Having ADT window and door alarm sensors is a great way to keep your home safe and secure.
However, there may come a time when one of them gets damaged or you would like to replace them with a more upgraded model. Whatever your reason may be, it’s important to know how to remove them safely.
While you may not be able to figure out how to troubleshoot a sensor that has failed, removing it from the door or window isn’t such a difficult job.
You don’t need to be a trained professional to learn how to remove an ADT alarm sensor, you just need the right tools and some patience.
The following guide has everything you need to know to remove an ADT sensor.
What are ADT Window and Door Sensors?
ADT window and door sensors are top of the line magnet contact sensors. When the sensors are turned on then the alarm system will be triggered if the door or window is opened by someone who doesn’t have keys or an access code.
When this happens, 2 magnetic strips are separated from each other to set off the alarm and alert security.
How do you Remove ADT Window and Door Sensors?
How do you remove ADT window and door sensors? It’s not as difficult as you would imagine.
Essentially, what you need to do to remove the alarm sensor is to clear the zone from the ADT panel and then remove the sensor and magnet from the door or window where it’s located.
You don’t have to be a skilled technician to handle this simple job!
What do you need to remove ADT Window and Door Sensors?
It’s always easier to complete a job stress-free when you have your supplies and tools ready beforehand.
You may need to make a trip to the hardware store before you start this process.
Make sure you have the following items to remove ADT window and door sensors:
- Narrow flathead screwdriver
- Adhesive remover
- Smaller size screwdriver
- Putty
- Paper towels
- Soap and water
Easy steps to remove ADT Window and Door Sensors
Are you ready to remove your ADT window or door sensor? Follow these steps to easily remove that alarm sensor so the SDT technician can take a break.
Step One: Delete The Zone Programming
Before getting into any of the hands-on work, you will need to delete the zone programming from the ADT panel.
Always refer to your instruction manual for how to properly delete a zone. For most ADT panels you will be required to know your system’s installer code.
To delete the zone you will need to access it and locate the zone in order to delete it from the system.
Step Two: Disconnect Wires
ADT sensors are hardwired, so you will need to disconnect and remove the wires with a screwdriver before removing the sensors.
This needs to be done at both the panel and the sensor.
Step Three: Remove the ADT Sensor
Remove the cover of the sensor’s reed switch with the flathead screwdriver.
If the sensor was mounted with adhesive tape, you may have to slide the putty knife between the sensor’s panel and the frame.
You will need to put in your password as soon as you do this to prevent the alarm from triggering.
Next, you will need to pull out the batteries and remove the screws that are holding the sensor to the frame. Remove the alarm sensor very carefully.
Step Four: Remove The Magnet
There is a magnet piece in the sensor that needs to be removed.
You can use the smaller size screwdriver to take off the magnet’s cover and remove it.
There will likely be adhesive residue left behind so you can scrape it off with the putty knife and then use adhesive remover and a soap water mixture to clean it up.
Final Thoughts
If you need to move or replace your ADT window and door sensors, removing them is a lot easier than most people imagine.
If the ADT sensor was not damaged or faulty before you removed it, then it is safe to reinstall it in a different door or window frame.
Just make sure you thoroughly clean the frame in which the sensor was removed to remove all the adhesive residue.
Once you become familiar with the steps to safely remove an ADT window and door sensor, you can easily replace the old ones without the help of a technician.
This easy process gives even the most unskilled laborers peace of mind when removing their sensors.
Next time you want to upgrade your ADT alarm system, you won’t need to call for help.