How to Mount a Security Motion Sensor
Security motion sensors come in two basic types; hardwired and wireless. The fundamentals for mounting motion sensors are the same no matter which type of sensor you install. Remember that most motion sensors detect heat so you should not mount a motion sensor near anything which changes temperature quickly such as a large heat vent. Motion sensors must have a source of power so you will need to provide power to the device or use a battery-operated sensor. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Regular screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Drill and bits (depending on surface motion detector is mounted to)
- Four conductor 22-gauge wire (for hardwired sensors)
Instructions
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Hardwired Sensor
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1
Run the wiring from the alarm system control panel to the location of the motion sensor.
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2
Remove the cover on the front of the sensor and mount the sensor to the wall using the screws provided.
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3
Connect the wiring as per the instruction that came with the sensor. You will connect the positive voltage and the ground wire to the sensor power terminals (do not reverse these as you can damage the unit) then connect the two sensor wires to the sensor terminals. Replace the cover.
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4
Unplug your system and disconnect the backup battery. Connect the motion sensor wires to the control panel terminal (make sure you do not reverse the negative and positive wires).
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5
Reconnect the battery and power to the system. Walk the room while watching the red indicator light to ensure the sensor picks up motion in the area you are trying to cover.
Wireless Motion Sensor
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6
Remove the backing plate from the motion sensor by pressing the retaining tab and sliding the back off.
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7
Mount the backing plate to the wall.
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8
Install the battery, enable the motion indicator light and slide the motion sensor into the backing plate. Walk the room while watching the red indicator light to ensure the sensor picks up motion in the area you are trying to cover.
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9
Remove the unit from the backing plate, disable the indicator light and replace the unit on the wall.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Not all alarm systems have wireless capability, but most can be fitted with a wireless expansion device. Placing motion sensors in a corner usually gives the sensor a better coverage of the room. You should avoid facing motion detectors toward sliding glass doors or large windows due to false alarms. Motion sensors are most sensitive when they are placed so traffic is perpendicular to them. Most motion detectors should be placed six to seven feet from the floor for best results.
To program your motion sensor, refer to the installation manual for your unit. Hardwired units have a red indicator light which illuminates to show the sensor has detected motion. Wireless units also have a red light for use when installing the unit, but this light should be disabled after installation to prolong battery life.
If you have a pet you should buy a pet-immune sensor or you will experience false alarms. Pet immune detectors are marked in pounds; a #35 sensor will be immune to animals up to 35 pounds. However, cats can sometimes pose a problem with all kinds of motion sensors. Because cats can climb and jump fairly high, they can sometimes trigger false alarms even with a pet-immune sensor.
