Pre-Wiring
There are many ways to install alarm screens into casement windows. You
can bring your alarm circuit wires to the window opening from the top
or bottom depending on the amount of space in the attic or basement.
However, keep in mind that if you're trying to hide all the wires, then
you must bring your wires into the track that the
screen goes into first when installing the screen. Common
Plug Types The standard plug connector that is used
on casement windows is the Pin Lead. The Pin Lead is a small in-line
plug that can be hidden inside the frame of the screen. (See figure #1)
It's also small enough so that when exposed, it is aesthetically
pleasing. A second type of plug that is sometimes used when the wires
are exposed is the Amp Plug. The Amp Plug is a square plastic plug that
can be used with or without a flush mounting plate. (See figure #3) One
half of the amp plug is recessed into the sill with a flush mounting
plate holding it in place. This leaves a nice looking plug receptacle
for the screen plug. Exposed Wiring
If you're not concealing all the wires, then your alarm circuit wires
can be exposed on the inside of the house between the screen frame and
the edge of the window frame. In this case you will want the Pin lead
or Amp Plug to come out on the face side of the screen. (See figure #2)
Concealed Wiring If you are going
to try and hide all the wiring, then the Pin Lead needs to come out on
the side edge of the screen frame. The frame needs to be slotted so
that the Pin Lead can be hidden inside the screen frame. (See figure
#1) If you're using this method of wiring, then it is very important to
pre-wire the circuit wires so that they are in the screen track that
the screen goes into first when installing it back into the window.
This will prevent the wires from being pinched between the screen frame
and the window frame while installing the alarm screen. Example: If the
screen goes into the top track first, then you must wire to the top
track. If the screen goes into the bottom track first, then you must
wire to the bottom track. Make sure the wires come out in the track at
least 2 inches away from the corners. Reed
Switch Location Once you've determined the lead
location to be on the top or bottom, we would recommend that the reed
switch be put on the opposite end of the alarm screen. You can use
surface mounted magnets or recessed magnets with or without housings.
If you're recessing the magnets, make sure that they will not interfere
with the crank mechanism under the sill. Also make sure that if you're
using surface mounted magnets, you mark their location on the screen
frame so that they're on the opposite side of the crank handle. |