Which type of sensors is typically used to monitor windows in a security system?

Magnetic contact sensors are commonly used to monitor windows in a security system due to their effectiveness in detecting unauthorized access. These sensors consist of two parts: a magnet and a switch. The magnet is mounted on the window frame, and the switch is installed on the window itself. When the window is closed, the magnet keeps the switch in a closed position, indicating that the window is secure. If someone attempts to open the window, the magnet moves away from the switch, causing it to open and triggering an alarm or notifying the security system.

This design makes magnetic contact sensors particularly reliable for window security, as they can accurately sense when a window has been breached. Their simplicity, reliability, and low false alarm rates contribute to their widespread use in residential and commercial security systems. Other types of sensors, such as vibration and infrared sensors, serve different functions or are better suited for other applications, but they do not provide the same direct detection of window openings as magnetic contact sensors do.