Why Is My Fibaro Motion Sensor Not Detecting Motion in Certain Areas of the Room

Problem Description

Your Fibaro Motion Sensor detects motion in some parts of the room but has blind spots where movement goes unnoticed. You walk through certain areas and the sensor does not trigger. The distinctive eye design should cover the room but something is preventing full coverage.

Symptoms

• Motion detected in some areas but not others
• Blind spots where walking does not trigger sensor
• Sensor works when walking directly toward it
• Side-to-side movement not detected
• Automations fail when entering from certain directions
• Pet detected but human movement missed in same area

Recognize these? Here's what usually causes it.

Common Causes

• Sensor aimed at wrong angle for room coverage
• PIR detection pattern has natural blind zones
• Furniture or objects blocking sensor view
• Sensor mounted too high or too low
• Sensitivity setting too low for distant detection
• Temperature differential too small in blind spots

Tools & Requirements

Step-by-Step Solution

1

Understand PIR Detection Patterns

PIR sensors detect movement across detection zones, not toward them. The Fibaro sensor has multiple detection zones radiating outward. Movement parallel to these zones triggers detection. Walking directly at the sensor may pass through fewer zones and be detected less reliably. Angle your approach when testing.

2

Map Your Current Coverage

Walk slowly through every part of the room while watching for the sensor LED to flash indicating detection. Note where detection fails. This creates a mental map of blind spots. Most blind spots occur at the edges of coverage or directly below a high-mounted sensor.

3

Adjust Mounting Position and Angle

The Fibaro sensor should be mounted 7-8 feet high angled slightly downward. If mounted flat against a wall, it may miss motion close to that wall. Use the included mounting bracket to angle the sensor 15-20 degrees into the room. Corner mounting provides the widest coverage angle.

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4

Increase Sensitivity Parameters

Using your Z-Wave controller, adjust Fibaro parameter 1 (motion sensitivity). Higher values increase sensitivity for distant detection. Default is often a middle value. Try increasing by 20% and retest your blind spots. Be aware that higher sensitivity may also increase false triggers.

5

Consider Additional Sensor

Some rooms require two sensors for complete coverage, especially L-shaped rooms or those with multiple entry points. Position a second Fibaro sensor to cover the blind spots of the first. Configure both to trigger the same automation for seamless coverage.

Quick Solutions

Still having issues? This is usually the deeper cause below.

Need More Help? Fibaro Support

Note: The contact information below connects you directly to Fibaro's official customer support team, not Trunetto. They can help with warranty claims, device replacements, and advanced technical issues.