Honeywell 5816—Resolving a Malfunction

Video Instructions (General Guide)

Watch the video below for a general step-by-step guide to resolving common sensor errors:

Common Terms

Understanding these terms will help you troubleshoot sensor issues.

Sensor (Zone)

A device (e.g., door/window contact, motion detector, glassbreak detector) that detects specific events and reports to your main security panel. Each sensor is typically programmed as a "zone."

Sensor Error/Malfunction

A trouble condition reported by your system panel indicating that a sensor is not operating correctly or cannot communicate with the panel reliably (e.g., "Loss of Supervision," "Sensor Trouble").

System Panel

Your main security alarm control unit where sensor status and errors are displayed.

Wireless Sensor

Sensors that communicate with the panel wirelessly using radio frequency (RF).

Sensor Battery

The power source for wireless sensors. Low or dead batteries are a primary cause of sensor errors.

Range

The maximum effective distance over which a wireless sensor can reliably communicate with the panel.

Signal Strength (Sensor-to-Panel)

The quality of the wireless signal between a sensor and the panel. Weak signals can lead to errors.

RF (Radio Frequency) Interference

Disruption of wireless sensor signals caused by other electronic devices (routers, microwaves, cordless phones) or physical obstructions (large metal objects, certain building materials).

Tamper Alert

A notification that a sensor's cover or casing is open or not properly secured.

Trouble Alert

A general notification on your panel indicating a system issue, including sensor errors.

Signal Extender/Repeater

A device that can boost or extend the range of wireless sensor signals to improve communication with the main panel in larger properties or areas with weak coverage.

Understanding Common Sensor Errors

Learn about the typical reasons why your security sensors might report errors or malfunction.

Sensor errors can compromise your security system's effectiveness. Common causes that your panel might report include:

• Low or Dead Sensor Battery: This is the most frequent cause for wireless sensors.
• Sensor Out of Range: The sensor may be too far from the main panel for reliable communication, especially if there are many walls or obstructions.
• RF Interference: Other wireless devices operating on similar frequencies or large metal objects can disrupt the signal between the sensor and the panel.
• Sensor Tamper: The cover of the sensor may be loose, not properly closed, or the sensor may have been dislodged from its mounting.
• Physical Damage or Misalignment: The sensor or its components (like the magnet for a door/window sensor) could be damaged or have shifted out of proper alignment.
• Environmental Factors: Extreme temperatures, humidity, or even pests can sometimes affect sensor performance, particularly for sensors in less controlled environments.
• Defective Sensor: Although less common, the sensor itself could be faulty and require replacement.

Your system panel will usually indicate which specific sensor (zone) is experiencing an error.

Troubleshooting Sensor Errors

Follow these steps to diagnose and resolve errors for both newly installed and pre-existing sensors.

Errors on a Newly Installed Device

If a sensor error occurs shortly after installing a new device, it often indicates an issue with its initial setup, placement, or communication path.

1. Check Enrollment: Ensure the sensor was correctly programmed (enrolled) into your security panel. If not, it won't communicate.
2. Verify Range and Signal Strength: The sensor might be too far from the panel to maintain a consistent signal.
   • Try temporarily moving the sensor closer to the panel to see if the error clears.
   • If your panel has a sensor test mode that shows signal strength, use it to check the signal at the sensor's intended location.
3. Minimize RF Interference: Ensure the new sensor (and the panel) are not placed immediately next to strong sources of RF interference (e.g., Wi-Fi routers, cordless phone bases, microwaves).
4. Check Battery: Even new sensors can occasionally come with a weak or dead battery. Try replacing the battery with a fresh one.
5. Secure Mounting and Cover: Confirm the sensor is securely mounted and its cover is properly closed to avoid tamper alerts.
6. If moving the devices closer resolves the issue but the sensor must be placed further away, consider using a compatible Signal Extender/Repeater.
7. After troubleshooting, clear the error from your panel (refer to your panel's manual for specific steps) and test the sensor to ensure proper functionality.

Errors on a Pre-Existing Device

If an error occurs on a sensor that has been installed and working for some time, a low battery is the most common culprit, but other issues can also arise.

1. Replace the Sensor Battery: This is the first and most common solution. Wireless sensor batteries typically last 1-5 years depending on the device and usage.
   • For example, if you have a Honeywell 5816 door/window sensor, refer to this detailed guide: Honeywell 5816—Battery Replacement. (For other sensor models, search for specific battery replacement guides or consult their manuals).
   • Ensure you use the correct battery type and install it with the correct polarity.
   • Make sure the sensor cover is securely fastened after replacement to avoid tamper errors.
2. Check for New Sources of RF Interference: Has a new wireless router, cordless phone, or large metal appliance been placed near the sensor or the panel recently? Try temporarily moving or disabling new devices to see if the error clears.
3. Inspect for Physical Damage or Misalignment: Check if the sensor or its magnet (for door/window contacts) has been bumped, shifted, or damaged. Ensure proper alignment.
4. Environmental Changes: Extreme temperature fluctuations or increased humidity could affect some sensors.
5. Perform a Sensor Test: Use your panel's system test mode to check the sensor's signal strength and responsiveness. This can help confirm if the sensor is communicating correctly after battery replacement or other changes.
6. Clear the error from your panel (refer to your panel's manual) and test the sensor again to ensure proper functionality.
7. If the issue persists after replacing the battery and checking for interference/damage, the sensor may be defective and require replacement.

Additional Resources & Specific Panel Guides

For more detailed troubleshooting related to your specific panel model.

If your sensor is paired with a 2GIG GC2 GoControl Panel, you may find more specific troubleshooting steps in this article: How to Fix a Sensor Malfunction on the GC2 GoControl Panel.

For other panel types, always refer to your panel's user manual for specific instructions on sensor testing, clearing alerts, and troubleshooting sensor or system troubles.

Further Assistance

How to get more help if you continue to experience sensor errors.

If you have followed these troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing issues with your security sensors, or if you need help identifying the cause of an error, our Support Representatives are available to help. You can text us any time at 469-513-8685. Please be ready to provide details about your system panel, the specific sensor experiencing issues (if known), any error messages displayed, and the troubleshooting steps you have already attempted.