Troubleshoot Hardwired Sensors

How To
1

This how to is if you have a hardwired sensor and are encountering issues with it.

Tools Recommended:

There could be several different reasons as to why you may be having issues with your hardwired sensors. First thing to always check is that the wiring is correct at the main panel/takeover module.

When replacing a sensor with leads, never leave a wire just twisted with electrical tape as this could cause false alarms. Add B-Connectors or Solder wires and add electrical tape.

Door/Window

Switch with Leads
Switch with Leads943×1200 28.3 KB

Switch with Terminals
Switch with Terminals1000×1000 10.1 KB

Always Showing Closed

There could be several reasons as to why your sensor is always showing closed even when opened. Here are a few steps to try and fix it

  1. First off, tap the sensor with something flat a few times and see if it fixes the issue - Sensors have a small reed switch inside that can get stuck. This could mean your sensor needs to be replaced soon.
  2. Remove the sensor by prying it from the wall with your precision screwdriver - If it is a wooden frame and the sensor is super right, this could be a cause as to why its always showing open.
  3. You will see that it has two leads into the sensor(Sometimes they have a splice point or terminals on the sensor itself as you can see from the pictures above)
  4. You will want to remove the sensor by removing it from the terminals or cutting off the splice point and see if the sensor is now showing open on the panel.
  5. If your sensor is still showing closed at the panel, your wire is damages inside the wall somewhere between the sensor and panel. You can either rerun the wire or replace with a wireless sensor.

Always Showing Opened

If the panel is showing opened, there could be several possibilities. Here are a few steps to try and fix it

  1. Check if the magnet aligned correctly with the switch. Check if it is still strong enough as magnets get weaker over time. Sometimes, magnets can disappear after having windows cleaned.
  2. Pry out the sensor with a precision flathead screwdriver and short the two wires behind the sensor. Check if the zone is now showing closed. If it is, then it is a bad sensor and will need to be replaced.
  3. If still showing open, wire could be damage and will either need a new wire or a wireless sensor.

Falsing

When a sensor is causing false alarms, there could be a few things we can check

  1. Check the magnet alignment and magnet strength. If a magnet looses it’s strength, it could show closed but will give you false alarms.
  2. Check the ohms from the sensor at the panel. Make sure the door or window is closed. Figure out what zone it is. Remove it from the panel, and test the ohms with your multimeter. The closer to 0.00 the better it is. If it fluctuates, then there is too much resistance on the wire or sensor. Remove the security sensor and check the resistance on the sensor with a magnet on it. If its fluctuating, replace the sensor.

Motion

A common cause for false alarm on motion detectors is that there could be bugs inside. Open the motion and make sure it is clean on the inside.

Check surrounding area for anything moving and avoid pointing at windows