1. Help Center
  2. Troubleshooting
  3. Sensor

Temperature & Humidity Sensor troubleshooting

Avatar
Natasa
Follow

T&H-Render.png

While Disruptive Technology sensors are robust and accurate, external factors can cause them to go offline or have unexpected readings. This guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve common sensor issues for the Temperature & Humidity sensor (102892, 102895).

The guide assumes that you have access to Studio.

Troubleshooting

To fix the issue, please read each section thoroughly to figure out the problem with the sensor and apply the suggested corrective action.

No connection

Sensors are determined to be offline (no signal icon) if the Cloud hasn't received a periodic heartbeat within the expected period. Typically, a sensor is offline because it cannot reach an online Cloud Connector so that its measurement can get to the cloud.

Possible cause Corrective action

No online Cloud Connector nearby

The sensor can only send data to the cloud if a nearby online Cloud Connector exists.

Service disruption

Cloud service disruptions can impact sensor connectivity.

Temperature outside the operating range

Sensors may stop reporting data if:

  • Temperature for sensors unit is outside the range of -45°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F)
  • The sensor is not designed to operate in condensing environments, and condensation at any RH level is outside the supported operating range.
  • Place the sensor within the operating temperature. If the sensor remains offline, it may be permanently damaged and need replacement.

Mechanical damage

The sensor is sealed and robust, but impacts can damage it.

  • Inspect the sensor for visible damage. If visible damage and the sensor remains offline, it may be permanently damaged and need replacement.
  • Install the sensors according to the installation manual.

Water penetration

The sensor is not waterproof (IP40), so any exposure to water/condensation will cut its lifespan short.

  • Dry the sensor thoroughly. If the sensor remains offline, it may be permanently damaged and need replacement

Depleted battery

The sensor needs a working battery to measure temperature and send radio messages. 

  • Check the battery level in Studio or API. If depleted, replace the sensor battery according to the Installation manual
  • Store sensors optimally to ensure a long lifetime.

Regional product incompatibility

DT devices have two versions: EU and US that use different radio frequencies.

  • Use EU Cloud Connectors for EU sensors and US Cloud Connectors for US Sensors.

Unstable connection

If the sensor experiences spotty connectivity, the issue may be caused by range limitation or environmental factors affecting the signal. The table below outlines possible causes and corrective actions to help restore consistent connectivity.

Possible cause Corrective action

Cloud Connector is out of range

The sensor can only send data robustly to the cloud if a nearby online Cloud Connector exists.

Environmental challenges

The sensor's placement affects signal strength. Metal or glass doors, as well as enclosed spaces with thick walls can weaken connectivity.

  • Check the sensor's location and reposition it if needed for better signal. Try repositioning the Cloud Connector closer to the sensors, ensuring a stronger and more stable connection.
  • Look for changes like moved Cloud Connectors, new walls, or other obstacles affecting radio communication.

Electromagnetic interference

Strong electromagnetic interference may inhibit radio reception in the sensor or the Cloud Connector, causing intermittent communication loss even with a strong connectivity indication.

  • Move the Cloud Connector and/or the sensor away from the source of electromagnetic interference. Typical sources of electrical interference are: RFID access systems, other equipment containing radio transmitters, or faulty electronic equipment.

Unexpected measurements

If the sensor is not installed correctly or without considering environmental factors, it may give unexpected readings. To avoid this, it is recommended that you follow the instructions provided in the Installation Manual for Temperature & Humidity Sensors.

Possible cause Corrective action

Chemical contamination

Exposure to cleaning agents, vapors, or certain plastics can damage the sensor and cause a positive offset (reporting higher humidity than actual). In severe cases, the effect may be permanent.

  • Place the sensor in clean air and allow it to recover. This may take several hours to several days depending on the level of contamination.
  • If the issue persists, use the Bake & Hydrate method: bake the sensor at 80 °C in less than 10% relative humidity for 24 hours, then leave it in normal air (50% relative humidity or higher) for another 24 hours.
  • If none of the recommendations above help resolve the issue, please contact DT support.

Over- or undersaturation

Long exposure to very high humidity (greater than 80%) or very low humidity (less than 20%) causes the readings to drift, often by several %rH

  • Place the sensor in clean air until readings normalize. Recovery may take several hours to several days.
  • Alternatively, use the Bake & Hydrate method (80 °C, less than 10% relative humidity for 24 hours, followed by 50% relative humidity or higher for 24 hours) to restore accuracy.
  • If none of the recommendations above help resolve the issue, please contact DT support.

Impact of electrical equipment

If the sensor reports false or inconsistent detections, it may be affected by electromagnetic interference (EMI). This can happen when the sensor is installed too close to devices like fluorescent lights, motors, or large electrical machinery, which can disrupt its temperature measurement.

  • Reposition the sensor. Make sure to mount the sensor away from any possible electromagnetic interference.

Troubleshooting did not fix the problem?

Please get in touch with us if the above-mentioned fixes did not resolve the issue. Please include the ID of the device(s) and a description of the issue when contacting support.