How to Open Glass Break Sensors

A Quick Guide

BY LAUREN SLADE

December 14, 2020

The home security system you choose can give you peace of mind, but only if you choose a trustworthy system you can feel confident in. It’s important for any homeowner to be happy with the kind of equipment that system provides, as well. This includes products like glass break sensors. Although they will eventually require some maintenance on your part, that doesn’t mean it’s difficult or time-consuming. However, it is important for you to take care of these sensors and ensure they are working optimally.

In general, this means you’ll have to occasionally open the sensor to change the batteries — and not everyone knows how to do that correctly. Also, the make and model of the glass break sensor can make a difference, so it’s important to know which one you have and what you need to do in order to open it properly. Most of them have a sliding door, much like a remote control or a smoke alarm, that opens to access the interior. But that’s not always the case, so every homeowner who’s considering opening a glass break sensor should examine it carefully first and decide the right way to open it without damage.

Why open a glass break sensor?

The biggest reason to open a glass break sensor is to replace the batteries. While these batteries can last a long time, they eventually do need to be replaced. At that time, you will want to make sure the batteries are replaced the right way. This reduces the risk of the sensor not working right and having a non-working sensor could mean it doesn’t respond during a break-in or emergency. A home security company is designed to be ready if there’s a break in, and the only way to ensure that is to keep it active and working right at all times — which includes maintaining the equipment. Every homeowner who’s committed to a good quality security system experience will want to open their glass break sensor periodically and replace the batteries when the system notifies them that it needs to be done.

What will a homeowner find on the inside?

As you open the sensor, the first thing you should find is the battery compartment. Under the batteries, there may be what’s commonly called a “tamper switch,” as well. This switch will need to be put back in the correct position for the sensor to work right, but that’s usually accomplished by putting the batteries back in properly. There isn’t much else to look at on the inside of a glass break sensor, because all of the delicate components are protected and typically inaccessible.

Ask your security company if you have questions

For any homeowner who has questions about their glass break sensor, asking the security company that owns or makes the sensor is the right way to go. Additionally, a homeowner should consider a company that offers: