ADT’s sensor system was a few years beyond its prime, but I upgraded it because the sensors had a tamper alert. I went online to look for a way to get these sensors removed without setting off the tamper alarm every time. The best way for me to dismantle my alarm system is to read through the support materials provided by ADT, several technical articles, and user forum posts. As a result, I spent several hours researching the subject and created this article based on what I learned.
The Best Way to Remove an ADT Motion Sensor from a Wall
By this article’s end, you should know how to remove ADT sensors in your home quickly and easily. Pull the magnet from the ADT sensor after disarming it, remove the silicone adhesive with acetone or a small knife, and remove the silicone adhesive. After releasing the sensor part from the double-sided tape, gently tug it to remove it. The following instructions will teach you how to disarm the zones before removing the sensors and how to reinstall the sensor.
Follow these steps to remove an ADT Motion Sensor from a wall.
Let’s discuss removing the ADT motion sensor from the wall step-by-step. There’s nothing complicated about it at all.
Step 1
Removing Wired ADT Sensors: The first step to removing a wired ADT sensor is to remove the adhesive that holds it to the wall. If the glue is silicone, you can heat it or use some silicone solvent, such as acetone or WD-40.
Use acetone with caution, however, since it can damage your walls’ paint or finish. Using a blow dryer is more than enough to heat the adhesive, and once it reaches a temperature, it becomes soft and easy to remove.
Be careful not to damage the wiring behind the sensor when removing the adhesive with a knife or something else. Using a Philips head screwdriver, remove the glue and pull the wires back through the wall after removing the sensor unit from the wall. When you aren’t using the cables for a while, insulate their exposed ends just in case.
Removing Wireless ADT Sensors: Removing a wireless ADT sensor is even easier. You can either heat the adhesive or use acetone in small amounts to remove it. Prepare the wall for the replacement sensor by removing the sensor and cleaning the surface. These sensors don’t have wires, so pull them out carefully without damaging the wall.
Removing Recessed ADT Sensors: When removing recessed sensors, use a plastic tool to pry them out of their recesses. However, ensure not to damage the sensors when removing them, as this can cause damage. If the sensor is wired, be careful not to rip the wire out.
Step 2
You can temporarily disarm the alarm system by typing a password on the keyboard of the control panel. To disarm an alarm system that does not require a password, insert the key and turn it.
Step 3
Select the input settings for monitoring the alarm system by pressing the “Menu,” followed by “System Setup.” Deselect the input setting for the motion sensor that you will disconnect.
Step 4
To find the fuse box, go to the electrical panel. Remove the fuse or trip the circuit breaker if the motion detector is located in an area with electric power.
Step 5
When mounting a motion sensor on a wall, place a ladder against it (if the sensor is within arm’s length, you can skip the ladder).
Step 6
With a Phillips screwdriver, remove the screws surrounding the motion sensor. Remove the motion detector from the wall.
Step 7
Connect the twisted pairs of wires to the motion detector by removing the screw-connector nuts. You will need to untwist the wires. Remove the motion sensor and dispose of it.
Step 8
Connect the wires by twisting the connector nuts. Into the wall, push the wires.
Step 9
The motion detector was covering the cavity in the wall. Cover it with a wall cover plate. Using a Phillips screwdriver, attach the wall cover plate with wood screws. Activate the fuse box and restore power.
Step 10
Remove the battery now. Take out the battery gently.
Step 11
In the middle section, there will be a slot underneath. Hold the screwdriver lightly in place and press it lightly into it.
Step 12
It would help if you gently pulled the bracket off the motion sensor while holding the slot.
What is The Process for Reinstalling Motion Sensors?
ADT has contact repair kits that let you reinstall old or new sensors and includes all you need to install any ADT sensor in your home.
Order the self-replacement kit from ADT and follow the instructions below:
Step 1: You should use the alcohol prep pad to clean the surface and the sensor before installing it. Put 30 seconds of pressure on the double-sided tape before applying it to the sensor.
Step 2: You need to leave at least a 1/4-1/2 inch space between the two parts of the sensor. For 30 seconds, press and hold the magnet and the detector against the surface.
Step 3: To fix the magnet part of the sensor in place, apply silicone adhesive to its edges. After you reinstall the sensor, arm your ADT system and check if it has successfully connected and is ready to go.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
How Do I Delete Old Door Sensor Alarms?
You can now vacate the zone. Navigate to your panel to delete the area. Remove the cables. If your door alarm sensor is hardwired, you must detach and remove the wires. It would help if you deactivated the sensor. Remove the sensor from the door frame. Take the magnet off.
What is The Best Way to Remove Sensors?
Remove your sensor from the skin by raising the glue edge. Remove your skin from your body in one motion. Local laws should guide the disposal of the sensor.
Conclusion
Removing the motion sensor and preventing injury to the paint or walls is easy by slowly twisting it clockwise or counterclockwise. And using this method, the tape slowly and safely detaches from the wall after it loosens up from the edge. ADT sensors work well for installation and user-friendliness, but if you’re not careful, they can cause problems. I recommend hiring a professional installer if you don’t feel confident about your DIY skills. This way, you can replace or remove your old system.
