What is the Best Door/Window Sensor for the Honeywell Vista 20P?

Honeywell Vista 20P is compatible with a variety of normally closed and normally open wired and wireless door/window sensors. Some door and window sensors require specific RF devices in order to properly work with Vista 20P while others are universal that don’t have any special requirements. One of the best and the most popular door and window sensors nowadays that is compatible with Vista 20P is the Honeywell 5816 wireless door/window sensor.

Following are some reasons why Honeywell 5816 is the best door/window sensor for Honeywell Vista 20P:

Wireless

This is an obvious advantage. Having a wireless door/window sensor is quite beneficial as opposed to a wired one in many ways. The only thing you need to consider when installing a wireless door/window sensor such as Honeywell 5816 is that your control panel is equipped to support wireless connectivity. If you are using Vista 20P, then you can add wireless compatibility by installing a wireless receiver and transmitter product. Honeywell 6160RF is a recommended product in this regard. Another thing to consider is that you should program Honeywell 5816 as a loop (2) in your Vista 20P for compatibility reasons.

Sensor Cover and Mounting Plate Included

Honeywell 5816 comes with built-in sensor cover and mounting plate. In fact, its sensor cover is one of its most recognizable features due to its distinctive ridges. Using the included mounting plate, you can mount this sensor on any door or window frame with ease. Don’t use a third-party mounting plate to install this sensor because then there will be a risk of transmitter’s circuit board getting rattled every time you shut the door or window. Another reason you should use the included mounting plate is that it allows for easy installation and removal of the sensor from a door or window. So, you will be able to easily remove the sensor for easy maintenance.

Advanced Anti-Tamper and Low Battery Alerts

Honeywell 5816 door/window sensor is equipped with advanced anti-tamper technology. So, if anyone removes the cover of this sensor, it will report a tamper alarm to your Honeywell Vista 20P alarm system. In this way, you will know instantly if someone tries to tamper with the sensor.

Low battery alert is another useful feature of this door/window sensor. This feature will allow you to make sure that you replace the battery on time. The wireless sensor uses a lithium battery and the sensor will report a low battery alert approximately 30 days before the battery completely dies, hence allowing you to replace it on time.

Easy Installation

As mentioned before, Honeywell 5816 comes with a magnet plate for easy installation. Some companies sell the wireless sensor by itself which doesn’t include the magnet. If your 5816 doesn’t have a magnet included, then don’t worry; you can buy the magnet separately. When installing, make sure to keep the magnet not further than 1/2-inch from the sensor when the window or door is closed. Proper alignment is another thing you should take into consideration when installing both sensor and magnet. Apart from these two considerations, the Honeywell 5816 is easy to install.