Magnetic contacts are two-part devices used to safeguard windows and doors. 

Reed switches are used in alarm systems, they are located within the door and are known to be flush mounted. Or mounted on the door or window, surface mounted .One part of the contact is a switch installed in the window or door jam; the other contains a magnet and is placed in the window or door itself. 

Any noticeable shift in contact with the switch breaks the magnetic field and triggers an alarm.

Reed Switches as they are often called can be either recessed or flush mounted.A hole is drilled inside the door jam and the reed switch is inserted.Surface Mounted Reed switchesAre mounted to the surface of windows or doors, available in multiple colours to blend in with home or office decor.A more inexpensive reed switch than flush mounted reeds. Surface mounted reeds can also be used for roller doors.

A Reed Switch is an expensive addition to an established house as cabling to windows and doors is labour intensive and difficult.Reed switches are another layer of security for your home or business alarm system, they provide a magnetized contact and when broken will send an alert to your security alarm control panel. If the alarm system is on, it will send the alarm into alarm and can activated an internal and external siren.

Reed switches will increase your home security by having the option to arm windows when you are home.Downside increased labour cost.The installation of reed switches can be cost effective with new home alarm installations.The cabling for the reed switches is done in the building phase of the new home.

Reed switches generally require power back to the control panel unless they are wireless .The cabling of the reed switch goes back to the control panel or daisy chained pack to the control panel. Although there is a downside to daisy chaining if you have a faulty reed, they can be often difficult to locate within the chain.Reed switches from Bosch Security offer a wireless reed switch solution, overcoming the increased labour cost, although they are more expensive to purchase than a standard reed switch.Bosch Wireless reed switches come in both Surface mounted and Flush mounted design to suit your alarm system needs.