Window AC unit with a home alarm system
#1
06-03-16, 04:28 AM
Window AC unit with a home alarm system
We have a dog. When we are at work, I don't want to turn on the central AC to cool the whole house when he has access to only one room. I want to install a window AC unit in that room. But, the windows are hooked to the alarm system. How can I fix it so that we can have the window AC unit and the alarm for the window to function? After the summer, we will take down the window AC, so the change has to be reversible. Thank you!
#3
06-03-16, 08:44 AM
I want to avoid disabling the zone. I was thinking of digging out the contact and taping it on the mate. Just wasn't sure if it would work with tape over the contact.
#4
06-03-16, 09:27 AM
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Wet side of Washington state.
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You probably have magnetic contacts in the window framing. Adding another magnet to whatever is adjacent to the frame switch when the A/C unit is in place may work for you. I've used round "button" magnets as well as cylindrical "rod" magnets with success.
#6
06-03-16, 08:51 PM
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#7
06-04-16, 04:54 AM
Thanks Furd and tpring. So I can go to a hardware store and buy any alarm magnet? It does not have to match the one from the original installation? I'll give it a try later. Thanks!
#8
06-04-16, 06:46 PM
These days, some big box hardware places are selling a limited selection of security hardware, so you might be able to find them there, otherwise there are tons of online vendors, including the big "A" that sell the contacts and magnets. They generally only cost a couple of dollars for a set.
#9
06-05-16, 06:30 AM
Big box store has complete sets only. So came home and looked at the magnets on the fridge. All of them are flexible magnets. Tried them but they were not strong enough even though I stacked several together. Looked in the junk drawer and found a magnet used to keep the kitchen cabinet doors closed. Broke the magnet out of the plastic case, took some tape and taped the magnet over the contact and it worked!!! Cost $0 
#10
06-05-16, 08:06 AM
Glad you found a cheap solution. In general, get the set of contacts and save the switch half for later. Door/Window reed switch contacts do fail (usually in the stuck closed position), which is why you should check their operation a couple of times per year.
#11
06-06-16, 04:07 AM
MrRonFL, sorry, I wasn't clear enough. The big box store sold only the whole security unit (monitor, control, contact, etc), not just the contacts and switch. That is why I skipped it. You are right, they do fail. I remember a few years back the alarm kept going off for no reason and it was a faulty switch. Thanks!
#12
06-06-16, 06:25 AM
You can get the contacts from places like the big "A".
Magnetic Sensor Home Door Window Entry Warning Alarm Switch Door Contact Magnet - - Amazon.com
Magnetic Sensor Home Door Window Entry Warning Alarm Switch Door Contact Magnet - - Amazon.com
#13
06-12-16, 07:20 AM
You can also design it so that if the A/C unit is removed from the window (burglars will do this), then that will separate the magnets from where they are and trip your alarm. Or you can have a separate contact. Or just a loop of wire attached to the A/C unit - removing the unit breaks the wire.
With magnetic contacts, add a lot of spacers if attaching to a metal A/C case - that metal can "drain" the magnet's pull.
With magnetic contacts, add a lot of spacers if attaching to a metal A/C case - that metal can "drain" the magnet's pull.
