Getting False Alarms from Pets? How to Fine-Tune Your SimpliSafe Sensors
A home security system should provide peace of mind, not the constant annoyance of false alarms. If your furry family members are triggering your SimpliSafe motion sensors, it can be frustrating and may even lead you to leave your system unarmed. The good news is that SimpliSafe's sensors are designed to be pet-friendly. With the correct installation and configuration, you can create a secure home that happily co-exists with your pets. This guide provides expert tips to eliminate pet-related false alarms.
## How SimpliSafe Motion Sensors Work (and See Pets)
SimpliSafe motion sensors use Passive Infrared (PIR) technology. They don't 'see' in the traditional sense; instead, they detect the infrared energy (i.e., body heat) that moves across their field of view. The sensors are calibrated to ignore the smaller heat signature of a pet (typically under 23 kg or 50 lbs). However, their effectiveness is entirely dependent on how and where they are installed.
A cat jumping onto furniture or a large dog standing on its hind legs can present a larger heat signature to the sensor, causing it to trigger. Therefore, placement is everything.
## The Ultimate Guide to Pet-Proofing Your Motion Sensors
Follow these installation rules to ensure your sensors detect intruders, not your pets.
### 1. The Ideal Height: 1.5 Metres (5 Feet)
The standard and most effective height for a motion sensor is 1.5 metres (5 feet) off the ground, flat against a wall in a corner. At this height, the sensor has a clear view of the room but is high enough that small pets on the floor are less likely to trigger it.
### 2. The "Upside Down" Trick for Cats and Small Dogs
This is the most important technique for homes with pets, especially agile cats that like to climb.
- Install the sensor upside down. This means the curved window and test button should be at the bottom, and the flat edge should be at the top.
- Why it works: When installed this way at the 1.5-metre height, the sensor's field of view is angled straight out and slightly downwards. It creates a large blind spot directly beneath the sensor, extending out for a couple of metres. Your pet can walk freely in this zone without ever being detected. The sensor is still perfectly capable of detecting a human intruder walking into the room.
### 3. Strategic Placement: What to Avoid
Where you put the sensor is as important as how you orient it.
- Avoid Facing Stairs: Never point a motion sensor directly at a staircase. A pet walking up the stairs gets progressively larger in the sensor's view and is almost guaranteed to cause a false alarm.
- Avoid Facing Furniture: Don't aim the sensor at a sofa or cat tree that your pet frequently jumps on.
- Keep Away from Heat Sources: Do not install sensors facing radiators, heating vents, or windows that get direct sunlight. Sudden changes in temperature can sometimes cause false triggers.
### 4. Set the Correct Sensitivity
You can adjust the sensor's sensitivity to match your home environment.
- Slide the motion sensor off its mounting bracket.
- On the back, you will find the battery compartment.
- Inside, there is a small switch. For homes with pets, set this switch to "L" (Low). This reduces the sensor's maximum detection range.
By combining the correct height, the "upside down" installation method, and low sensitivity, you can create a highly effective and pet-immune security setup. This allows your pets to roam freely while ensuring your home remains protected against human intruders.