Where to Place Window Alarm Sensors?

Window alarm sensors are a great tool homeowners can use to protect a property from break ins. Using magnets, the sensors are fitted to windows to alert homeowners or trigger an alarm when the window has been opened.

Window alarm sensors are best used alongside other home security measures, like home security cameras and motion detection floodlights, as a second line of defense.

In this article, we’ll explain where to place window alarm sensors and what the pros and cons of using window alarm sensors are.

Do You Need Window Sensors On All Windows?

The more protection added to a property, the safer it’ll be. Therefore, there’s no limit to how many window sensors can be installed in a house. Some homeowners choose to install window sensors on all windows.

Generally, it’s most beneficial to add window sensors to accessible windows, like those on the ground floor.

The following windows benefit from sensors the most:

• Downstairs windows
• Windows at the front of the property
• Upper-floor windows that can be reached via a tree, balcony, or deck
• Single-glaze or disrepaired windows

Are Window Alarm Sensors Worth It?

Window alarm sensors are worth considering alongside other security measures, like security cameras. Window alarms aren’t a strong deterrent against burglars on their own.

Intruders won’t know if a property has window sensors installed until they try to break in. Window sensors also don’t prevent intruders from entering a property, but are activated when the window has been opened.

Oftentimes, a window sensor alarm won’t be activated if the window is smashed or damaged without being opened. Plus, if an intruder is aware of the sensor, a magnet can deactivate it temporarily while the window is being opened.

Many people are desensitized to alarms going off due to false alarms occurring in houses. Therefore, if someone breaks into an alarmed window when the owners are not home, it’s not guaranteed that neighbors will react and alert the police. 

Installing home security cameras in conjunction with window alarm sensors is the best way to get effective use out of them, since camera feeds can be checked as soon as the sensors activate. 

Are home security cameras worth it?

According to AlfredCamera, burglary and robbery were among the top 3 most common crime types experienced by Americans in 2022.

Intruders like an easy target, and cameras alert the owners to their presence and capture their faces – making it easier for justice to be carried out.

Therefore, having visible cameras installed on a property is the best deterrent against break-ins.

With AlfredCam, users can monitor a home 24/7 and receive alerts when motion is detected in specific zones.

As one AlfredCamera user says:

“I live [in] a rural area and there are no streetlights at all. There have been several break-ins in the area lately. I use my AlfredCamera to see who is approaching my house at night”.

Shop AlfredCam today.

Pros of Window Alarm Sensors

• Scare off intruders that attempt to break in
• Cover blind spots on security cameras
• Act as a second line of defense

Cons of Window Alarm Sensors

• Don’t prevent entry
• Might not trigger if the window is smashed and not opened
• Not immediately visible, so intruders may attempt to break in (by damaging windows) before realizing the sensor is installed
• Can be hacked or disabled quickly (via a magnet or destroying it)
• Homeowners are unable to tell remotely if the alarm is false or genuine

How Do Window Sensors Work?

Window sensors consist of two pieces, a magnet and a reed switch. These are installed on the window – one on the base and one on the moving part of the window.

When the window is closed, the two parts meet and an electrical circuit is created. If the circuit is broken by opening the window, an alarm is triggered.

Modern window alarm sensors sync to a smartphone app, so users are alerted when the window has been opened.

Here’s a summary of how window sensors work:

1. Window alarm sensors come in two parts, a magnet and a reed switch.
2. One part is connected to the moving section of the window.
3. The other part is connected to the base (stationary) part of the window.
4. An electrical circuit is created when the two magnets touch.
5. When the window is opened, the circuit is broken, triggering the alarm.

Where is the Best Place to Put an Alarm Sensor?

Aside from ground floor windows, alarm sensors are best placed in the highest corner of a room facing the doorway. In this position, the sensor will pick up anyone who enters or leaves the room.

Make sure that nothing is obstructing the view when placing alarm sensors high up in a room, like lights or lampshade. 

The best places to put alarm sensors are:

• In a hallway facing the front door
• In a lounge facing the entrance
• In a kitchen pointed towards the back door
• In a utility room aimed at the side door
• In the back corner of a garage facing the shutters

Pro Tip: Where to place security cameras inside a house

To maximize home security, many homeowners should install indoor home security cameras. The following areas are best for placing indoor cameras:

· In the main hallway
· Facing the back door
· Over a side door
· Above large, easily accessible windows
· In corners of rooms

To get the most out of an indoor security camera, avoid placing cameras:

· Where glare from the windows is significant
· In bathrooms (for privacy reasons and to prevent moisture from breaking the cameras)
· Where neighboring properties can be seen

See the best tips from Alfred users on home security camera placement. In addition to improving home security, indoor cameras are great pet cams, baby monitors, and elderly care monitors. Learn more about how to use AlfredCam in your home.

How Do Burglars Open Locked Windows?

When windows are locked, most burglars won’t break into a property via the window. According to a security survey, 23% of burglars enter through a first-floor window.

Burglars use many techniques to break into locked or unlocked windows, including:

• Smashing the window
• Wrenching the window open using a crowbar
• Slipping credit cards under the window to unlock it
• Unlocking the window with a putty knife
• Picking the lock

Breaking in via a locked window is harder than entering via an unlocked window, which is why homeowners should always keep windows locked when not in use.

Conclusion

Any home security measure increases the protection of your home and makes it a safer place for you and your family.

Window alarm sensors, especially modern devices that send notifications to the homeowner’s phone, are particularly helpful in alerting to the presence of an intruder.

However, installing security cameras is the best way to protect a property from break-ins. Window alarm sensors are beneficial as an extra security measure, rather than a standalone device.