window contacts

[stevo]

I plan on installing window contacts on my vinyl windows.
Considering they are double hung I will connect them all in parallel. My question is exactly where do I drill the 22-2 into the window? The jambs are to be drywall so there is no wood trim. How large a hole?

[mdshunk]

What's the brand and model of the window contacts you intend to use? That can make a difference sometimes. Normally the hole is drilled the same size as the wire. If you're using contacts that pop back inside the jamb liner, then that's a different story.

[stevo]

Do you think I should use 3/8 pop ins or the large contacts?
The pop in type are much nicer but do they perform as well?

[mdshunk]

They both perform the same. I prefer the round pop-in for new work. You just need to verify that there will be a place in the sash to mount the magnet section. Many new vinyl windows have an extruded area that wil receive this nicely. You can saw the magnet portion of this type of contact shorter if you need to to get it to fit. I generally install them with silicone caulk as glue.

[stevo]

http://www.mihomeproducts.com/catalogDetail.asp?sectionID=productinfo&product_id=74#

They are a complete vinyl window. Whats best? On the side of the sash or at the bottom?

[stevo]

Normally closed right?

[mdshunk]

Normally closed. Installed in the side jamb is the most normal area to mount the contacts. Some models of tilt-in windows can have the bottom sash tilted in by a crook if left unlocked. If you installed the bottom sash contact in the sill, there's a possibility (due to the operating range of a mag contact) that the window can be tilted in in such a manner that the contacts would remain in proximity to each other. For this reason (and possibly others), the side jamb is the preferred location for DH window contact(s).