Glass Break Detector Installation Guide¶

Guide to glass break detector installation for UK alarm systems covering acoustic and vibration detector types, placement rules, sensitivity adjustment, and testing procedures.

Glass Break Detector Types and Technology¶

Glass break detectors protect windows by detecting the sound or vibration of breaking glass. Two main types: acoustic glass break detectors listen for the specific frequency pattern of breaking glass (the initial thud followed by high-frequency shattering 3-5kHz) and vibration/shock detectors sense the physical vibration of the glass frame. Acoustic detectors are the most common choice for UK homes as they cover multiple windows from a single detector. Coverage range is typically 6-9 metres radius in a single room. Vibration detectors are fitted to individual window frames and are more resistant to false alarms. Popular UK acoustic detectors: Texecom Elite Glass Break (£30-£45, 8m range, 360 degree detection), Pyronix Shock Guard (£35-£50, acoustic and vibration combo), and Optex VXI Series (£30-£40, vibration only). Acoustic detectors cost £25-£45, vibration detectors £15-£30. Glass break detectors must be configured as Immediate zones on the alarm panel with no entry/exit delay. For rooms with multiple windows one acoustic detector per room is sufficient. For large rooms over 50 square metres use two acoustic detectors positioned at opposite ends.

Placement and Testing for UK Windows¶

Acoustic detector placement: mount on the ceiling or wall opposite the windows being protected. The detector should have a clear line of sight to the window - curtains and blinds should be open when the system is armed. Avoid placing behind furniture, heavy curtains, or in corners with obstructed sound paths. Mounting height: ceiling mount is best, wall mount at 2.4 metres minimum. Distance from window: 2-6 metres for best detection. Vibration sensor placement: mount directly on the window frame (wood, uPVC, or aluminium) using the supplied adhesive pad or 3mm screws. Position on the frame corner opposite the handle for best vibration transmission. Testing: use a glass break simulator (GBS tester) costing £20-£30 from alarm suppliers. Do not break actual glass to test. The GBS emits the specific frequency pattern that triggers the detector. Test each detector annually. Sensitivity adjustment: most detectors have a potentiometer (small screw) to adjust sensitivity. Set to maximum for rooms with double-glazed UK windows (which attenuate sound more than single glazing). For ground floor windows use maximum sensitivity. For first floor windows where the risk is lower, standard sensitivity is adequate.

Specifications and Comparison¶

Detector Type	Coverage	Best Location	UK Price
Acoustic Detector	8m radius, 360 deg	Living room, conservatory	£25-£45
Vibration/Shock Detector	Single window frame	Ground floor windows	£15-£30
Combo Acoustic+Vibration	6m radius + frame	High-security rooms	£35-£55
Wireless Glass Break	6m radius	Retrofit, rental properties	£35-£50
Outdoor Glass Break	3m range, weatherproof	External shutters	£40-£60

FAQ¶

Do glass break detectors work through double glazing?: Yes - most acoustic glass break detectors are designed to detect breaking glass through double and triple glazing. Ensure the detector sensitivity is set to maximum for double-glazed UK windows which attenuate the breaking sound.
Can one glass break detector cover multiple windows?: Yes - a single acoustic detector covering 6-9 metres radius can protect all windows in a typical UK living room (up to 4-6 windows). Ensure the detector has clear line of sight to all windows being protected.
How do I test a glass break detector without breaking glass?: Use a glass break simulator (GBS) tester costing £20-£30. The GBS emits the specific sound frequency of breaking glass. Hold it 3-4 metres from the detector and activate. The detector should trigger immediately. Available from Safelincs and alarm suppliers UK. For more information see our Alarm Battery Replacement Guide.

Last updated: 2026-05-31.

External Resources¶

For further information consult authority guidelines at the British Standards Institution (BSI).