Getting False Alarms? How to Troubleshoot Cove Pet Detection
Your Cove security system is designed to keep you safe, and its pet-friendly motion sensors are built to give your furry friends the freedom to roam without triggering a false alarm. However, if you're finding that your cat or dog is setting off the system, some simple adjustments are usually all that's needed to fix the issue.
Understanding How Pet-Friendly Motion Sensors Work
Cove motion sensors are Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors, meaning they detect the heat energy emitted by moving objects. The "pet-friendly" feature is designed to ignore the smaller heat signatures of animals under a certain weight (usually around 20 kg / 45 lbs). It does this by creating detection zones, with the lower zones being less sensitive. The key to success is ensuring your pet stays in these lower zones.
How to Prevent Pets from Triggering Your Cove Motion Sensor
False alarms can be stressful and may lead to fines from local authorities. Follow these steps to ensure your system can tell the difference between a pet and a person.
1. Check the Sensor Placement and Height
This is the most critical factor for effective pet immunity.
- Correct Height: The sensor should be mounted on a flat wall approximately 2.3 metres (7.5 feet) from the floor. Do not place it on a shelf or piece of furniture.
- Why Height Matters: At this height, the sensor looks down over the room. This creates a "pet alley" underneath the main detection beams. Your dog or cat can walk around on the floor without breaking the primary beams that are looking for human-sized intruders.
- Avoid Stairs and Furniture: Do not aim the sensor at stairs, sofas, cat trees, or any other furniture your pet likes to climb on. If your pet can climb up to the level of the sensor, its heat signature will appear much larger, causing it to trigger the alarm.
2. Position the Sensor Correctly in the Room
Where you put the sensor is just as important as how high you put it.
- Use a Corner: The ideal location is in the corner of a room, which gives the sensor the widest possible view.
- Avoid Heat Sources: Do not install the sensor facing a window that gets direct sunlight, a radiator, a fireplace, or a heating vent. Rapid changes in temperature can sometimes cause false triggers.
- Point it Towards an Entrance: The sensor should be aimed towards the area you want to protect, such as a doorway or main hallway. An intruder is most likely to cross the sensor's path, while your pet is more likely to wander around the floor.
3. Consider the Size and Number of Your Pets
The pet-friendly feature has its limits.
- Weight Limit: The system is generally designed for pets weighing less than 20 kg (45 lbs). If you have a very large dog, it may be too big for the sensor to ignore reliably.
- Multiple Pets: If you have several pets playing or running together, their combined heat signature might be large enough to trigger the sensor.
4. Test Your System
After making adjustments, it's important to test the sensor.
- Put Your System in Test Mode: Contact Cove support or use your panel to put the system into a test mode so you don't dispatch emergency services.
- Simulate Movement: Walk through the detection zone yourself to ensure it triggers. Then, have your pet walk around the room.
- Adjust as Needed: If your pet still triggers the sensor, you may need to slightly adjust the angle or find a different location for it.
By ensuring your Cove motion sensor is installed according to these guidelines, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is protected without the inconvenience of false alarms caused by your pets.