Many Qolsys alarm systems use PowerG wireless sensors for doors, windows, motion detection, glass-break detection, and other security functions.
If a PowerG sensor shows Malfunction, Not Responding, Low Battery, Tamper, or does not appear to operate correctly, use the steps below before contacting CommTech Systems.
PowerG is a wireless technology used by many Qolsys systems to communicate with compatible security devices.
PowerG devices can include:
The exact devices available depend on your system.
Start by checking the Qolsys panel for the exact sensor name.
Examples might include:
Knowing the exact device reporting trouble is important.
The panel may show:
These messages describe different problems, so note the exact wording before troubleshooting.
If the sensor reports Low Battery, it may need a replacement battery.
PowerG sensors do not all use the same battery.
Use the correct battery for the exact sensor model.
If you do not know the sensor model or required battery, contact CommTech Systems before purchasing a replacement.
After installing the correct battery:
For a door or window sensor, opening and closing the protected opening while the system is Disarmed may help confirm that the sensor is communicating normally.
If Low Battery remains, contact CommTech Systems.
A Tamper condition commonly means the sensor cover is not completely closed or the device is not correctly secured.
This can happen after:
Check that the sensor cover is completely closed.
Do not tape the cover closed as a permanent repair.
A Malfunction or Not Responding condition generally means the panel is not receiving the expected communication from the sensor.
Possible causes can include:
If the problem continues, contact CommTech Systems.
If a PowerG door or window sensor shows Open even though the opening is closed:
The sensor and magnet must be positioned correctly for the system to recognize the opening as closed.
For door and window contacts, look for:
Do not relocate the sensor or magnet unless instructed by CommTech Systems.
With the system Disarmed, open the protected door or window and watch the panel.
If the panel continues showing the opening as Closed, the sensor may not be reporting correctly.
Do not rely on that sensor for protection until the problem has been addressed.
Contact CommTech Systems.
If the sensor sometimes works and sometimes does not, record:
Intermittent problems can be important when diagnosing wireless or hardware issues.
If the sensor worked before its battery was changed:
If the sensor still does not work, contact CommTech Systems.
Replacing a door or window can change the position of the sensor or magnet.
If the problem started after:
contact CommTech Systems.
The sensor may need to be inspected or repositioned.
PowerG sensors are installed in specific locations.
If a sensor has been moved, removed, or relocated, contact CommTech Systems.
Do not attempt to compensate by changing other system settings.
Wireless motion detectors commonly use battery-saving behavior.
They may not report repeated motion continuously when someone keeps walking in front of them.
This does not automatically indicate that the detector has failed.
If the panel specifically reports Malfunction, Not Responding, Low Battery, or another trouble condition, contact CommTech Systems if normal troubleshooting does not clear it.
Do not move, cover, or reposition a motion detector as the first troubleshooting step.
Record:
Contact CommTech Systems if the same detector repeatedly causes alarms.
If a PowerG glass-break detector reports trouble, do not attempt to test it by:
Contact CommTech Systems if the detector continues reporting trouble.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are life-safety devices.
Do not:
If a smoke or CO detector continues reporting Low Battery, Tamper, Malfunction, or Not Responding after basic checks, contact CommTech Systems promptly.
If there is an actual fire or carbon monoxide alarm, leave the property and contact emergency services.
If an environmental PowerG sensor reports trouble:
If there is an actual water leak, freezing condition, or other property hazard, address the actual condition first.
If several sensors begin reporting Malfunction or Not Responding at approximately the same time, this may indicate a broader system issue rather than several individual sensor failures.
Record which sensors are affected and contact CommTech Systems.
If many sensors suddenly stop communicating, do not begin replacing batteries in every device.
Contact CommTech Systems so the system can be properly diagnosed.
If PowerG sensor trouble appeared after a power outage:
Contact CommTech Systems if multiple devices continue reporting trouble.
If sensor trouble began after lightning, a power surge, or an electrical storm, contact CommTech Systems if the condition does not clear.
Contact CommTech Systems if the sensor is:
Do not attempt to glue, modify, or permanently repair damaged security equipment.
Do not simply place the sensor back approximately where it was.
Correct positioning can be important to reliable operation.
Contact CommTech Systems if you are unsure of the original placement.
A Malfunction, Low Battery, Tamper, or Not Responding condition is not a reason to remove the sensor from the alarm system.
Deleting the sensor can remove protection from that area.
Do not factory reset a PowerG device while troubleshooting a normal sensor problem.
A PowerG sensor problem does not require factory resetting the Qolsys panel.
If a burglary sensor has a problem and prevents the system from arming, temporary bypass may be appropriate in some situations.
Only bypass a sensor when you:
Never bypass a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, or other life-safety device as a routine workaround.
A bypass does not repair the sensor.
Contact CommTech Systems if:
When requesting assistance, provide:
For your security, do not provide alarm codes, passwords, or other private account credentials through the support chatbot.