If your BR31 is not functioning as expected, it is likely due to one of the following issues. Review the recommended troubleshooting steps to resolve the problem.
BR31 reports open when the door is closed
There are only 2 correct install positions. Ensure the magnet is correctly aligned with the sensor using the included spacer and positioned with the proper orientation. Side-by-side installation is recommended for optimal performance.
Position 1: Side-By-Side Installation | Position 2: Perpendicular Installation | Incorrect Installation |
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If the above two installation types are not possible, you will need to use Universal Transmitter Mode with an external door contact sensor.
If side-by-side or perpendicular mounting of the Universal Transmitter is not possible on the door, install a wireless motion sensor near the door instead of a door contact sensor.
BR31 goes online/offline frequently or reports poor RSSI
If the sensor frequently disconnects (going online and offline), it is likely due to poor signal strength between the sensor and the hub. To check signal strength, navigate to the sensor in your alarm site and hover over the blue signal bars.
Minimum Recommended Strength: Wireless signal strength is measured in RSSI. The sensor RSSI must be -80dBm or higher for a reliable connection. This ensures that there is room for error as the environment can change. Changes include doors opening and closing, windows, boxes blocking paths, people, walls, etc.
When testing wireless signal strength, ensure the sensor and hub are mounted in their final position and close any other doors or fixtures around the environment. This will ensure a more accurate representation of signal strength.
Review sensor installation material
Signal strength degrades significantly when sensors are installed on metal door frames or walls due to signal reflection. To minimize this, use spacers between the door contact sensor and the metal frame to create separation. Spacers must be fashioned out of non-metallic materials.
Plastic spacer | ⅛ inch thick rubber spacer |
If adding a spacer does not improve signal strength above -80 dBm, consider one of the following options:
Use Universal Transmitter Mode to reposition the sensor to an alternative location
Add another hub to the environment
Review proximity to the nearest hub
If the sensor and hub are separated by walls or doors, even just one, consider adding another hub closer to the sensor to improve connectivity.
This requires trial and error—move the new hub closer to the sensor until the RSSI meets or exceeds the minimum recommended signal strength (-80dBm).
Review the sensor installation materials if no wall or door separates the sensor and hub. The line-of-sight distance is likely too great if the sensor still has poor RSSI.
To troubleshoot, place a hub next to the sensor and measure its RSSI by actuating the sensor. If the signal strength is good, gradually increase the distance until you find an optimal hub placement. The RSSI must exceed the minimum recommended strength.
If the sensor and hub still fail to meet the minimum strength when placed together, another system may be interfering with Vlink.
Review hub/sensor pairing
The sensor automatically connects to the hub with the best available signal strength. However, it may sometimes connect to an unintended hub. This can happen if sensors are installed and powered on before the hubs are set up.
Best Practice: Install all hubs first, ensure they are online, then install sensors. Alternatively, install a hub, set up sensors nearby, then repeat for additional hubs and sensors.
If a sensor is paired with the wrong hub, re-pair it by removing and reinserting the sensor batteries.
Improper Install Examples
❌ Installated on a metal frame | ❌ Installed on metal and bad orientation |
Need more help? Contact Verkada Support.