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Suggested Installation of Alarm Screens for Casement Windows








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.
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