What Do Water Leaks Have to Do with Alarm Contacts?

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An alarm contact is designed to detect the unauthorized opening of a perimeter door or window, so it must be mounted on the door and window that needs to be electronically protectedWhy recessed versus surface-mounted contacts? The rationale for recessed alarm contacts rather than surface-mounted ones is purely aesthetic. In simple terms, subscribers do not want to see exposed alarm contacts on the doors and windows in their home, so the professional and technical community in the alarm industry’s response was to create, manufacture, and install recessed alarm contacts so that subscribers would have this option for their home alarm system.

Example of Recessed Contacts

On the left-hand side is the magnet, which goes into the moving part of the door or window, and on the right-hand side is the switch. The alarm wiring connects to the screw terminals. When the magnet and switch are aligned, it creates a magnetic field that closes the circuit. When the magnet and switch are separated, as a door or window opens, the magnetic field is broken, the circuit opens, and the alarm system is triggered.

Example of Surface-Mounted Contact

The bottom portion of this photo is the magnet, and the top portion is the switch.

When a recessed alarm contact is drilled into the frame of a door or window, it permanently breaches the building envelope and voids the warranty on these doors and windows.

In my opinion, only surface-mounted contacts should be installed because this avoids the potential of water penetrating into the home and does not void the warranty on these doors and windows.

WATER DAMAGES MAY CAUSE SERIOUS PROBLEMS IN THE HOME

If water that gets into the home is not identified and/or remediated, it can cause significant problems.

• Mold Growth: Mold can grow in damp, dark environments, such as inside the walls, within 24-72 hours.
• Structural Damage: Moisture can cause warping, sagging, and deterioration of wooden studs.
• Health Risks: Mold, in particular, can cause health issues, including allergies and respiratory problems, to the point where, in some instances, all occupants must vacate the premises until the risks are eliminated.
• Decreased Insulation Efficiency: Insulation can become saturated, losing its effectiveness and resulting in higher energy bills.

Additionally, once a window or door is identified as a pathway for water and/or moisture, all of the other doors and windows will also have to be inspected.

Besides existing construction, recessed contacts are commonly found in new construction, so it is likely that each and every door or window that is drilled by the alarm contractor in new homes has instantly voided the new door and window warranties.

Understanding the cause of a water loss and its potential nexus to recessed alarm contacts and alarm system contractors can greatly benefit a subrogation investigation.