Window and door ADT sensors provide your home’s first line of defense. However, these sensors can peel off or develop some faults and need to be replaced by attaching new ones. You can save some bucks by attaching them instead of hiring a technician.
ADT sensors are attached by setting them up at an appropriate location, placing and aligning both pieces, mounting, and testing them. The focus is to ensure the sensor works when the security system is armed.
In the rest of this article, I’ll take you through how ADT sensors are installed. You should be able to attach your window and door ADT sensors by the time you’re done reading. Let’s get started!
Procedure for Attaching ADT Sensors
Attaching an ADT sensor can be daunting if you don’t know where to start and the needed equipment. Although most ADT sensors use a similar attachment procedure, you should know your system’s attachment manuals. This will help you adhere to the specific measurements stipulated by ADT.
If you just bought a new ADT sensor or want to re-attach an old sensor that fell off, here is the procedure:
Set Up the Sensor
ADT sensors have different requirements for setting them up. Once you’re in the mounting location, you should set up the sensor using the following guidelines:
- Check the proximity with the ADT security hub. You should mount the sensor within 350 feet (106.7 meters) of the hub. If you exceed this distance, your sensor’s efficiency will decline. The sensor may not work completely in other cases as it can’t communicate with the hub. However, the range may vary depending on the environment and your home’s design.
- Disarm the security hub. Adding a new device to an armed ADT security hub will trigger the alarm before you finish the process. Therefore, you should disarm it before proceeding with the installation.
- Scan the QR code on the sensor. If the sensor is new, you must scan its QR code using the SmartThings app. This adds the sensor to your smart home devices controlled by the security hub.
- Set up one sensor at a time. Unless you’re installing multiple sensors simultaneously, it’s advisable to set up and test each sensor individually. Doing so will help avoid confusion and know exactly which sensor is not working.
Place and Align the Sensor
After setting up the sensor in its location, you should place and align the larger and smaller pieces. Here are a few tips to help you:
- Identify the alignment marks on the sensor: These usually come as dots or lines on the sensor. They help you to know when the sensor is in the correct position.
- Line up the sensors: You should place the sensor parts in front of the window or door where you want them installed. Then, use the alignment marks to ensure both devices are lined up. You can use the manufacturer’s instructions as a guide if your sensor doesn’t have alignment marks.
- Check that the window or door is closed: The security system won’t work as intended if any of the doors or windows are open. Therefore, ensure they’re all shut before proceeding to the next step.
Mounting the Sensor
New sensors come with pre-applied adhesive that should be used to attach to the surface. However, you’ll need to apply glue to the sensor if you’re re-attaching it. Alternatively, you can use heavy-duty double-sided tape and silicone sealant.
I recommend the Gorilla Waterproof Caulk and Seal. Besides being easy to use, this sealant provides a lasting bonding between surfaces.
Here is the procedure to mount the sensors:
- Use a damp cloth to remove old tape or glue from the sensor since it’s not strong enough. You should only remove the glue if you’re re-attaching the sensor. Otherwise, you should use the sensor’s adhesive if it’s new.
- Use a dry cloth to clean the window or door frame surfaces where you want to attach the sensors.
- Take a small piece of the tape and apply it to the sensor.
- Press the tape firmly for 30 seconds.
- Attach the sensor to the frame. Ensure the smaller piece is within the two marks of the larger piece for efficient operation.
- Peel off the other side of the protective paper.
- Press the sensor firmly on the window or door frame. The sensor should be attached to its previous location.
- Hold for 30 seconds to one minute to ensure the seal is tight.
- Apply silicone sealant along the sensor’s edges to keep it firm.
The key factors to consider when attaching the sensors are:
- Accidental damage. You should place the sensor along the door or window frame’s location with minimal traffic to avoid unintentional damage. A sensor along the doorway frame risks damage as people pass through the door. Thus, the right location is at the top of the frame.
- Precision. You should place the sensor with a high precision degree since the adhesion will be firm, making it difficult to remove it for realignment. Forcing the adhesion out reduces its grip.
- Separation distance. The separation between the sensor pieces must not exceed 0.5 inches (1.3 cm). The distance is essential for their proper operation. You should realign the smaller piece with the larger one if the separation is too much.
You have now successfully learned how ADT sensors are attached! The next step is to test the sensor to see if it works efficiently.
Testing the Sensor
After attaching the sensor, arm the ADT security hub for testing. To do this, go to the security system’s control panel and press the away button. The hub will make a sound, indicating that it’s armed. You can now open the door or window where you placed the sensor to see if the alarm is triggered.
If everything goes well, you’ll hear a loud beeping noise from the hub, indicating that the sensor is working as intended.
The testing procedure is essential to ensure your security system is working correctly. If you have any issues with your ADT sensor, please reach out to ADT customer service for help or call (800) 587-4198.
The video below demonstrates the process of attaching and testing ADT Sensors:
Final Thoughts
Attaching ADT sensors requires high degrees of precision and accuracy. The separation between the pieces must not exceed the recommended length. Furthermore, the sensor’s placement must not be more than 350 feet (106.7 meters) from the hub for efficient operation.
