What is an Offline (Supervisory) Malfunction trouble condition and How To Resolve

RF Sensor Malfunction or Sensor Offline trouble condition indicates a security sensor may be having trouble communicating with the alarm system. This is caused when the regular supervision signals from the sensor to the panel are interrupted. This status can be persistent or intermittent.

Common causes are below:

  • Distance: Ensure that the sensor is within range of the alarm panel.
  • Attenuation: Objects of home construction may be blocking the frequency transmission between the sensor and the panel.
    • Metal (HVAC, wire, etc.)
    • Large Appliances (TVs, Refrigerators, etc.)
    • Mirrors
  • Drained battery: Battery can be borderline low and not report a low battery to the system but still cause a malfunction.

Steps to resolve:

  1. Verify the sensor is installed well within range from the panel, and/or try relocating the sensor closer to the panel.
  2. Avoid large metal sources near the sensor or panel.
  3. If it is a door or smoke sensor, try changing the plane of the sensor’s wireless communication with the panel by rotating the sensor 90 degrees. If it is a motion sensor, try moving it to a different wall.
  4. Replace the batteries.
  5. Delete from programming, then re-add