Re: Window Sensors

["Just Looking" <nospam@xxxxxxxxxx>]

>If it hits the line any switch you use will be toast.

That seems very logical and the way it should be. However, this has never
been my experience in real life. If one pictures a string of Christmas Tree
lights like switches in a N/C circuit, and calls them in order
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 etc, then damage can occur to only one in the string, or
half, or all, or any fraction thereof. The degree of damage can range from
slight to completely obliterated, again all on the same string. The order
can be totally random as well, like 3, 8, & 9 or 2, 5, & 8, etc. It wasn't
until I realized that, like throwing a rock in a pond, the induced EMF moves
through creating different potentials, like scoring in target practice. If
you can picture the strike point, and how the loop wire is positioned in
reference to the strike point, the damage you find will begin to make some
sense, though never completely. Lightning is not only terrifying and
destructive, it remains mysterious as well.

"Robert L Bass" <RobertLBass@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:%2VKi.5357$tJ4.3100@xxxxxxxxxxx
> "Crash Gordon" wrote:
> >
> > Surface mount switches have some advantages;
> >
> > Alignment problems over time are EASY to spot...recessed switches
> > that were difficult to align to begin with are a PITA to find/fix
> > when you have a no-set 5 years from now.
> >
> > They're inside protected from snow/rain, and expansion/contraction
> > of wood (even vinylclad moves)
> >
> > Where I am they are less succeptable to lightning damage.
> >
> > You can find small ones in various colors so you'll barely see them
> > against the window frame.
>
> I've used both types for many years.  I prefer recessed contacts
> whenever they can be used which for me is most of the time.  My
> business was in CT where almost every home and business has a
> basement and an accessible attic.  GE Security (nee: Sentrol) makes a
> good switch for use in new wood which *might* contract, though any
> good quality new window or door frame should be made of aged wood
> (doesn't shrink).  The 1275 sensor has little "wings" on the sides
> which allow the switch to fit snugly in a slightly over or under
> sized hole.  The switch is also easier to pull out should it ever
> need replacement.
>
> Since the sensors are hermetically sealed and we soldered our
> splices, moisture has not been a problem IME.
>
> I disagree about lightning damage.  If it hits the line any switch
> you use will be toast.  The best way to reduce the likelihood of
> lightning damage is to use a bonded ground for all incoming services.
>
> That said, I've used thousands of surface mounted magnetic contacts
> over the years.  All other things being the same they hold up as well
> as recessed ones.  The only weakness is they are more subject to
> impact damage if they're mounted near the floor or on a window sill
> that gets a lot of activity.
>
> I prefer the recessed ones primarily because they're not noticeable.
>
> --
>
> Regards,
> Robert L Bass
>
> =============================>
> Bass Home Electronics
> 941-925-8650
> 4883 Fallcrest Circle
> Sarasota · Florida · 34233
> http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
> =============================>
>
>