2GIG-PIR1E-345—Battery Replacement

Video Instructions

Watch the video below for a visual guide specifically on replacing the battery in your 2GIG-PIR1E-345 motion detector:

Common Terms

Understanding these terms will help you with the battery replacement.

2GIG-PIR1E-345

The model number of your wireless Passive Infrared (PIR) motion detector.

Motion Detector

A security sensor designed to detect movement within its field of view.

CR123A Lithium Battery

The specific type and size of battery required for this sensor (typically one is needed).

System Panel

Your main security alarm control panel (e.g., 2GIG GC2, Qolsys IQ Panel) where trouble alerts like "low battery" for the sensor are displayed.

Brinks Home™ Mobile App

The application on your smartphone or tablet used to monitor and control your security system, which may also show sensor low battery notifications.

Bypass Sensor

Temporarily deactivating a sensor at your system panel to prevent it from triggering alarms or alerts, often done before performing maintenance like a battery change.

Sensor Cover

The outer casing of the motion detector that needs to be opened to access the battery.

Backplate

The part of the sensor that is mounted to the wall or ceiling, to which the sensor cover attaches.

Bottom Screw

A screw typically located at the bottom of the motion detector that secures the cover to the backplate.

Tamper Alert

A notification from your system panel indicating that a sensor's cover is open or not properly secured. Ensuring the cover is correctly reattached after battery replacement is important to avoid this.

Low Battery Alert

A notification on your system panel indicating that the battery in the motion detector is weak and needs replacement.

Battery Specifications and Purchasing

Ensure you have the correct battery for your 2GIG-PIR1E-345 motion detector.

Required Battery:

• Quantity: 1 (one) (This model typically uses one CR123A battery.)
• Type: CR123A 3-volt lithium battery

These batteries can be purchased at most local hardware stores, mass retailers, drugstores, or online. For convenience, you can order them online here or from your preferred online retailer.

When it's time to replace the battery, you’ll typically receive an alert on your system panel and possibly a notification in the Brinks Home™ Mobile App.

Important Safety Precautions

Please read these before you start the battery replacement process.

• Bypass Sensor or System on Test: Before opening the sensor, it's highly recommended to bypass this specific sensor zone at your main security panel. This will prevent accidental alarms or tamper alerts while you are working on it.
• Handle with Care: Be gentle when opening the sensor cover and handling the battery to avoid damaging the sensor or its components.
• Correct Battery Type and Polarity: Ensure you are using a new CR123A lithium battery. When inserting it, pay close attention to the positive (+) and negative (-) polarity markings inside the battery compartment and on the battery itself.
• Dispose of Old Batteries Properly: Lithium batteries should be disposed of according to your local regulations. Do not throw them in regular household trash.
• Avoid Short Circuits: Do not allow metal objects to touch both terminals of a battery simultaneously.

Step-by-Step Battery Replacement Instructions

Follow these instructions to replace the battery in your 2GIG-PIR1E-345 motion detector.

1. Locate the Sensor: Identify the specific motion detector that has the low battery alert. Your system panel or the Brinks Home™ Mobile App should indicate which sensor zone needs attention.

2. Bypass the Sensor Zone: Before opening the motion detector, bypass its zone at your main security panel. For users with a GC2 panel, instructions can be found here: GC2 GoControl - Bypass Sensors. If you have a different panel model, refer to its user manual for bypassing zones.

3. Open the Motion Detector: Locate the small screw, usually at the bottom of the motion detector casing. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove this screw. Once the screw is removed, you can typically gently separate the front cover from the backplate. There might be small tabs or a seam to carefully pry apart if it doesn't come loose easily after screw removal.

4. Remove the Old Battery: Inside, you will find the CR123A battery. Carefully remove the old battery from its compartment. Note its orientation (+/-) before removing.

5. Inspect Battery Compartment: Ensure the battery compartment is clean and free from any corrosion or debris on the contacts.

6. Insert the New Battery: Insert a new CR123A lithium battery into the sensor, ensuring you match the positive (+) and negative (-) ends of the battery with the polarity markings inside the compartment.

7. Replace the Cover: Carefully align the front cover with the backplate and snap it back into place. Ensure it closes securely and all seams are flush. Secure it using the screw you removed earlier. Do not overtighten.

After Replacing the Battery & Clearing Alerts

Final steps after installing the new battery in your motion detector.

