Troubleshooting Your Friedland Motion Detection System
Friedland security systems, including their popular Response alarms, rely on motion sensors (PIRs) to provide effective protection for your home or business. When a sensor fails to detect an intruder or, conversely, creates false alarms, it undermines the reliability of your entire system.
This guide is here to help you diagnose and solve the most common issues with Friedland motion detection sensors, ensuring your property remains secure and you have peace of mind.
Problem 1: The Motion Sensor (PIR) Is Not Detecting Movement
If you can walk past your sensor without it triggering, there's a clear problem. Let's investigate the potential causes.
1. Check the Batteries
This is the number one cause of sensor failure.
- Action: Open the motion sensor's casing and replace the batteries with a fresh, high-quality set. Pay close attention to the correct polarity (+ and -) as shown inside the compartment. Even if the batteries are not completely dead, low power can prevent the sensor from transmitting a signal to the main alarm panel.
2. Verify Pairing with the Control Panel
The sensor must be correctly 'enrolled' or 'paired' with your main alarm unit to communicate with it.
- Action: Refer to your Friedland alarm system's user manual for the specific pairing procedure. It usually involves putting the main panel into a 'learn' or 'pairing' mode and then activating the sensor (often by inserting the batteries or pressing a tamper switch). If you suspect a pairing issue, it's often best to delete the sensor from the system and re-enrol it.
3. Test the Sensor's Location ('Walk Test')
The sensor needs to be within the wireless range of the control panel and positioned correctly.
- Action: Most Friedland PIRs have a 'walk test' mode. This is a short period after you insert the batteries where the sensor's LED will light up each time it detects motion. Use this feature to test its detection coverage and ensure the signal is reaching the panel, all without setting off the full siren. Make sure it's not placed too high or too low (typically around 2-2.3 metres is recommended).
Problem 2: The Sensor Is Causing False Alarms
Unwanted alarm activations can be very disruptive. The cause is almost always related to incorrect placement of the sensor.
1. Avoid Heat Sources
PIR sensors detect changes in heat. Placing them near a source of fluctuating temperature will cause false triggers.
- Action: Ensure your sensor is not pointing at or placed above radiators, boilers, air conditioning units, or in areas like conservatories that experience rapid temperature changes.
2. Keep Away from Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight shining onto the sensor can heat it up and cause it to trigger.
- Action: Do not position the sensor where sunlight from a window can fall directly upon it.
3. Consider Pets
Standard PIR sensors can be triggered by pets moving around the house.
- Action: If you have pets, you should use specific 'pet-friendly' PIR sensors. These are designed to ignore the motion of animals below a certain weight or height, preventing them from triggering the alarm. If you don't have a pet-friendly sensor, you may need to restrict your pet's access to the protected area.
4. Check for Insects
Sometimes, a small spider or insect can crawl inside the sensor's casing and move across the lens, triggering the alarm.
- Action: Carefully open the sensor's cover and gently clean out any cobwebs or insects you might find inside.
By carefully considering the placement and ensuring the sensor is correctly powered and paired, you can solve the vast majority of Friedland motion detection issues.