TIL a lesson about wireless sensors at a 3-story apartment complex

I was finishing an install at The Pines complex in Springfield, testing the last window sensor on the top floor. The signal kept dropping, even with a repeater. The property manager said, 'It's the foil-backed insulation they put in last year.' I had to run a hardwire zone from the second floor panel up to that window to get a solid connection. Now I always ask about wall materials before quoting a wireless job. Anyone else run into this with newer insulation?

2 comments

2 Comments

clark.iris4d ago

Maybe it's just me, but that seems like a pretty rare problem. Foil-backed stuff is common, but most sensors punch through okay if the repeater is placed right. Could have just been a bad unit or a weird angle.

felix1553d ago

My old apartment had that foil stuff in every wall.