PIR Issue

[Chris A]

Hi

 

My system has been operating fine since my last post (around 2017) however today a problem has arisen with one of my Honeywell S-215TQ PIRs.

 

I first noticed that the system was going into alarm mode a couple of seconds after setting it. Every time, the same PIR was the cause. I then noticed that this PIR's red light is randomly coming "on" even when there is nothing for it to detect. In fact the light is "on" almost all of the time. It is not lit constantly - it is more of a slow, uneven, flicker. The external lens is clear and there are no new sources nearby that could be interfering with the IR.

 

The PIR is connected to a Scantronic 9651PD using FSL and the whole system is about 12 years old.

 

Is it likely that the PIR needs to be replaced or do the resistors used for FSL fail after a period of time and cause this issue?

 

[The only other thing I think I should add is that yesterday, for the first time in years, I had a "false alarm". But this was down to the fact that one of the protected doors had not been shut properly when the system was set - a case of "user error". Whilst probably not relevant to the issue I have described, I mention just in case it is more than co-incidence?]

 

Any thoughts, as always, will be most welcome.

 

Thanks.

 

Chris.

 

 

[sixwheeledbeast]

Check the voltage, connections and cable are good.

Consider replacing the sensor.

[al-yeti]

43 minutes ago, Chris A said:

Hi

 

My system has been operating fine since my last post (around 2017) however today a problem has arisen with one of my Honeywell S-215TQ PIRs.

 

I first noticed that the system was going into alarm mode a couple of seconds after setting it. Every time, the same PIR was the cause. I then noticed that this PIR's red light is randomly coming "on" even when there is nothing for it to detect. In fact the light is "on" almost all of the time. It is not lit constantly - it is more of a slow, uneven, flicker. The external lens is clear and there are no new sources nearby that could be interfering with the IR.

 

The PIR is connected to a Scantronic 9651PD using FSL and the whole system is about 12 years old.

 

Is it likely that the PIR needs to be replaced or do the resistors used for FSL fail after a period of time and cause this issue?

 

[The only other thing I think I should add is that yesterday, for the first time in years, I had a "false alarm". But this was down to the fact that one of the protected doors had not been shut properly when the system was set - a case of "user error". Whilst probably not relevant to the issue I have described, I mention just in case it is more than co-incidence?]

 

Any thoughts, as always, will be most welcome.

 

Thanks.

 

Chris.

 

 

Change the PIR 

[james.wilson]

2 hours ago, sixwheeledbeast said:

Check the voltage, connections and cable are good.

Consider replacing the sensor.

Qfa

[Chris A]

First of all, thanks to all three who took the time to respond. Comments very helpful.

 

Strangely, when I got up this morning, the PIR in question had reverted to "normal" operation. I did, however, take the opportunity to check inside. All seemed to be as expected. Whilst there was no trace of anything when I looked, I just wonder if, perhaps, a creepy-crawly had somehow got inside for 24 hours - there is a slight gap where the cable enters.

 

In the event of the problem returning, however, I will just replace it as suggested.

 

Thanks.

 

Chris.

[sixwheeledbeast]

I would always use sensors with sealed optics to avoid any possibility of this.

Optex, Bosch, Texe Capture are some examples.

 

You need to diagnose if it's the system or the environment if you want to work it out.

Proper engineers would do this, some would just without diagnosis throw a sensor at it and escape on their horse....

 

[PeterJames]

5 hours ago, Chris A said:

I just wonder if, perhaps, a creepy-crawly had somehow got inside for 24 hours - there is a slight gap where the cable enters.

 

 

My first thought 

[james.wilson]

The is215 had sealed optics iirc

[PeterJames]

3 hours ago, james.wilson said:

The is215 had sealed optics iirc

Ive seen those tiny midge thingies in sealed optics before

[al-yeti]

11 hours ago, Chris A said:

First of all, thanks to all three who took the time to respond. Comments very helpful.

 

Strangely, when I got up this morning, the PIR in question had reverted to "normal" operation. I did, however, take the opportunity to check inside. All seemed to be as expected. Whilst there was no trace of anything when I looked, I just wonder if, perhaps, a creepy-crawly had somehow got inside for 24 hours - there is a slight gap where the cable enters.

 

In the event of the problem returning, however, I will just replace it as suggested.

 

Thanks.

 

Chris.

I once opened a is215 and cockroach's  was trapped inside