door.
• Once done, test the installation by closing the door. This movement should trigger the door sensor and the alarm should go off.

2. Installing Sliding Door

One of the most common entry points for intruders are the sliding doors. Here’s how you can provide a deterrent to such a space.

• Decide where you wish to place the alarm on the sliding door. You need to put it on the stationary part of the door frame with a magnet aligned on the door.
• Clean the part of the door where you want to attach the sensors.
• Mount the sensor to the frame of the door and secure it tightly with the help of a double-sided tape or screws.
• Align the magnet as per the sensor and attach it to the door while making sure that there is a slight gap between the sensor and the magnet when the door remains closed.
• Test this entire installation by trying to trigger the alarm sensor with movement.

3. Installing Garage Door Alarm Sensor

Several burglars target the garage doors often. You can avoid this by installing a garage door alarm sensor in the following way.

• Pick the location on the door where you want to place the garage door alarm sensor.
• Clean any dirt or debris accumulated at the location where you are going to install the sensor on the door.
• Use a screw or a double-sided tape to secure the sensor on the door frame.
• Once done, attach the magnet to the door after aligning it with the sensor. Make sure that there is a slight gap between the magnet and the sensor when the door is closed.
• Check whether the installation is functioning fine by opening and closing the door and checking if the alarm gets triggered.

4. Installing Alarm Door Contacts

Alarm door contacts are generally used in the doors of homes and regular office spaces. Here’s what you need to do to install alarm door contacts.

• You need to have certain tools handy including a drill, screwdriver, double-sided tape, and screws.
• The alarm door contact needs to be placed on the frame of the door. Determine the location on the door frame and align the magnet accordingly.
• Clean the location on the door frame where you want to place the door contacts so that it is free from any debris or dust.
• Use double-sided tape or screws to place the door contacts on the frame.
• Align the magnet and attach it to the door accordingly while making sure that there is a small gap between the contact and the magnet when the door closes.
• Open and close the door and check whether the alarm gets triggered by this motion.

How To Replace Battery In Alarm Door Sensors?

To ensure the security of your home or any other space, it is always better to maintain the alarm door sensor and replace its components whenever necessary. If your alarm door sensor uses a battery for power, you may need to periodically replace the batteries for the proper functioning of the alarm sensor. You can replace the battery in the alarm door sensor in the following way.

• Disarm your alarm door sensor completely to prevent any kind of false alarm.
• Check for the location of the battery compartment, which is usually located on the back side of the sensor.
• Remove the old batteries from the battery compartment.
• Check the type of batteries used by your sensor and make sure you get the same battery type as replacement.
• Place the new batteries in the compartment while aligning the positive and negative battery terminals appropriately.
• Once you close the compartment, test your alarm door sensor by opening and closing the door where it is installed. If it gets triggered, it means it is functioning fine with the new batteries.

Conclusion

The most simple and effective way to improve the security of your home or any other space is by installing appropriate alarm door sensors. You can follow the step-by-step procedure given in this article to effectively install an alarm door sensor. While installing the alarm sensor, make sure you pick a location that has the maximum threat of intrusion.

Door Alarm Sensor Installation – FAQs