I was wondering if anyone has used the Tane micro switchs? The ones that will fit on a dime. If so have you had any trouble with them. I normally use ademco and amseco products was wondering how these compare

For a mag/reed combination switch, those are damn small aren't they?

I have never used them personally. I am a firm believer on using concealed contacts on residential. Even if it hasn't been prewired, there are still ways to use them on old construction. The odd time I may have to use a surface mount on a sliding patio door. Most of the time though, there is still enough room between the frame and the glass to drill in a 3/8" stubby concealed magnet.

I wouldn't have a problem using the surface mount if you don't rely on the two sided tape to install them. Too many installers get lazy and stick the contact/mag on without any screws. You know it might take a few years, but eventually that tape is going to dry out and come loose.

The little N/Dym magnets are very handy in tight spots as well. I stock a tube of the magnets in the van and use them with the reed of a concealed contact if need be. The mag gets a single screw through the centre of it (like a washer) and holds it nicely with a great working gap.

I ahve seen those....I will most likely go with concealed switces, but they are so small they are real tempting for say basement windows

I really like using the Sentrol Barrier Bar for basement windows. It is a square plastic spring loaded tube (looks like a metal security bar from the outside) that pressure fits into the window from side to side. More and more windows today can slide open either way so it takes two contacts per window. With the bar, it protects the entire window and still allows you to have the window open for ventilation. It looks good too, even in finished basements, and can be removed easily for cleaning or opening swing type windows.

https://www.gesecurity.com/portal/b...;DID=15848&documenttype=Data%20Sheet

I have seen thoses, never actually used them, will take a look into them though, I have an air conditioner in a basement window, it currently has a reed switch connected to it, but the bar would work much better. as far as the micro switches I am going to order a few, I just want to see how small they actually are.

You need air conditioning in your basement?!!

Good idea having a contact on the unit though.

during the summer it gets real humid so the ac works well, it is a finished basement, so we spend a fair amount of time down their, The swicthworks well since the unit can be pushed in, it will take some force but it will go.