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What If I Swapped The Installation Of My Door or Window Sensors?
This article is only for situations where you have installed a door sensor on a window or a window sensor on a door. This is most likely to happen if you place your sensors prior to powering the panel and follow the installation instructions provided through the panel. We hope this is never the case but if it is, we have an easy and simple solution. (Optional step) For the easiest experience of renaming your door or window sensor(s), unplug your panel from the outlet and carry it around with you to each sensor that was incorrectly installed. Click on "Settings" on the top right corner of your keypad screen Type in your four-digit passcode Click on the "Sensors" icon Now walk to the sensor that was installed on the wrong door or window location Open (one sensor at a time) the door or window sensor that was installed on a door or window incorrectly On the panel, click on the door or window options that indicate that one of your sensors is open, there should be red lettering under the door or window icon button. Delete the door or window sensor that is open by pressing the X icon next to the sensor, you will be asked if you are sure that you want to remove the sensor. Click "Yes" Press the back button on the top left corner of your touchscreen Click "Doors" or "Windows", depending on where the sensor is installed Click "Add Sensor" and follow the on-screen instructions to add the sensor back to your system Repeat the process for each door or window sensor that was installed incorrectly.…Read More -
How It Works - Door Window
There are two parts to these sensors. The bigger piece is the sensor that communicates with the panel, and the small piece is a magnet. The sensor detects the magnet; if the magnet is too far away from the sensor, it will not read Open and Closed properly on the panel. These sensors are typically used to cover perimeter entrance points and will chime/announce when the sensor is open. Door Window FAQ Since one of the pieces is a magnet, we recommend NOT placing the sensor: On a metal or aluminum surface More than an inch apart (recommend 3/4 inch) On a door or window that does not open Do not place the larger sensor on a window that will receive direct sunlight (we do not want the sensor to get overheated) If you must place the sensor on a metal surface, we recommend: Using a spacer to mount the sensor (provided by Cove) Using magnetic tape to mount the sensor Additional FAQ Same Hardware is used for the door and window sensors Doors have a default of 30 seconds Entry Delay A Door must be triggered during Exit Delay when Arming Away, if a window is triggered the alarm will go off…Read More -
Door/Window Sensor not Responding
This article will help assist you to troubleshoot your door or window sensor when it is not responding. Verify the magnet alignment/gap size is less than 1 inch If the spacing is good, remove the sensor from the panel Re-add the sensor to the panel and see if this resolves your issue. If the problem persists: do you know if the door or window is made of metal? If this is the case, there is a possibility that the metal is interrupting the sensor module communication. Following the steps below will help us figure out if the sensor communicates with the panel properly before installation: Remove the magnet from the door frame or window Separate the magnetic contacts, to imitate the open/close of the door If the sensor is working properly, the panel will state the contact is open/closed Swap the install location of the sensor, place the sensor with the magnet on the non-metal surface If the problem persists, replace the battery in the sensor and imitate the open/close of the door. If it begins working properly with the battery replaced, the issue is resolved.…Read More -
Loss of Supervision Door/Window Sensors
Understanding Door/Window Sensor Issues It is important to regularly test and maintain all system sensors. A low battery or abnormal damage to the sensor can cause irregular activity, including loss of supervision. Loss of supervision is an automatic diagnostic the system uses to verify that sensors are wirelessly communicating properly. Other contributing factors that can cause loss of supervision are distance to the panel, large mirrors, large fish tanks, large metal objects, or concrete/mortar barriers and objects. Step by Step Instructions When your sensors are experiencing a LOSS of SUPERVISION we need to identify if it is being caused by: The distance of the sensor from the panel and/or interference A low battery or A bad sensor DO NOT RESET THE PANEL To test if your sensor is too far from the panel: Change the location of the panel to be closer to the malfunctioning sensor (within 10-20 feet). This is a temporary troubleshooting step. You do not have to keep your panel next to the sensor Test the sensor to reconnect it to the panel Wait 48 hours to see if the issue persists Deleting the sensor and re-adding it back: If your issues persist, delete the sensor from the system Re-add it back to the system. For a door use this link, for a window use this link. If the sensor will not clear or continues the Loss of Supervision, follow the next steps. If deleting and adding back the sensor does not fix your issue Try replacing the battery. When you take out the battery, please wait 30-40 seconds before inserting the new batteries. Test the sensor to reconnect it to the panel Wait 48 hours to see if the issue persists…Read More -
Door/Window Sensor Not Triggering
Troubleshooting Steps If you feel a sensor is not properly triggering we recommend testing the sensor. Note that if the sensor is not learned into the panel it will not register on the panel when you open or close the sensor. Perform a sensor test Move the panel closer to the sensor Replace the battery (CR2032) Verify that the sensor is located inside, away from the elements Verify the sensor and magnet are within 1" of each other when the door/window is closed. Make sure the sensor is not being bypassed while arming the system. You can view the history of your keypad and see if it was bypassed.…Read More -
