What is the recommended separation for the installation of surface-mounted contacts?

The recommended separation for the installation of surface-mounted contacts is established to ensure effective detection of intrusions while minimizing the potential for false alarms. The guideline stating that the separation should not exceed about 50% of the pull-in distance is based on the need for proper alignment and functionality of the contact sensors.

When installed within this recommended separation, the contacts are more likely to activate reliably in response to any unauthorized movement or disturbance in the monitored area. Allowing for a maximum separation of up to 50% of the pull-in distance helps maintain a balance between sensor sensitivity and stability, ultimately enhancing the overall effectiveness of the intrusion detection system.

In contrast, greater separation beyond this threshold could result in failures to detect breaches adequately, or the installation might not function as intended, leading to security vulnerabilities. Therefore, following this guideline is crucial for optimal performance of surface-mounted contacts in an intrusion detection system.