Hi, attached is a photo of an alarm sensor I am using for a window. While it’s status is passed on to HA, if I “bypass” the sensor, the sensor no longer passes info on to HA. Hence, I am looking for recommendations for a Z-wave, Zigbee or Matter device that is super thin. This way, even if I bypass the sensor, I will have another sensor that will know the status of the window.
Thanks
You might want to define “super thin.” What’s the maximum size? The sensor sure looks thin in your photo, but without a scale…
Good point. Here’s the data sheet:
What do you mean by “bypass the sensor”?
I guess the sensor is part of an alarm system and HA tabs into the alarm system to get the state, but when the alarm system is disabled, then the sensor is not reporting anymore.
It’s a way to make it like that sensor doesn’t exist, temporarily. As such, I need another sensor that can replicate what it does (determine if the window is open or not.)
Exactly…
Hence, looking for another sensor to back it up.
Ah, I get it now (finally)!
I’d suggest to give the Aqara door window sensors a shot. They’re not as thin as the sensative strips, but they’re still tiny.
Also, they’re cheaper and their batteries can be replaced once they run out. Mine are still on the original battery for 2+ years and have been extremely reliable.
How are you doing this, and for what purpose?
I ask because you can probably accomplish what you want by creating a Template Binary Sensor based on the hardware state of your existing sensor. I can’t imagine an application where you would need two separate physical sensors (that would in theory report the same exact state of the window), unless you’re working with some kind of odd limitation in a third-party integration or hardware.
I’m a fan of the Aqara contact, motion, vibration, moisture, and temperature sensors. Probably have 50+ of them throughout the place. They’re reliable, discreet, and consistent.
I’m using: Envisalink - Home Assistant
If, for ever reason, I want to bypass that window, the sensor no longer works. But there are times when I still want to use the sensor for certain automations…
I think you brought up a good point. If there’s (somehow) a way to use the sensor I already have, that would be great. Again, I think it’s a limitation of how the sensor works. Once it’s bypassed, it’s status no longer reports…
How are you bypassing it, and why? Depending on the answers to both questions, there is probably an easy way to accomplish what you need and without redundant hardware.
Bypassing it from the alarm system and so that the window can be left open and the alarm still armed.
Not enough information for me to be able to tell you more than I already have, sorry.
Unfortunately, it’s a limitation to the alarm itself. Hence, I will need to get another sensor that’s small enough.
