This article is a guide for new Alarms. Refer to this article if you have classic Alarms. See New Alarms vs Classic Alarms if you are unsure which version of Alarms you have.

Verkada wireless hubs and sensors communicate over a proprietary sub-GHz wireless communication protocol. This custom protocol operates at 915 MHz (US, Canada)/868 MHz (UK, EU) and was built to maximize security, range, and battery life.

Our wireless signals are encrypted using AES-128. Through direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) technology, Verkada's technology prevents signal jamming and other attacks, which can impact competitor systems.

Wireless sensor specs

SKU	Description	Line of sight	Battery Life	Power
BR31	Door	300ft (90m)	Up to 10 Years	2x CR123A
BR32	Motion	300ft (90m)	Up to 5 yrs	2x CR123A
BR35	Leak	300ft (90m)	Up to 5 yrs	1x CR123A

Real-world range depends on various factors, including walls and their material, noise, installation position, etc.

Compatible Alarms devices

Wireless sensors need to connect to a hub to communicate. See below for a list of compatible Alarms devices for wireless sensors.

BP52

The included antenna can be installed on the BP52 via the SMA connector on the side of the panel, allowing the device to connect to wireless sensors. The BP52 supports up to 32 wireless Verkada sensors. The unobstructed line-of-site range is up to 300 ft (91.44m).

BE32 Alarm Expander

The BE32 supports up to 8 wired zone inputs, a siren/strobe output, and up to 32 wireless sensors. The unobstructed line-of-site range is up to 300 ft (91.44m).

BK22

The BK22 alarm keypad supports up to 32 wireless sensors when connected via RS485 to the BP52. The unobstructed line-of-site range is up to 300 ft (91.44m).

Configure wireless sensors

BR31 wireless door sensor

The BR31 wireless door sensor is powered by 2 CR123A lithium batteries and has a battery life of up to 10 years. Configurable door gap width up to 2 in (5cm) to support different installation requirements

An optional configuration as a universal transmitter allows you to use internally wired input terminals to convert signals from a separate 2-wire sensor into wireless signals that can be received by a wireless hub device (BP52, BK22, BE32).

See the BR31 Install Guide for physical installation instructions.

Command configuration

Configure the range between the magnet and door sensor up to 2 inches:
1. In Verkada Command, go to All Products > Alarms.
2. Select your Alarms site.
3. In the left navigation, click Devices .
4. At the top right, click to switch to the overall view of the Alarms devices.
5. Click your sensor and select Device Settings
6. Click your sensor > Device Settings.
7. Under Sensitivity, set sensitivity for the sensor. More movement means the magnet can be further away from the door. Minimal movement indicates that the magnet must be close to the door.
8. (Optional) Configure additional settings, as necessary:
  - Universal Transmitter Mode—Toggle on and select the Normal State to transmit any signal wired into the sensor back to the wireless hub.
  - Door Held Open—When enabled, only door held open (DHO) events trigger an alarm.

Once changed, you must open and close the door to change its state so that the sensor can reflect the change made in Verkada Command.

Test the BR31

Press the top button to enable test mode. In test mode, the green LED:
- Turns on when the sensor is separated from the magnet (door open)
- Turns off when the sensor is brought close to the magnet (door closed)
While in normal operation, the green LED:
- Does not turn on when the sensor is separated from the magnet
- Flashes rapidly 2 to 3 times every 2 minutes to indicate low battery

After 10 minutes in test mode, the device returns to normal operation.

BR32 wireless motion sensor

The BR32 wireless motion sensor is powered by 2 CR123A lithium batteries and has a battery life of up to 5 years. The sensor uses passive infrared (PIR) to detect changes in infrared light with a 90° horizontal field of view and 35 ft (10m) detection range. Pet/animal-resistant up to 80 lb (36 kg).

See the BR32 Install Guide for physical installation instructions.

Test the BR32

After installing the batteries, the motion sensor goes into walk test mode. In test mode, the green LED:
- Turns on when motion is detected.
- Turns off after 5 seconds with no detected motion.
While in normal operation, the green LED:
- Does not turn on when motion is detected.
- Flashes rapidly 2 times every 2 minutes to indicate low battery.

After 10 minutes in test mode, the device returns to normal operation.

BR35 wireless water sensor

The BR35 wireless water leak sensor is powered by a CR123A lithium battery and has a battery life of up to 5 years. The sensor has a 7 ft (2.1m)-extended probe that allows for precise placement in areas at risk for water leaks.

See the BR35 Install Guide for physical installation instructions.

Test the BR35

You can test the operation of the water sensor by shorting the 2 metal contacts at the end of the probe with a conductive material, such as water, a metal screwdriver, or your thumb (place the edge of your thumb on the farthest contact and allow the base of your thumb to touch the closest contact to complete the circuit).

During normal operation, the green LED:

Turns on when water is detected. It stays on as long as the water is detected.
Turns off when no water is detected.
Flashes rapidly 3 times every 2 minutes to indicate low battery.

Cellular backup module

The ACC-CEL-LTE-2 cellular backup module is a plug-and-play solution powered by a USB 2.0 connection to the BP52 alarm panel. This module provides a multiple network LTE connection (AT&T and T-Mobile) with automatic failover to the best available network. An unlimited data plan for alarm signaling is included in the license.

Test cellular failover

Unplug the Ethernet cable from the BP52 alarm panel.
Verify the hub LED transitions from solid blue to blinking blue and finally back to solid blue.
Initiate a trigger from any wireless or wired sensor and check if Command has received the event.

Need more help? Contact Verkada Support.

Configure Alarms Site Settings

Set Up Your Wireless Alarm Devices

New Alarms vs. Classic Alarms

Alarm Sites

Set Up Universal Transmitter Mode on a BR31