1. Restore Sensor (Unbypass): Go back to your main security panel and unbypass the motion detector's zone. For many systems, simply arming and then disarming the system will clear all bypassed zones. Refer to your panel’s instructions if a specific unbypass action is needed.
2. Allow System to Update: The low battery alert on your panel should clear automatically once the sensor sends its new, healthy battery status. This may take a few minutes to an hour.
3. Clear Alert from Panel (If Necessary): If the low battery alert persists on your main panel after a reasonable time, you may need to manually acknowledge or clear it. For users with a GC2 panel, instructions for silencing/resetting alerts can be found here: GC2 GoControl - Silence/Reset Alarm. For other panel models, consult your panel’s user manual for the specific procedure.
4. Test the Sensor: After the low battery alert has cleared, perform a "walk test" for the motion detector to ensure it's functioning correctly. This usually involves putting your system into a sensor test mode via the panel, then moving within the detector's coverage area to see if the panel registers the activity. Refer to your main panel's manual for initiating a system or sensor test.

Understanding the LED Indicator

The LED on your 2GIG-PIR1E-345 motion detector can provide some status information.

The motion detector has an internal LED (often red) that typically behaves as follows:

• During Normal Operation (Battery Saving): To conserve battery, the LED usually does NOT light up with every motion detected after an initial warm-up period or once the sensor cover is on and it's in normal operational mode. This is by design.
• Upon Motion Detection (Walk Test Mode / Initial Power-Up / Tamper):
  • When your main panel is in a "System Test" or "Walk Test" mode, the sensor's LED will typically flash (e.g., red) each time it detects motion. This helps confirm it's working and allows you to define its coverage area.
  • For a few minutes after inserting a new battery and closing the cover, the LED might also flash on motion detection as it initializes.
  • If the sensor cover is removed (tamper), the LED may flash during transmissions.
• Low Battery Indication: The primary low battery notification will come to your main security panel. The sensor itself does not typically have a persistent, easily visible LED indicator for a low battery state to conserve remaining power.

Always rely on your main security panel for definitive low battery alerts.

Troubleshooting After Battery Replacement

Solutions for common issues after replacing the motion detector battery.

"Low Battery" Alert Persists on Main Panel

1. Allow Sufficient Time for Update: Give the system up to an hour, or try arming/disarming the system, for the new battery status to be fully recognized and the old alert to clear.
2. Use Fresh, Correct Batteries: Confirm you used a new, high-quality CR123A lithium battery.
3. Verify Battery Polarity: Carefully re-open the sensor (bypass it first!) and double-check the battery is inserted with the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals correctly aligned.
4. Clean Battery Contacts: If the contacts in the sensor look dull, gently clean them with a pencil eraser or a dry cotton swab.
5. Manually Clear Alert at Panel: Follow the specific procedure for your main security panel to clear trouble alerts.
6. If the alert continues after 24 hours and trying these steps, the new battery could be faulty, or there might be an issue with the sensor itself.

Motion Sensor Not Detecting Motion After Battery Replacement

1. Re-Check Battery Installation: Confirm correct battery type, proper orientation, and good contact.
2. Secure Sensor Cover: The sensor cover must be securely snapped closed and the bottom screw (if applicable) tightened. An improperly closed cover can cause a tamper condition and prevent normal operation.
3. Initialization Period: After installing the battery and closing the cover, allow the sensor a few minutes to initialize before testing. Many PIR sensors have a "sleep timer" after detection to conserve battery; wait for this to elapse (e.g., 3-5 minutes) before re-testing.
4. Walk Test Mode: Ensure your main panel is in a "System Test" or "Walk Test" mode to get immediate feedback (often via LED on the sensor and panel annunciation) when testing motion detection.
5. Sensor Placement/Obstructions: Verify nothing is blocking the sensor's lens or field of view and that it's aimed at the desired coverage area. Avoid pointing it at heat sources or areas with rapid temperature changes.

Tamper Alert After Closing Cover

1. This indicates the sensor's cover is not fully or correctly closed, so the internal tamper switch is not engaged.
2. Carefully remove the cover again.
3. Inspect for any trapped wires or debris preventing a flush fit. Ensure the battery is seated properly.
4. Ensure the cover is aligned correctly with the base and press firmly until it snaps securely into place on all sides. Reinstall and tighten the bottom screw.
5. Once physically secured, clear the tamper alert from your main panel.

Further Assistance

How to get more help if you encounter issues with your 2GIG-PIR1E-345 motion detector.

If you require additional assistance with replacing the battery, if a low battery or other trouble alert does not clear, or if the sensor is not functioning correctly after following these steps, you can text a Support Representative any time at 469-513-8685. Please be ready to describe the issue and the steps you have already performed.