RDPS: Know when door or server cabinet is open/closed 

Watchdog magnetic door position sensor offers a low-cost method to monitor access doors or cabinets that should remain closed. The noncontact magnetic switch mounts to the door of a server rack or equipment room and connects to a Watchdog climate monitor.

Remotely check the door status through the web interface or use alarms to notify you if a door is open.

Watchdog door position sensor/switch has four components:
• Magnet
• Switch with screw-terminals
• screw terminal
• cover and connection wires

The magnet mounts to a door or access panel, while the switch mounts to the frame. When the door is closed the two pieces should be within 1/2" of each other. When the door opens this distance increases, eventually toggling the switch. This allows the Watchdog to know when the door is open.

Connecting to a Watchdog
There are two options for connecting the door switch to a Watchdog. You can connect the sensor directly to the Analog Input terminals. If the inputs are all in use or the climate monitor doesn't have analog inputs, then you can use a A2D interface to connect the sensor to a digital sensor port.

Multiple door switches can be wired in series to a single analog input or A2D. This is a good way to free up inputs when you don't need to know the specific door that is open, just that at least one door in the group is.

Alarms
You can configure alarms using the Watchdog's web interface. With the appropriate alarm thresholds the Watchdog will send you an alert via email or SNMP trap if a door is detected open.

Some units can also trigger an alarm buzzer or energize an output relay in response to an alarm.

Features and Benefits
• Used to detect whether a door is open or closed
• Connects to the Watchdog via analog input or A2D
• Receive alerts via email or SNMP