Installing Door Sensors for a Security System

You may never need the use of a security system, but the risk or not having one is not worth it. At any moment, someone could be planning to break into your home, whether you are on vacation, out for the day or sleeping in your bed. Prevent a break-in by installing sensors on all your external entry doors.

Step 1 - Locate Stud for Installation

You will need to locate a stud in order to secure the mounting bracket to the door casing. If you can't find a stud, you must use drywall anchors, but they are not as secure as screwing into the stud itself. Run the stud finder over the area until you find the stud. Mark both sides with a pencil so you can determine the location of the center.

Step 2 - Position Mounting Bracket

Hold the back mounting bracket up to the stud and make sure it is level. Mark the location of the screw holes, keeping them in the middle of the stud, or studs. With a drill, and the appropriate sized drill bit, drill a small pilot hole for ease of driving the screws. This will also limit any cracking in the drywall or instances of scratching.

Step 3 - Mount Unit on Wall

Place the mounting bracket back on the wall, making sure it continues to stay level, and screw the unit onto the wall. Do not overtighten the screws until you make sure that the bracket is level. This will make sure that the sensor work correctly. Tighten the screws to finish the mounting.

Step 4 - Mount Main Unit

After the mounting bracket has been secured to the wall, you can easily clip the sensor unit onto it.

Step 5 - Mount Magnet Strips on Door

The main working part of the security system is the magnetic strips that will trip the alarm. The strips need to make contact so they will need to be located in a place where they can be connected. Set the magnetic strips onto the frame and door and mark their location using a pencil. Remove them and then drill pilot holes for the mounting screws. Once the pilot holes are made, mount the magnetic strips onto the door and door fame with a screwdriver and screws provided.

Step 6 - Test It Out

After the security system is installed, then test out the sensors. Open the door to make sure that the alarm goes off when the magnetic strips are separated. If not, then make some adjustments to the strips, or make sure the sensor is level.