Alarm Event - System Tamper
You’ve armed your system and gone about your day when suddenly, you get a call or app notification. An alarm has been triggered. Your panel is reporting a “Sensor Tamper.”
It’s natural to ask:
- Is someone breaking into my home?
- What does “Tamper” mean?
- How serious is this—and how do I fix it?
If your panel says “Sensor Tampered” while your system is unarmed, it can be confusing, but don’t worry. This is typically caused by a sensor that has fallen or isn’t securely mounted.
What Is a Sensor Tamper Alert?
A tamper alert occurs when a sensor is no longer securely installed, often because it was bumped, fell off, or wasn’t properly mounted. This alert is triggered even when your system is disarmed.
This feature is designed for your protection. In the event of an actual break-in, it ensures you’re notified if someone attempts to disable a sensor or remove it from its position.
However, if it’s not an emergency, the alert can be a little annoying. The good news? It’s a quick fix.
How to Fix a Sensor Tamper Alert
Step 1: Access Sensor Settings
- Tap “Settings” on the top right corner of your panel.
- Enter your 4-digit master code.
- Select “Sensors”.
- Find the sensor marked “Tampered”
Step 2: Inspect the Physical Sensor
Before taking action on the panel:
- Go to the sensor and check if it's loose, open, or has fallen off.
- Make sure it’s completely closed and seated properly.
- Secure it—you may want to mount it with screws for added stability.
Step 3: Remove the Sensor from the Panel
- Tap “Edit” next to the tampered sensor.
- Tap “Remove Sensor.”
- Confirm the removal when prompted.
Why remove it? This step prevents your panel from sending repeated tamper alerts to the monitoring center while you’re fixing the issue.
Step 4: Reconnect the Sensor
Once it’s securely mounted:
- Go back to “Settings”.
- Tap “Sensors”.
- Choose the type of sensor you’re re-adding.
- Tap “Add Sensor” and follow the on-screen instructions.
Your system will confirm once the sensor has been successfully added back.
Door/Window Sensor Tampering
Most alarm equipment has a built-in tamper switch to deter unauthorized interference. When the panel reports a tamper trouble condition it usually means the mounting plate and the sensor case are loose or not properly seated. This occurs most frequently after changing sensor batteries.
Troubleshooting Sensor Tampering
- Make sure the sensor is securely seated to the mounting plate.
Motion Sensor Tampering
The Motion Sensor has a built-in tamper switch to deter unauthorized interference. When the panel reports a tamper trouble condition it usually means the mounting plate and the sensor are loose or not properly seated. This occurs most frequently after changing sensor batteries.
Troubleshooting Sensor Tampering
- Make sure the sensor is securely seated to the mounting plate.
- Verify that the button on the side of the sensor is not being inadvertently pressed (this will cause a tamper)
- Please delete the sensor from the system as a precaution.
- Add back the motion into the system.
Glass Break Detector Tampering
Most alarm equipment has a built-in tamper switch to deter unauthorized interference. When the panel reports a tamper trouble condition it usually means the mounting plate and the sensor are loose or not properly seated. This occurs most frequently after changing device batteries.
Troubleshooting Sensor Tampering
- Make sure the sensor is securely seated to the mounting plate.
Smoke/Carbon Combo Detector Tampering
Most alarm equipment has a built-in tamper switch to deter unauthorized interference. When the panel reports a tamper trouble condition it usually means the mounting plate and the sensor are loose or not properly seated. This occurs most frequently after changing device batteries.
Troubleshooting Sensor Tampering
- Make sure the sensor is securely seated to the mounting plate.
Smoke/Heat/Freeze Detector Tampering
Most alarm equipment has a built-in tamper switch to deter unauthorized interference. When the panel reports a tamper trouble condition it usually means the mounting plate and the sensor are loose or not properly seated. This occurs most frequently after changing device batteries.
Troubleshooting Sensor Tampering
- Make sure the sensor is securely seated to the mounting plate.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Tampering
Most alarm equipment has a built-in tamper switch to deter unauthorized interference. When the panel reports a tamper trouble condition it usually means the mounting plate and the sensor are loose or not properly seated. This occurs most frequently after changing device batteries.
Troubleshooting Sensor Tampering
- Make sure the sensor is securely seated to the mounting plate.
Flood + Freeze Sensor Tampering
The Flood/Freeze sensor has a tamper button on the bottom side of the sensor that will send a tamper signal when pressed.
Most alarm equipment has a built-in tamper switch to deter unauthorized interference. When the panel reports a tamper trouble condition it usually means the sensor casing is loose. This occurs most frequently after changing device batteries.
Troubleshooting Sensor Not Triggering Alarm
- Make sure the sensor casing is secure.
- Verify that the button at the bottom of the sensor is not being inadvertently pressed (this will cause a tamper)