Showerthought: I used to think wireless sensors were always the better choice for a retrofit

I had to pick between hardwiring a new panel or using a full wireless kit for a 1980s house in Springfield. I went wireless for speed, but had constant battery issues with a motion sensor in a cold garage. Anyone have a good trick for dealing with lithium batteries in low temps, or should I have just run the wire?

3 comments

3 Comments

carr.lee1d ago

My Springfield garage sensor has been fine for two years on cheap batteries. @dianahayes is right about the cold, but running wire through old walls is a bigger headache than a yearly swap.

jenny_hall2d ago

My buddy in Minnesota had the same problem with his garage sensor. @dianahayes is right about the cold, but insulation won't help the battery itself. The chemical reaction in lithium batteries just slows way down below freezing. You can try a lithium battery rated for cold temps, like the Energizer Ultimate Lithium. They work a bit better. Honestly, for a spot that cold all the time, a hardwired sensor is the only real fix. The battery swap dance gets old fast.

dianahayes2d ago

Cold garages are the worst for those batteries. Did you try wrapping the sensor in a bit of insulation foam, or was it mounted right on a drafty wall? Running wire is a huge pain but sometimes you just can't beat a constant power source.

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