If your Qolsys panel shows a door or window sensor as Open even though the door or window is physically closed, the panel is not receiving the expected closed condition from that sensor.
This can prevent the security system from arming normally.
These troubleshooting steps apply generally to:
The actual problem is usually associated with the sensor, magnet, door or window alignment, battery, or communication rather than the Qolsys touchscreen itself.
Check the Qolsys panel and note the exact sensor name.
For example:
Make sure you are checking the same door or window identified by the panel.
Start with a simple test:
If the sensor changes to Closed, the door or window may simply not have been completely closed.
If it continues to show Open, continue troubleshooting.
Most wireless door and window contacts use two components:
When the door or window closes, the magnet must be close enough to the sensor for the sensor to report a closed condition.
Look at the sensor and magnet.
Check whether:
Do not move the sensor or magnet unless you know how it was originally installed.
A missing magnet is a common reason a door or window sensor remains open.
The magnet is usually the smaller of the two pieces.
If the sensor is present but the matching magnet is missing, the sensor may continuously report the door or window as open.
Contact CommTech Systems for a replacement or repair.
Doors and windows can move over time because of:
A small change in alignment can increase the distance between the sensor and magnet enough that the sensor no longer recognizes the closed position.
If pushing firmly on the closed door or window causes the panel to change from Open to Closed, alignment is a likely issue.
Do not permanently force or modify the sensor installation without correcting the underlying alignment problem.
Check whether the Qolsys panel also reports a Low Battery condition for the affected sensor.
A weak sensor battery can cause communication or reliability problems.
If a low-battery condition is present, identify the exact sensor model before purchasing a replacement battery.
Different sensors use different battery types.
Open and Tamper are different conditions.
Open normally means the sensor believes the protected door or window is open.
Tamper normally indicates that the sensor cover is open, loose, or not properly seated.
If the panel says Tamper, check the sensor cover rather than assuming the magnet is the problem.
A Malfunction or similar sensor trouble is also different from an Open condition.
A malfunction may indicate that the panel is no longer receiving expected communication from the wireless sensor.
Possible causes include:
If the panel specifically reports Malfunction, contact CommTech Systems if basic battery checks do not resolve it.
Watch the sensor status on the Qolsys panel while operating the door or window.
A properly functioning contact should normally report the change between open and closed conditions.
If the status never changes, the sensor requires additional troubleshooting.
If the problem began immediately after replacing the sensor battery:
Do not delete and relearn the sensor simply because the problem started after a battery replacement.
Some Qolsys installations may use existing hardwired door and window contacts through compatible interface equipment.
If the affected sensor is hardwired, the problem may involve:
Do not remove wall plates, open interface equipment, or modify alarm wiring unless instructed by CommTech Systems.
If the affected device is a normal burglary door or window sensor, the system may allow that sensor to be temporarily bypassed so the remaining protection can be armed.
Only bypass the sensor if you understand which opening will be left unprotected.
The bypass is a temporary workaround and does not repair the sensor.
Do not use bypassing as a workaround for:
Contact CommTech Systems for assistance with life-safety equipment trouble.
If several normally functioning sensors suddenly show open, malfunction, or trouble at approximately the same time, do not assume all of the individual sensors failed simultaneously.
There may be a broader:
Contact CommTech Systems before changing multiple sensors.
Do not delete an affected sensor from the Qolsys panel as a troubleshooting step.
Deleting a sensor removes its programming and can require it to be properly re-enrolled and configured.
An Open condition normally does not require deleting the sensor.
Do not factory reset the Qolsys panel to correct an individual door or window sensor showing open.
A factory reset can affect system programming and will not repair a physically misaligned or failed sensor.
Contact CommTech Systems if:
When requesting assistance, provide:
Do not provide your alarm code, Master Code, Installer Code, or Alarm.com password.