A Complete Guide to Your Cove Motion Detector
The Cove motion detector is a cornerstone of your home security system, designed to detect human movement within a room and trigger an alarm in an emergency. To get the most out of this device, it's crucial to understand how to install it correctly and what to do if you encounter issues like false alarms or detection failures.
This professional and helpful guide will cover everything you need to know about setting up, customising, and troubleshooting your Cove motion sensors. Our goal is to help you ensure your home is properly protected while minimising frustrating false alarms.
## Best Practices for Installation
Proper placement is the single most important factor for ensuring your motion detector works effectively and reliably.
1. Ideal Location and Height
- Choose a Corner: The best position is in the corner of a room, looking down over the main area. This provides the widest possible field of view.
- Optimal Height: Install the sensor approximately 2.3 metres (7.5 feet) from the floor. This height is critical for its pet-friendly feature to work correctly.
- Aim for High-Traffic Areas: Place sensors in rooms or hallways that an intruder would have to pass through, such as a main living room or a hallway connecting bedrooms.
2. What to Avoid Placing the sensor in the wrong spot is the leading cause of false alarms. Do NOT point the sensor at:
- Windows: Direct sunlight or the headlights of passing cars can trigger the sensor.
- Heat Sources: Avoid pointing it at radiators, heating vents, fireplaces, or kitchen appliances. The sensor detects changes in infrared energy (heat), and these can cause false triggers.
- Moving Objects: Ensure it's not aimed at curtains that might move when a vent turns on, or at ceiling fans or loose decorations.
- Stairs: Do not point a motion sensor directly at a staircase.
## Making Your Motion Sensor Pet-Friendly
Cove motion detectors are designed to be "pet-immune," meaning they can ignore the movement of smaller pets and prevent them from triggering the alarm.
- Weight Limit: The sensor can typically ignore pets weighing up to 20 kilograms (45 pounds).
- Installation is Key: For this feature to work, the sensor must be installed at the recommended height of 2.3 metres. This allows the sensor to create a detection zone that a human will walk through, but a pet on the floor can pass under.
- No Climbing: Be aware that if a pet can climb on furniture and get into the sensor's direct line of sight, it may still trigger an alarm.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you're experiencing problems with your motion detector, these steps can help you resolve them.
### Preventing False Alarms
If your alarm is being triggered when it shouldn't be:
- Review the Placement: Double-check that the sensor is not pointing at any of the prohibited sources listed above (windows, vents, etc.).
- Secure the Mounting: Make sure the sensor is mounted securely to the wall. A loose sensor can move slightly and trigger itself.
- Check for Environmental Changes: Have you recently added a new lamp, a reflective object, or anything else that could be interfering with the sensor's view?
### If the Sensor Fails to Detect Motion
- Check the Battery: A low battery is a common cause of sensor failure. Check the battery status on your Cove panel or app and replace it if necessary.
- Verify the Mode: Ensure your system is armed in "Away" mode. Motion detectors are typically bypassed by default when the system is in "Home" mode to allow you to move around freely.
- Test the Sensor: You can put your system into its test mode via the panel. Walk in front of the sensor to see if the panel registers the detection. This is a safe way to check its functionality without triggering a real alarm.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your Cove motion detectors provide reliable protection for your home.