Security Sensors

King of Crown

hey hows it going guys, I have a quick question about security sensors on sliding doors. I am looking at turning some sliding doors into french doors, and need to know how difficult it is to splice new wire on the sensor to make it longer, and to add a new sensor. If you guys could help me out with any info it would be great, thanks

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Teetorbilt

I solder and shrinkwrap (dual wall).

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You can't solve you're problems with the same level of thinking that created the problems.

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King of Crown

thanks teetor, is there a special solder gun you use, and where would you buy the sensors, and wiring? Sorry, i hate any kind of wiring, and know very little.

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mdshunk

Generally, security cables are spliced with "beanies" or "UR" connectors. Both of these connectors are special to the low voltage wiring craft. Because of the minimum amount of cable and connectors you'd need to buy for this simple job, you'd be further ahead to call a local alarm guy to square you away. Should just be a 60-80 dollar service call if you've got things all ready for him to do his work.

ABLE1

So far I agree with all comments. But would like to say that not having a splice is the better choice. If your doors are accessible from the basement then run a new wire from the contacts to the panel and connect accordingly.

Also depending upon where the new contact location is at relative to the existing and when it was originally installed you may want to pull on the wire and see if there is any slack. You never know it just might be long enough.

If none of the above is not possible then a solder, shrink tubing connect would be the best since the splice will not be accessible in the future if repair is needed.

And be sure you put the sensor in the right location for maximum effect. For french doors at the top about 6-8" from the latch edge of the door with a magnetic sensor of the main door is best. You can also do the pinned door but should not be necessary. The alternate location would be on the hinge side of the movable door with a plunger or roller mechanical type contact. Any other locations would not be good.

Good luck with your project and as MD said calling a professional would be the simple choice. And if your system is monitored, may be required by your contract to call their servicing company.

Les

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ABLE1

King of Crown

whats a basement? I dont think we have those in Arizona.

MD, you think it is only $60-80? that is definitely worth it. I have started a new division of my company where we go into track houses, and add french doors where there was sliding, I figuire on doing three a day. Do you think it would be a good idea to hire a guy on just to do that? maybe I could pay him extra and help with the door install too. It takes about two hours to demo and install new doors, and i would need him there to do the wiring before I installed the casing. Maybe I could pay him $150 a door, and guarantee him $300 per day, with the possibility of making up to $450 a day?

Let me know what you think.

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Teetorbilt

KoC, I also have a marine business and that is where my LV work comes in. It also has to be bulletproof as there are few repair techs at sea.

Any gun with enough wattage for your wire gauge will do and security wiring is small (18-22 ga.?). Use rosin flux or the rosin core solder, it may be marked "for electronics".

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You can't solve you're problems with the same level of thinking that created the problems.

Albert Einstein

mdshunk

I think you should gather all the alarm guys in your area, offer a certain volume of that kind of work, and see if they give you cheaper prices. Also, ask them if they can tile showers too.

troubleseeker

Hey, I think I used that same guy recently, hope you're not mad at me for stealing your subs. He must have been an alarm installer, because from the looks of the shower he did, he sure as hell was not a tile setter.

dougchips

King, $50-$100 is the going rate around my area for a service call with new sensors. I can generally get same day service and schedule the alarm company for around our finish time.