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Add door sensor (wired)

This page covers the device-specific wiring for a wired door or hatch sensor. For general device setup and settings, see Add a device.

The door sensor detects when a door or hatch is opened or closed using a magnetic reed switch. Useful for monitoring cabin entry, companionway doors, or any access point that should remain secured.

Uses a digital input slot (4–7) on the BRNKL connector.

Prerequisites

  • Magnetic reed switch sensor (wired type)

  • Marine-grade wiring if extending the supplied leads

  • An available BRNKL digital input (slot 4, 5, 6, or 7)

Disconnect shore power and turn off the main DC breaker before working on the BRNKL connector.

Wiring

  • Run one wire from the BRNKL connector to the sensor position.

  • Connect the wire to an available digital input slot: 4, 5, 6, or 7.

  • At the sensor, splice the wire to one sensor lead; connect the other sensor lead to a common ground (splice in additional wire as necessary).

Note which slot you use — you will need it when configuring.

If you need to extend the wiring, splice in marine-grade 18 AWG (or larger) wire. Ensure all splices are sealed and rated for the marine environment.

Mount the sensor

  • Mount the wired part on the door frame, inside the cabin, on the hinge edge.

  • With the door closed, mount the unwired part on the door, aligned within 5 mm of the wired part.

  • Verify the two halves separate cleanly when the door opens without catching or binding.

Configure

In the BRNKL app, go to Settings > Devices and select the input matching your slot:

Slot

App setting

4

Digital 1

5

Digital 2

6

Digital 3

7

Digital 4

This is a Digital input. Recommended settings:

  • Monitor — on

  • Alert — on

  • Name — e.g., Door or Hatch

  • High Name — Closed

  • Low Name — Open

  • Alert On — Low (alerts when door opens)

  • Delay Time — 0.5 s

Tap Save.

Test

  1. Wait 15 minutes for settings to sync.

  2. With the door closed, confirm the dashboard shows Closed.

  3. Open the door. The dashboard should switch to Open and trigger an alert if armed.

  4. Close the door and confirm it returns to Closed.

Troubleshooting

  • Input doesn't change when door opens — check that the two sensor halves align within 5 mm when closed and that wiring connections are secure at both the sensor and the BRNKL connector.

  • Input shows Open when door is closed — the sensor halves may be too far apart or misaligned. Re-seat the unwired half closer to the wired part.

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