I have two pet immune motion sensors (2GIG-PIR1-345) set to 33 pounds and my 11 pound dog is setting both of them off while I am not home. Any idea why? Should I replace them with a different model?
The weight setting is not exact, and simply refers to the rough size of a pet of that weight. The higher a pet is in relation to the detector, the more likely it will set it off regardless of pet immunity. Cats are very hard to keep from setting off false alarms.
If pets tend to climb on furniture in view of the detector, false alarms will occur. If this is the case, adjusting the detector so that the furniture the pet climbs on is out of range is the best course.
She is too small to climb furniture, and the sensor in the kitchen has no furniture. Both are being set off. Any other ideas?
Be sure that the detectors are mounted per manufacturer instructions. The PIR1-345 should be mounted at 7.5 feet off the ground. If the pet is setting them off they may also be angled incorrectly. When the sensor is angled down, pet immunity is less effective. Try mounting them level with no up or downward tilt if that is the case.
Other possibilities which may cause false alarms on motion detectors are found here. In addition, see below from the manual:
1 This PIR has built‐in protection to keep bugs from getting into the
sensor area and causing false alarms. Note that this protection
does not prevent insects from crawling across the lens of the PIR,
which could trigger the PIR.
2 Infrared energy can be reflected off any glossy surfaces such as
mirrors, windows, floors, or counter tops with glossy finish, and
slick‐finished concrete. Some surfaces reflect less than others (e.g.
the PIR can see a change in infrared energy off of reflective
surfaces even if the heat or cold source is not within the PIR
detection pattern).
3 Windows reflect infrared energy. They also allow sunlight or light
from other sources (e.g., cars) to pass through to the PIR. The PIR
can detect these changes in infrared energy. For example, if
sunlight passing through a window shines onto a hardwood floor
and the change in infrared energy is quick enough, the PIR can
trigger an alarm. The same applies if the PIR area includes a
window, even though the pattern of protection cannot “see”
through glass. Lights from a passing car can also pass through the
window at night and shine directly into the PIR’s lens.
4 Heating and air conditioning ducts are also important because if
they blow air onto an object within the field of the PIR’s view, the
temperature of that object could change quickly enough for the
PIR to “see” a change in infrared energy. PIR’s cannot see air
current, only the change in temperature of a physical object.
5 The PIR senses change in temperature. However, as the ambient
temperature of the protected area approaches the temperature
range of 95° to 120° F, the detection performance of the PIR
decreases.
6 Ensure that the area you wish the PIR to cover is free of
obstructions (for example, curtains, screens, plants, and so on.)
that may block the pattern of coverage.
7 Anything that can sway or move due to air current can cause a
change in infrared energy within the fields of view. Drafts from
doors or windows can cause this to happen. Plants, balloons,
curtains, and hanging baskets should never be left in the PIR’s field
of view.
8 Do not mount the PIR on a surface that allows for any vibration.
Vibrations not only cause the PIR to move a little, but it also
causes the fields of view in a room to move with respect the PIR. A
little vibration can cause havoc with the PIR’s field of view, thus
the PIR may see a change in energy and trigger the alarm.
9 An installation often requires that the PIR is aimed at the door.
The PIR may detect door movement before the door contact can
initiate an entry delay, causing the alarm to trigger. If you install
the PIR facing a door, then while programming the PIR, choose an
appropriate sensor/zone type.