Why Is My Sensor Failing and/or Showing Malfunction?
Every hour, your alarm system sends a signal to all of your sensors to ensure functionality and proper reporting, which is called a "roll call". If a sensor fails to send a response signal, a "Failure" alert will be sent to your control panel and “Malfunction” will display on the Brinks Home™ App.
Common reasons a sensor will go into "Failure" or "Malfunction" are:
- The battery in the sensor is dead.
- The sensor is too far from the control panel. If the sensor exceeds 100 ft, then a malfunction may occur.
- There is something causing Radio Frequency (RF) interference near that sensor or near the control panel. Common wireless devices that cause interference include the following:
- Routers, telephones, gaming controllers, doorbells, large metallic objects such as refrigerators or large TVs, plaster walls with metal fiber, metal studs in the wall, or interior concrete walls
Recommendations:
- Change the sensor battery.
- Note: If you change the battery, be sure to reseat the cover. If the cover is not properly aligned and snug it will create a tamper error. Additionally, check to make sure the arrows on the sensors are lined up and there is no more than ¼ inch between the two when mounting.
- Perform a sensor test to attempt another "roll call". Select your panel below for steps on how to perform this test.
- Survey the area for recent changes, such as new nearby electronics which may be causing interference.
- If the problem persists, you may need to replace the sensor as it is defective.
