Window & Door Sensors
Precision magnetic contact technology instantly detects unauthorized entry. Two-piece system (sensor + magnet) triggers alerts the moment the circuit is broken for real-time monitoring.
Features
- Detects opening of windows or doors
- Real-time monitoring with fast response
- Simple two-piece sensor + magnet
How ADT Door and Window Sensors Work
Each ADT sensor is a two-piece magnetic contact system. One piece contains the sensor electronics; the other is a small magnet. When a door or window is closed, the magnet holds an internal circuit closed. The moment the opening widens by more than half an inch, the magnetic field weakens, the circuit opens, and the sensor sends an encrypted wireless signal to the AIO command panel within milliseconds.
The encrypted signal prevents both jamming and replay attacks. A sophisticated intruder cannot record and replay a closed-circuit signal to trick the panel into thinking the door is still shut. Every transmission is authenticated before the panel acknowledges it.
Where to Place Door and Window Sensors
At minimum, install sensors on every exterior door: front, back, side entry, and the door between an attached garage and the home interior. Ground-floor windows accessible from the ground, a porch roof, or a nearby structure should also be covered. Upper-floor windows are recommended for comprehensive protection in homes with easy roof access.
During a NetSecure360 installation consultation, a certified technician walks your property to identify entry points based on the layout, nearby access structures, and any history of property crime in the area. The goal is coverage without gaps, not a minimum-sensor approach.
FAQs
How quickly does the sensor alert the panel when a door opens?
Within milliseconds. The moment a door or window opens more than about half an inch, the magnetic circuit breaks and the sensor sends an encrypted wireless signal straight to the AIO command panel.
Can someone fake a closed signal to bypass a sensor?
No. Every transmission is encrypted and authenticated, which prevents both signal jamming and replay attacks, so a recorded closed-circuit signal cannot be played back to fool the panel.
How many doors and windows should be covered?
At minimum every exterior door, including the door between an attached garage and the home, plus ground-floor windows accessible from the ground or a nearby structure.
Related equipment
Often installed alongside the Window & Door Sensors, all part of ADT Monitoring.
- ADT AIO Command PanelThe ADT All-In-One (AIO) Command Panel is a sleek 7-inch touchscreen control center that combines security, automation, and convenience into one elegant device.
- Glass Break SensorAdvanced acoustic analysis detects the unique frequency and shock pattern of breaking glass. Listens for the sound signature of shattering glass to reduce false alarms and maximize accuracy.
- Motion SensorAdvanced Passive Infrared (PIR) technology detects body-heat movement with precision and triggers alerts when motion is detected.