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davidavne's profile

Monday, April 4th, 2022 9:21 PM

Motion Detector and Auto Sensor Trash Can

Can a trash can that can open by itself (motion activated) that is under a SimpliSafe motion sensor activate the SimpliSafe motion sensor if the trash can opened?  Our kitchen trash can which is under the motion sensor will sometimes open for no reason. Maybe a problem with the trash can, but do not want to replace at the moment. 

Is the SimpliSafe motion sensor activated by only movement or does there have to be heat associated with it? 

Accepted Solution

Captain

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6.1K Messages

3 years ago

@davidavne Your post is an interesting one.  The SS motion sensors measure heat differences and I highly doubt your trashcan has any effect on the motion sensor. I would look for other causes, and of course, suggest calling support to troubleshoot. Here are a few other considerations:

Is the motion sensor facing a window(s) that have direct sunlight? A strong sun exposure can set them off.

Is there a heating or cooling duct within range? Again, this can set a sensor off.

What about  your distance setting? Refer to the distance chart in the help center and possibly adjust the strength of the sensor from high to medium or low.

If you do call support, please post your outcome here if you get a chance. Good luck.

Community Admin

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5.7K Messages

3 years ago

@davidavne the Captain is right. But you mention that the trash can itself is motion-activated, so it might work in a similar way to our Motion Sensor. If there really is a heat signature nearby that can open the trash can, and if that signature is big enough, it might trigger the Motion Sensor too!

3 Messages

3 years ago

Hi and thanks for the responses. I did want to make myself a bit clearer on something. I did not have a false alarm due to my posted question. This question was more preemptive as to would the motion sensor get triggered by the auto trashcan movement?  From what I now understand, it would not.  Thanks again for the responses. 

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