Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Window switch question

I have steel crank-out windows and the alarm contact is a magnet on the underside of the window frame and a switch that is mounted in the frame. The switch has a plastic cover, maybe 3/8" dia., I believe it was installed w/ silicon.

This switch will no longer show the window closed. I can take the magnet and set it directly on top of the switch and it will make the switch operate correctly. No amount of fiddling with the position of the magnet on the frame will allow the switch to work.

I am thinking that if I can pull the switch out a tiny bit this might fix my situation but I read in a post on this forum that once these switches are messed with they probably have to be replaced. I tried to find someplace on the web that sells these switches but I cannot find anything - I googled "security system hardware" but didn't find anyone selling these switches.

This system is an ADT, I don't want to have a service call to fix something simple like this.

Does anyone have a specific URL to order a switch and what do you think about trying to decrease the clearance between the switch & magnet by prying the switch out a bit?

BTW, thanks for starting this forum, seems to be lots of useful info here!

Thanks, jon

try this site

http://www.watchdogsuperstore.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=51

try this site

http://www.watchdogsuperstore.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=51

Thanks. That link is for surface mounts, but at that site I found several recessed contacts on a different page, in category=52. Looks like this is the site I need.

Not sure which one I'm looking for but one of them probably is just right.

Rgds, jon

If the contact is closing with putting a magnet directly on it, that tells me that the switch is probably ok, you either need a better location for the magnet, or a stronger magnet. Sometimes switching to one of the rare earth magnets will get you a better gap.

The trick with these recessed contacts is that your magnet has to be lined up pretty close to centered on the contact, and no more than 3/8" to 1/2" vertical gap.

It can be tough with the awning and casement style windows, because they can and do shift out of position with use.

It can be tough with the awning and casement style windows, because they can and do shift out of position with use.

Yes, this has been a problem with this window for several years, it will go along fine for months and then all of the sudden it's in alarm with no ability to clear without moving the magnet. This is the first time I have not been able to find a workable position. I ordered another switch w/ rare earth mag. from the link provided by PRO1 TECH so I'll try switching magnets, or maybe 2 magnets when it arrives rather than changing the switch.

It is a bathroom window and allows the window to barely crack open. It's really inadequate for practical use. Some of my other windows have the screen wired to the alarm panel and that is what I should do with this one. Unfortunately, it's rather expensive to have done, I think I paid something like $50 for each screen. That is for removal of the old material and placement of a plastic mesh with several wires in it so that if it is cut the alarm is supposed to sound. The screens also have a surface mounted magnetic switch.

Is this screen material available somewhere? I'd like to try to do this myself.

Thanks, Jon

The wired screen mesh is finiky to work with and definitely not a DIY project (I have decades of electrical work experience, and I won't work with the stuff). They literally weave that wire into the mesh in a custom production process. That's why it's kinda pricey.

This type of window can be a little difficult. If the space between the window and the outer frame is pretty large, often, we simply install the regular surface mount contacts and magnets in the space to minimize the gaps.

Really, if this window is so small that it's not an easy passage, you may be able to simply eliminate the opening from the circuit.