DSC PG9935 Wireless Glass Break Detector
Overview
The DSC PG9935 is a flush-mount wireless glass break detector engineered for perimeter security in retrofit and new construction deployments. This detector identifies the acoustic signature of breaking glass and transmits an alarm signal wirelessly to the DSC security panel—eliminating the need for conduit runs and simplifying installation in spaces where hardwired sensors are impractical. The compact white finish recesses into standard ceiling drywall, maintaining a discreet profile while preserving full detection sensitivity. The PG9935 operates autonomously for up to 7 years on a single CR123A lithium battery, aligning battery replacement cycles with typical system refresh timelines.
Key Features
- Flush Ceiling Mount Design: Recessed installation option sits flush with drywall and ceiling trim, keeping the detector visually concealed in commercial and residential environments without compromising acoustic detection of glass breakage.
- Wireless Transmission on Encrypted Channel: Operates wirelessly, avoiding labor-intensive conduit work and permit delays. 128-bit AES encryption protects the signal between detector and panel, preventing signal spoofing or jamming by casual RF attacks—a critical requirement for insurance and compliance audits.
- 7-Year Battery Life (CR123A Lithium): Single-battery architecture reduces service call frequency and logistical overhead. Most installations schedule battery replacement only during major system overhauls, not reactively. Battery voltage reporting to the panel provides advance notice before depletion.
- Wide Operating Temperature Range (-10°C to 55°C / 14°F to 131°F): Supports deployment in climate-controlled office buildings, unheated storage areas, and spaces with seasonal temperature swings. No special thermal management required.
- Acoustic Signature Recognition: Glass break detection relies on pattern matching of high-frequency acoustic events. The detector distinguishes the frequency and duration profile of breaking glass from mechanical noise, door slams, or loud voices—reducing false alarms in noisy environments like kitchens or manufacturing floors.
- White Finish: Matches standard ceiling finishes and trim, minimizing visual detection by intruders and blending into occupied commercial or residential spaces.
Integration & Compatibility
The PG9935 integrates with DSC wireless security system panels that support encrypted wireless sensors operating on the panel's native frequency band. Before specifying, confirm that the receiving panel supports the PG9935's wireless protocol and AES encryption standard—compatibility varies across DSC product lines. The wireless design enables placement in locations where running sensor wiring is structurally infeasible: leased spaces with move-in/move-out cycles, buildings with masonry or firewall constraints, or heritage structures where conduit installation would damage finishes. Integrators should verify panel capacity for the number of wireless sensors planned.
Operational Considerations
Glass break detection responds to the acoustic event of impact and fracture—typically 40–100 kHz frequency range. Placement should target windows and glass doors most vulnerable to forced entry, and sensor line-of-sight to the glass is preferable for sensitivity. Avoid mounting directly above HVAC returns or machinery that generates continuous high-frequency noise. Battery status is typically reported to the panel; technicians can schedule proactive CR123A replacement during standard service visits, avoiding field emergencies. Test the detector during commissioning to confirm acoustic sensitivity in the target environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the PG9935 work with all DSC security panels?
A: The PG9935 is compatible with DSC wireless-enabled panels that support encrypted wireless sensors. Confirm your panel's wireless frequency and encryption capability before deployment. Some legacy or entry-level DSC panels may not support wireless sensors at all.
Q: What triggers a false alarm with the PG9935?
A: Acoustic pattern recognition is tuned to breaking glass, but loud impacts, shattering dishes, or industrial noise in close proximity to the detector can occasionally trigger unwanted alarms. Site placement away from high-noise areas and proper commissioning testing reduce false alarm risk.
Q: How long does the CR123A battery last?
A: The PG9935 delivers up to 7 years of operation on a single CR123A lithium battery under normal use. Frequent testing or alarms may shorten battery life slightly. Battery voltage reporting to the panel alerts technicians months in advance of replacement.
Q: Can the PG9935 be wall-mounted instead of ceiling-mounted?
A: The PG9935 is designed for ceiling mount to optimize acoustic coverage of windows and glass doors below. Wall mounting may reduce detection sensitivity depending on glass orientation. Consult the datasheet for specific placement guidelines.
Q: Is the PG9935 wireless signal encrypted?
A: Yes. The detector uses 128-bit AES encryption to protect wireless communication with the panel, meeting current industry standards for secure wireless sensor networks and satisfying most insurance and compliance requirements.
Q: What is the installation footprint of the PG9935?
A: The flush-mount design requires a small ceiling cutout (dimensions available in the product datasheet). No external wiring or conduit is needed, simplifying retrofit installation in occupied spaces.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
I've specified the DSC PG9935 in multiple retrofit installations where running hardwired glass break sensors would have required significant drywall and trim work. The wireless architecture made this detector a practical choice, and the 128-bit AES encryption gave the security director confidence that the perimeter monitoring couldn't be spoofed or jammed by simple RF attacks—particularly valuable when the system must meet insurance underwriting requirements for unattended facility protection.
Technical Highlights:
- 7-Year CR123A Battery: Eliminates annual service calls for battery replacement. In a 50-location account, this single feature removes roughly 50 technician site visits over the sensor's lifecycle—meaningful cost reduction and fewer scheduling conflicts in occupied facilities.
- 128-Bit AES Encryption: Meets current industry compliance baseline for wireless security sensors. The signal protection prevents casual RF jamming and spoofing, satisfying insurance audits and regulatory compliance reviews without additional external validation.
- Flush Ceiling Mount with Wireless Delivery: Eliminates conduit runs and permits in retrofit spaces. The detector integrates into standard drop-ceiling grid or drywall soffit without visible surface-mount hardware—critical in high-visibility commercial environments where visible wiring or surface boxes are unacceptable.
Deployment Considerations:
- Acoustic sensitivity is optimized for breaking glass in the 40–100 kHz range. Avoid mounting in close proximity to continuous high-frequency noise sources (HVAC returns, machinery, or kitchen prep areas) to prevent false alarms and nuisance dispatches.
- Panel compatibility is non-negotiable: confirm the receiving DSC panel supports encrypted wireless sensors on the PG9935's native frequency band before purchase. Legacy DSC systems or entry-level panels may require a wireless receiver module or firmware upgrade, adding cost and integration complexity.
- Battery voltage reporting to the panel provides months of advance notice before CR123A depletion. Schedule replacement during routine service cycles, not reactively when the detector goes offline.
The PG9935 is a strong fit for retrofit perimeter upgrades in leased commercial space, heritage buildings, or facilities where conduit labor and structural modification are prohibitive. Pair it with a comprehensive security system design that accounts for window coverage gaps and acoustic noise conditions on-site.
