How to Disarm a Motion Detector

Today’s home security systems are extremely advanced and employ several different kinds of sensors. Motion detectors alert the system when there is movement in what should be a still room. If the motion continues, the system alerts a dispatcher that there is a problem. It can be unpleasant to get a visit from security personnel when you’re the one who owns the property.

Instructions

1. Figure out what kind of motion detector you have. Some use a beam of light and alert the system when the beam is broken. Others use a kind of sonar to sweep a room for movement. Still others detect the vibrations caused when someone walks across the room. Read the manual that came with your motion detector to determine how it operates.

2. Use a security code to disarm your motion detector. This is a brief numeric code that you punch into the control panel to let the system know everything is okay. Birth dates and anniversaries can easily be guessed. So you should use a number that is more random but that you can also remember. When you enter a room, you have a certain number of seconds during which you can enter your code.

3. Swipe your passcard to disarm your motion detector. Some systems also allow you to control your system with a small remote on your keychain.

4. Move the motion detector to a different orientation. If you’re getting lots of false alarms, you can turn your motion detector against a wall or bookshelf to prevent it from being triggered.

5. Remove the batteries from components that are not hardwired to your system. Your pressure-triggered motion detector can’t sound an alarm if it has no power.

6. Program your security system to disarm itself during certain times. If you’re always home from noon until dinner, you don’t need to keep your motion detector armed during that time. Some systems also allow you to disarm your system during big family gatherings and other times.