Centralite vs NYCE Contact Sensors

How are the Centralite Contact Sensors in terms of reliability and battery life?

I currently have a few NYCE Contact Sensors, which I’m very happy with. I particularly like the small size.

The Centralite Contact Sensors cost less than the NYCE, and even though they are a little larger than the NYCE, they are still relatively small.

Because of the lower price, I’m thinking of going with the Centralite Contact Sensors, but I would appreciate the community’s input.

Which model #s are you referring to?

I have one of these sensors (assuming you mean the 3-Series "micro door sensor," model 3323-G) but haven't actually used it anywhere, just sitting in a box waiting for the right application. So, not very helpful. :smiley: But I do have a few other CentraLite sensors from the same series, and they work well. I'd expect this one to as well.

There's more: CentraLite is/was the OEM behind the beloved Iris v2 sensors, which lots of people here love. Those are no longer available given that Iris has folded, but the actual CentraLite sensors are a good next-best option IMHO. The only bad thing I see is that most that are still available take smaller batteries, which I'm sure eats into life a bit, but considering that Iris sensors can last for years without replacement, I'm not concerned. I've had a couple motion sensors from this series for almost a year now without any issues. I'd expect nothing less from most CentraLite products.

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@marktheknife Amazon has it listed as 3323-C, but I think it’s really 3323-G.

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@bertabcd1234’s advice is probably on the mark.

I have also used the Iris gen2 contact sensors and love them. I would be surprised if the centralite sensors currently on the market are a huge step down in terms of reliability or battery life but can’t confirm one way or another.

I’m also very happy with the NYCE motion sensors I’ve used but never tried their contact sensors.

Hopefully someone with more hands on experience will have something to add.

These have been fantastic and you can't beat the price

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i grabbed 10 of those, was pissed to find the CR2450 coin cells inside, although mine last 1 year on a busy door(don't ask..I have 4 iris repeaters within 50ft space)

IMHO if your using Hubitat you buy the visionic listed above. The price is just too good.

The original Smartthings multipurpose sensors used the CR2450 batteries. It makes for a more compact form factor.

If you would rather get sensors with standard AAA batteries, you might want to consider the Third Reality contact sensors. They seem to work well, but they are a little bulky due to the two AAA batteries. I have not had them long enough to determine how long the batteries last.

Because I did not like the form factor of the Third Reality sensor, I just ordered a Moe's contact sensor that used Tuya zigbee technology. It uses a CR2 battery, so it is more compact.

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The original one actually used two AAAA (yes, AAAA) batteries. :slight_smile: A later version did switch to coin cells and was a lot thinner. I don't use either anymore, but I almost think the coin cell model lasted longer, perhaps because it was lithium or maybe just had a better Zigbee implementation (guessing their earlier sensors were developed in-house rather than with an OEM who specialized in this?). Something like a CR2 that the Iris v2 sensors use would probably be even better, as I guessed above, but I'm not sure of any (current) Zigbee devices out there like that now.

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The Visonic MCT-270 use a CR2.
Estimated life: 6 years.

I am still using one of my two original ST-MULTI sensors to detect vibration on the mailbox. It works extremely well, even being about 75 feet away from the house. The AAAA batteries have been lasting for over a year before replacement. The weather here rarely gets below freezing, but does get above 90F often during summer months.

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I still have an unused one of these. The multisensor died long ago so I don’t anticipate ever having a use for it. LMK if you want it :laughing:.

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