It's important to address any sensor issues right away when they come up. A low battery, loss of supervision, or unusual sensor behavior can all lead to false alarms.

Troubleshooting False Alarms

Check the following to help prevent false alarms:

• Confirm it's an actual Cove sensor, not a pre-existing carbon monoxide detector.
• Make sure the sensor is not installed:
  • Directly above a sink
  • Directly above a stove, or within 10 feet of any cooking appliance
  • Next to a door or window affected by drafts, like an extractor fan or air vent
  • Somewhere airflow is blocked by curtains or furniture
  • Somewhere dust or dirt can build up and block the sensor
  • Somewhere it could be bumped, damaged, or accidentally removed
• Make sure the sensor is in a climate-controlled space. Avoid areas where the temperature regularly drops below 32°F (0°C) or rises above 104°F (40°C).
• Replace the batteries — use 2x AAA Duracell Alkaline (MN2400BK) batteries.

If your carbon monoxide (CO) detector shows a "Loss of Supervision" alert, it means the sensor isn't communicating with your keypad.
For troubleshooting steps, please see our Loss of Supervision Troubleshooting article. 

How to Replace the Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector Battery

1. Disarm your Cove alarm panel before you begin.
2. Turn the CO detector counterclockwise until the back cover releases.
3. Note the (+) and (-) orientation of the battery before removing it.
4. Insert 2 new AA batteries, matching polarity.
5. Turn the CO detector clockwise to lock it back onto the mounting plate.

Battery Lifespan

Batteries typically last up to a year, though frequent use can shorten that lifespan. If you find yourself replacing batteries more often than every 3 months, please contact our support team — this may indicate a device issue.

If you think your CO sensor isn't triggering or communicating properly, check the following:

1. Verify the batteries are new. Old or low batteries can prevent the sensor from working correctly.
2. Move the sensor closer to the hub. Distance or obstructions can interfere with the signal.
3. Confirm the sensor is mounted properly. A loose or improperly seated sensor may not communicate correctly.

Your CO detector has a built-in tamper switch to deter unauthorized interference. When the alarm panel reports a tamper trouble condition, it usually means the sensor and mounting plate are loose or not properly seated — this happens most often after a battery change.

Troubleshooting Sensor Tampering

1. Reseat the sensor on the mounting plate. Remove the sensor and reattach it firmly to ensure a proper connection.
2. Check the alignment markers. Make sure the markers on the mounting plate and the detector line up correctly.