Door/Window Sensor False Alarms
It is important to regularly test and maintain all system sensors. A low battery or abnormal damage to the sensor can cause irregular activity. Troubleshooting False Alarms Verify that the sensor and magnet are securely mounted. If either piece has fallen off, the system will not function properly. Verify that the spacing between the sensor and magnet is no further than 1" when the door/window is closed. Verify that the door or window does not move excessively while closed. Verify that the sensor is located inside, away from large metal appliances, and in a climate-controlled environment. Replace Batteries (2 x CR2032). If the batteries have already been replaced, reach out to our support team for further assistance.…Read More -
Door/Window Sensor Tampering
Most alarm equipment has a built-in tamper switch to deter unauthorized interference. When the panel reports a tamper trouble condition it usually means the mounting plate and the sensor case are loose or not properly seated. This occurs most frequently after changing sensor batteries. Troubleshooting Sensor Tampering Make sure the sensor case is securely fastened. If that doesn't seem to be the issue, remove and re-add the sensor.…Read More -
Adding a Window Sensor
The video above will walk you through adding your Window Sensors, you can also follow the steps below. Step by Step Instructions Click "Settings" on the top right-hand corner of the panel touchscreen Enter your four-digit Master Code Click "Sensors" Click "Windows" Click "Add New Sensor" Trigger the sensor by separating the two pieces (The panel will indicate the sensor has successfully been added) Press Continue Select a name for the new sensor Select Next If you have additional window sensors to add select "Add More Windows" otherwise select "Done Adding Windows".…Read More -
Adding a Door Sensor
The video above will walk you through adding your Door Sensors, you can also follow the steps below. Step by Step Instructions Click "Settings" on the top right-hand corner of the panel touchscreen Enter your four-digit Master Code Click "Sensors" Click "Doors" Click "Add New Sensor" Trigger the sensor by separating the two pieces (The panel will indicate the sensor has successfully been added) Press "Continue" Select a name for the new sensor Select "Next" If you have additional door sensors to add select "Add More Doors" otherwise select "Done Adding Doors"…Read More -
How to Change Door/Window Sensor Batteries
If you have received a Door or Window sensor Low Battery message on your panel, you will need to replace the battery promptly to ensure the device continues to function properly. Information to order replacements can be found in our article, How to Order Replacement Batteries. How to Replace Battery Disarm your Cove panel before you begin this process Open the door or window sensor (the large piece) by finding the perimeter side with 3 raised lines Insert a flathead screwdriver into the gap and pry open the cover Remove the module inside the cover by turning the cover upside down over your hand Use a screwdriver to slide the batteries out from under the black padded circles Pay close attention to the orientation of the (+) and (-) sides of the battery in the button Place two new CR2032 batteries into the module Replace the module into the sensor and put the sensor back together To ensure that your Door or Window sensor is functioning properly, run a Complete Sensor Signal Test.…Read More -
Installing Door Sensors
Step-by-Step Guide If you are adding new equipment to your alarm system, make sure you have already added this Door Sensor to your alarm system before you install this piece of equipment. Common Installation Locations Swinging Door Sliding Door Double Door Avoid Do not install sensors: In a non-climate-controlled area On the same side as your door hinge On a metal or aluminum surface More than 1" apart Best Practice Swinging door - place the magnet on the door in the top corner opposite the hinges. Place the contact sensor either on the molding above or the molding next to the door. Sliding door - place the magnet on the sliding door in the top corner opposite the window. Place the contact sensor either on the molding above or the molding next to the door. Double door - place the magnet on the central mullion and the contact sensor on the primary door Align the two semi-circles from the contact sensor and magnet with one another If you have crown molding or other decorative moldings, it may be better to reverse the sensors (magnet on molding, contact sensor on the door) If needed, place either piece at a 90-degree angle as long as the pieces are less than 1" apart Installing Door Sensor Consult the user manual included in your packaging for detailed installation, testing, and maintenance instructions Clean surfaces of the door and molding before mounting the sensor Remove the adhesive backing Press firmly and hold in place for 30 seconds…Read More -
Installing Window Sensors
Step-by-Step Guide if you are adding new equipment to your alarm system, make sure you have already added this Window Sensor to your alarm system before you install this piece of equipment. Common Installation Locations Avoid Do not install sensors: In a non-climate-controlled area On a metal or aluminum surface More than 1" apart Best Practice Place the magnet on the window that opens or slides. Place the contact sensor on the frame. Align the two semi-circles from the contact sensor and magnet with one another If your window frame is too narrow it might be better to reverse the sensors (magnet on the frame, contact sensor on the window) If needed, place either piece at a 90-degree angle as long as the pieces are less than 1" apart Installing Window Sensor Consult the user manual included in your packaging for detailed installation, testing, and maintenance instructions Clean surfaces of the window and molding before placing the sensor Remove the adhesive backing Press firmly and hold in place for 30 seconds…Read More