Air Quality Sensors Recommended Installation Guidelines

This guide is designed to provide standard and recommended guidelines for installing Verkada Air Quality Sensors. For the best performance and to meet the range and accuracy as stated in the datasheet, the sensor should be installed following these recommendations.

The SV11 is designed to be installed on the ceiling; the range and accuracy values listed in the datasheet are based on the device mounted in this position. If the SV11 is mounted on a wall (vertically), it will still function, but the range and accuracy values may not be within the range specified in the datasheet.

To achieve the best accuracy for all the sensors on the device, it’s recommended to mount the sensor on an 8’ ceiling. This will provide up to 250 sq ft of total coverage per sensor. For vape detection, a good rule of thumb is to put one sensor for every two stalls in a bathroom.

The air quality sensors are designed to be installed on a solid nonmetallic surface such as drywall, a drop ceiling, concrete, or wood. Metallic or surfaces that adjust the predictable heat generated by the device may lead to temperature inaccuracies.

If the SV11 is mounted on a metal surface in a cold [-5º C - +5º C (23° F - 41° F)] or hot [27º C - 50º C (80° F - 122° F)] environment, it’s recommended to place a piece of rubber material between the surface and the SV11 mounting plate. This will ensure that the temperature of the mounting surface has less of an impact on the accuracy of the SV11 sensor readings.

The SV20 series devices utilizes a hardened plastic mount plate that significantly reduces this effect.

Verkada environmental sensors use industry-standard 802.3af (PoE). During normal operation, the SV11 consumes 4W of power and the SV20 series devices typically consume 3W of power (max of 4W of power). For more information refer to the Environmental Sensor Power Requirements article.

When the device is first plugged-in, temperature, CO₂ and TVOC readings may be higher or lower than anticipated. These readings will self-correct over an automated calibration period and do not represent a significant amount of variability.

All air quality sensors have an initial calibration period of 4 hours but can take up to 3 days to complete full calibration of the TVOC. For optimal accuracy, it’s recommended to mount the SV11 in a stable environment without intermittent events such as sporadic HVAC events.

Note: There is a possibility that there will be variability in the sensor readings if two or more air quality sensors are placed next to one another. Each sensor has its own inherit characteristics and calibration can result in different readings.

Below are the ranges and accuracy measurements for each of the air quality sensor series temperature and humidity sensor. These values represent the typical and recommended installation location. If the sensor is installed outside of the recommendations, the range and accuracy may fall out of the accuracy range stated in the datasheet.

SV11 Sensors are designed to be installed on a solid ceiling surface facing the ground. If the SV11 sensor is installed in “free air”, where the front and back of the device are exposed, the accuracy of the temperature and vape detection on the sensor may not fall within the stated range.

The SV11 can be mounted on a wall, however, it is not recommended. The ranges and accuracy of the sensors are specified for the device being installed on a solid ceiling surface. If installed on a wall, the accuracy and ranges of the SV11 sensors may be outside of what is specified in the datasheet.

The SV20 series devices can be mounted on a wall without issue however it is not recommended for use with vape detection.

For the highest accuracy, do not place the sensor where it will be exposed to direct sunlight. If the sensor is exposed to direct sunlight, the temperature and humidity readings may fall out of the accuracy range stated in the datasheet.

If the sensor is exposed to either consistent airflow or sporadic airflow (e.g. an HVAC vent, a refrigerator blower, a window, etc.), the accuracy of the temperature sensor and the other onboard sensors may fall out of the accuracy range stated in the datasheet. Exposure to airflow changes the thermodynamics of the device which will lead to varying inaccuracies in the temperature, humidity, and other sensor readings.

Airflow as present in areas like HVAC ducts can generate pressure drops, back pressure, and dynamic fluctuations leading to increased sensor noise and reduced accuracy.

For the highest accuracy, mount the sensor away from HVAC vents or areas where the device could be exposed to varying levels of airflow or circulation.