Do Original SimpliSafe® Entry Sensors Work On All Types of Windows and Doors?
Updated
| Does your Keypad look like the one pictured to the left? Then you're in the right place! You've got the Original SimpliSafe system. If you purchased a new system in 2018 or later, you likely have the Gen 3 SimpliSafe®. Click here to view the article for the Gen 3 SimpliSafe®. If you're not certain which system you have, you can tell the difference here. |
The Original Entry Sensors are designed to work on almost any window or door, including double-doors, double-hung windows, and swinging or sliding doors and windows. Here are a few example installations for your home security system Entry Sensors. If you are not sure if the Entry Sensor will work in your case, or if you are having trouble installing a sensor, please contact us for assistance.
Basic Installation: There are two parts to an Entry Sensor: the sensor itself and the magnet. When the magnet is within 2 inches of the grooves on the sensor, it knows the door or window is closed. When more than 2 inches away, the sensor signals that it is open. In the diagram below, the Entry Sensor has been installed on the doorframe and the magnet on the door. When the door swings open, it will trigger the sensor.
Sliding Doors: You can put the Sensor on the door frame and the magnet on the door (as shown in the example below), or the other way around. There is no "right side up" to the Entry Sensor. You can also install the Sensor and magnet at the top of the door if that is easier.
Double Doors: When installing an Entry Sensory on double doors, make sure to put the Sensor on one door and the magnet on the other. We do not recommend using the door frame in this case, because it is possible that one of the doors would remain closed while the other opened.
Deep door frame: Door frames that are deeper than 2 inches can make installation more difficult. If the door opens outward, you can install it as shown in the diagram below. If the door opens inward, the easiest solution is to use a Motion Sensor to protect this entrance.
Sliding Windows: You can put the Sensor on the window frame and the magnet on the window (as shown in the example below), or the other way around. There is no "right side up" to the Entry Sensor. When the window slides open more than 2 inches the light on the Sensor will flash once and the Sensor will tell the Base Station that the window is open.
Swinging windows: You can put the Sensor on the window frame and the magnet on the window (as shown in the example below), or the other way around. There is no "right side up" to the Entry Sensor. When the window swings open more than 2 inches the light on the Sensor will flash once and the Sensor will tell the Base Station that the window is open.
Additional installation options: Some windows can make Entry Sensor installation more difficult. Here are several additional installation options you might consider:
Entry Sensors should work on any window that meets the following requirements:
When closed, the sensor and its magnet are no more than two inches apart.
When opened, the sensor and its magnet are more than two inches apart.
If you are still unable to install your entry sensors after watching this video, contact our support team. We stock a small number of thinner magnets that will let you install your entry sensors on difficult doors and windows.