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How do I troubleshoot a sensor issue?

Sensor Trouble- Low batteries, Tampers, Showing open, and unintentional alarms

Troubleshooting Sensors: 

Door/Window Sensors:   If a door or window equipped with a sensor is open, the system cannot be armed. To arm the security system, all doors and windows with sensors must be securely closed. If you have confirmed that all protected entry points are closed and the system still cannot be armed, please proceed with troubleshooting.
Contact sensors consist of two components: the contact and the magnet. They typically measure approximately 2/3 inches in length and 1/4 inch in width. The contact is generally installed on the upper section of the door frame, while the magnet is affixed to the door itself. If the door and frame are metal, both components often have a spacer placed underneath. Contact sensors can be either hardwired or wireless. 

Troubleshooting Sensors/Contacts:
Sending False Signals:
  • The distance between the contact and magnet should not exceed ¼ of an inch. A wider gap may trigger false alarms. This issue can arise from changes in weather causing the door frame to expand or contract, damage to the door, or movement of the sensor or magnet.
  • Any debris or objects that may have found their way between the sensor and magnet can trigger a false alarm as well. Please also be sure to check if the sensor is loose
Showing Faults/Malfunctions: A larger space can cause the zone or point to show faulted. This can be caused by:
  • weather changes causing the door frame to expand or narrow
  • damage to the door
  • movement of the sensor or magnet
  • If you have replaced the door recently, check to ensure that the contact/magnet was retained and attached to the new door.
  • If sensor is hardwired, wires may be damaged or pinched.
Not Registering:
  • Wires may have been damaged or pinched.
  • If you have a wireless sensor, the battery may need replacing. (Panel may read Loss of Supervision).
Showing Tamper:
  • Most devices have a built-in tamper switch to deter unauthorized interference. When the panel reports a tamper it usually means the mounting plate and/or the sensor case are loose or not properly seated
How to Test:
  • Open the door/window at least an inch to separate the contact and magnet.
Troubleshooting Motions, Smokes, and Glassbreaks:
Sending False Signals:

Motions: may false due to objects moving within the range of the motion's lens. Please check for plants, balloons, ceiling fans moving curtains around, and/or dust that may have accumulated around the motion.

Smokes: may false due to a variety of factors. Common causes include dust and debris, high humidity, cooking, any smoke in the home, vaping, and even steam from showers. Low batteries have also been know to occasional cause false alarms, while some older detectors may simply malfunction. 

Glassbreaks: may false due to various noises and vibrations mimicking the sound of breaking glass, sensor malfunctions, or incorrect placement. Loud noises like thunder, dog barks, dropped objects, or even loud music/TV can trigger the sensor. Vibrations from nearby construction or low-flying planes can also cause false alarms
Showing Faults/Malfunctions: Motions, Smokes, or Glassbreaks
  •  moving or relocating the device
  • If you've done any renovations or had work , check to ensure that the devices were retained, still mounted, and not falling down.
  • If the device is hardwired, wires may be damaged or pinched.
Not Registering:
  • Wires may have been damaged or pinched.
  • If your device is wireless, the battery may need replacing. (Panel may read Loss of Supervision).
Showing Tamper:
  • Most devices have a built-in tamper switch to deter unauthorized interference. When the panel reports a tamper it usually means the mounting plate and/or the sensor case are loose or not properly seated
How to Test:

Motions:  Arm the system for Away. Once fully armed, walk in front of the motion to trigger the alarm.

Smoke Detectors: Please do not set a fire as a means of testing your smoke detectors. If needing to test, we recommend purchasing a product called "Smoke In A Can". Make sure to follow the instructions listed on the can. If testing to ensure the smoke alarm tone is working, you can press the Test Button. Locate the test button and press and hold it for a few seconds. The detector should sound a loud alarm if it is working correctly.

Glassbreaks: We do not recommend breaking glass as a means to test your glassbreaks. If absolutely needed you can attempt to test thing by banging keys against a hard surface in front of the glassbreak detector.
Troubleshooting Batteries: Most systems come equipped with wireless equipment:  Contacts, Motions, Glassbreak, and Smoke Detectors will all contain batteries that will need to be replaced periodically. 
Low Sensor Batteries:    image-png-May-13-2025-05-58-06-7295-PM

 

 The typical lifespan for a wireless Contact is 2-3 years. Cold weather can cause contacts on doors and windows to temporarily report a low battery in error. This usually clears within a day or two. 
  • Typically takes 2 CR2032 batteries
For most systems a technician is required to replace contact batteries due to built in tamper switch. 
Motion Detector Batteries: Qolsys IQ Motion-S Encrypted PIR True ... Wireless motions will have the motion indicator light disabled to conserve the battery. If your motion flashes, it's likely hardwired.
  • Typically takes two AAA batteries, one CR123A 3volt, or one 9 volt battery
For most systems a technician is required to replace contact batteries due to built in tamper switch. 
 Smoke Detector Batteries:  Not to be confused existing home smokes. Smokes will chirp to indicate when the battery is low and as the battery gets lower, these chirps will become more and more frequent. 
  • Typically takes 2 CR123A batteries or a 9 volt battery 
For most systems a technician is required to replace contact batteries due to built in tamper switch. 

Glassbreak Detectors         Untitled-jpg

 

Wireless Glassbreaks may vary in look depending on the type of system you have. These devices are not audible so they will not make any sound to alert you of a low battery or sensor trouble. 

  • Typically takes 2 CR123A batteries.

For most systems a technician is required to replace contact batteries due to built in tamper switch. 

💡TIP: The system is usually the first indicator of any trouble. Whether it be device low battery, sensor tamper, malfunction, or loss of supervision you keypad will typically alert you.