How Does a Door Sensor Work? And Other Important Questions

It’s not magic; it’s just magnets

Brianne Sandorf
Sep 15, 2022
Icon Time To Read3 min read

Sometimes we get a little paranoid that someone might be using that back door we always forget to lock, but there’s no way to know for sure—Oh wait, there actually is: door sensors.

We pretty much know everything there is to know about door sensors, and we’re about to share it all.

Why use a door sensor?

A door sensor is a great way to know when someone opens or closes a door to your home.

Opening the door will alert the sensor and trip a siren when your home alarm is set. And when an alarm isn’t set, the sensor will still let you know if the door opens or closes, making it easy to track if anyone’s leaving or entering the house when they shouldn’t.

Security camera or no security camera?
Light Bulb

The door sensor alerts you that someone’s using the door, but it doesn’t tell you who. If you also want  to see the folks coming in and out, we suggest adding a security camera. That way, if something seems off, you’ll have footage.

Security cameras can sometimes fail, so the safest option is to use a camera with a sensor—not to use a camera instead of a sensor.

How does a door sensor work?

Door sensors usually come in two pieces. One piece has a magnet in it, and the other holds an electrical part called a reed switch.

The magnet and reed switch are very attached to each other (literally). When you open the door and separate them, they share their displeasure by triggering the alarm.

Copy of vivint-door-sensor

Other door sensors (like recessed door sensors for uneven frames or garage door sensors) operate similarly.

Which door sensor should I choose?

First of all, do you want a wireless sensor or a wired one? We strongly recommend a wireless sensor that communicates using radio signals. It’s harder to disable and much easier to set up in your home. Plus if you move, you can easily remove the sensor and take it to your new place.

Also, do you want a sensor that’s connected to a bigger home security system? Or did you just want to low-key track that one door? If you don’t want an accompanying alarm system, a standalone option like this TESSAN sensor might be the way to go.

Sensor price seems to be affected mainly by the vendor—not by whether the sensor’s wireless or wired or whether it’s standalone.

The table below shows the top home security systems with sensors that we recommend. All of them use a wireless sensor setup, although not all of them require you to install the sensor yourself.

Top home security systems with sensors
Provider
Window sensor image
Window sensor price
Installation type
Details
VivintVivint_sensor$50.00Professional
SimpliSafesimplisafe sensor$14.99DIY
FrontpointFrontpoint sensor$24.74DIY
ADT ADT_sensorCheck with providerProfessional
Brinks HomeBrinks Home _sensor$29.00DIY, professional

Data effective 08/15/2022. Offers subject to change. 

What’s a contact sensor?
Pin

A contact or entry sensor is a fancy name for a door/window sensor combo. It’s a catch-all sensor that you can use for any door or window you want.

How do you install a door sensor?

Most door sensors are pretty easy to install. The main issue is lining them up on the door frame.

If the two halves of the sensor don’t align just right, they won’t work. (If there’s no way for you to get the halves aligned on your door frame, a recessed sensor might be a better option.)

Installing a wireless door sensor typically looks something like this:

  1. Wipe down and dry the door frame and door.
  2. Activate the sensor.
  3. Wirelessly connect the sensor to the app/hub/alarm system.
  4. Apply adhesive to the two sensor halves. Some come pre-installed with an adhesive on them–all you have to do is peel off a strip.
  5. Press the halves to the door frame and door.

A wired door sensor is a whole other kettle of fish. You’ll probably need a professional electrician to install one of those.

Recap

Here’s a quick-and-dirty summary of everything we just learned.

  • Why use a door sensor? We don’t know about you, but we don’t like randos walking into our homes.
  • How does a door sensor work? The magic is in the magnets.
  • Which door sensor should I choose? Whichever one you want, depending on your wired/wireless and standalone sensor/security system needs.
  • How do you install a door sensor? It’s almost as easy as closing an envelope. (A stick-and-peel envelope, that is. We don’t recommend licking your door sensors.)
You’ve got door sensors down. Now let’s talk about locks.
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Learn about locks.

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Learn about smart locks.

Brianne Sandorf
Written by
Brianne has a degree in English and creative writing from Westminster College. She's spent the last 10+ years writing professional, research-based content about technology, luxury retail brands, chicken sandwiches, and everything in between. Before joining Reviews.org, Brianne wrote safety and security content for ASecureLife.com. Her pieces and quotes are published across the web, including on MSN.com, Social Catfish, and Parents.com. Brianne loves to read, write, travel, cook, and spend time with her family. Contact her at brianne@reviews.org.

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