Securitron SP-1 - Manual (Page 4)

PN# 500-15600
Page 4 Rev. D, 03/11
7. ADJUSTING SENSITIVITY
The sensitivity pot (see Figure 1) must be adjusted for proper operation. The setting depends
somewhat on whether the unit is mounted on a metal or non-conducting surface. To perform
this adjustment, you have to start with the unit completely wired (receiving power) and
mounted as it will be used. NOTE: the top screw includes the spring and ring terminal
underneath that creates the electrical connection between the plate and the sensor.
Turn the timing pot all the way counter-
clockwise, the shortest time between tests of
operation. Re- tighten the top screw and turn
the sensitivity pot clockwise without touching
the plate until the LED just comes on. In this
condition, sensitivity is so high that the unit is
on all of the time. Slowly rotate the pot
counter-clockwise until the LED goes out and
then another 15 degrees counter-clockwise.
This is generally a good setting. Before re-
attaching the plate, test by touching the plate
and observing that the LED comes on. test with
gloves if you expect that they will be used. You
may want to increase the sensitivity somewhat,
but if you leave it just below the point where
the LED is on all the time, you risk a condition
where the unit will fail by being on all of the
time.
8. TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM: The unit will not operate when the plate is touched.
There are three ways to know that the SP-1 is working when you touch the plate. The LED should come
on, you should be able to hear the relay click and the device should do what is supposed to in the
installation (such as releasing a door). If you get the click and LED but the unit doesn't release the door,
check the installer wiring.
If you don't get a click or LED, the sensor is not reading your touch. Make sure you understand section 7
on how to adjust sensitivity. It may be set too low. Another fault could be that the sensor itself is not
receiving 12-24 DC power on the red and black wires. Check the power supply and, be sure the input
polarity is correct. Also even if power is being applied on the red and black wires, it's possible that it's
not getting into the sensor. Check the connector block that plugs into the sensor circuit board for loose
wires. Finally, it is possible that the connection from the sensor to the plate has come loose. Review
Figure 1. The ring terminal must go around the top mounting screw and the spring must be present
around the screw.
PROBLEM: The LED remains on constantly
First, make sure that the sensitivity is not set too high. Review section 7. If you can rotate the pot
counterclockwise all the way and the unit still remains activated, the most likely cause is that the sensor
"sees" an overwhelmingly large signal as if someone was continually touching the plate. This will happen
if the plate is not properly isolated from a mass of metal. The plastic backbox achieves this isolation but it
is possible that metal is too close to the side of the plate. You must have one inch clearance all around.
The same effect will occur if the plate is used outside and becomes wet. This is an indoor product only.
Certain large electronic noise sources can "swamp" the sensor although this is rare. Examples would
include large radio or radar transmitters in the building or a high voltage neon sign mounted within a few
feet of the unit. Call the factory if you suspect noise induced problems.
PROBLEM: The sensor is very difficult to adjust
This is usually caused by coiling the electrical cable within the backbox. The cable must directly exit the
backbox through the provided hole. Also, if the backup switch has not been installed in the side of the
backbox, it should remain stuck down to the backbox base. If its wires are laying up against the plate,
this can increase sensor adjustment difficulty.
Another possibility is that sometimes during handling of the product a static charge can be built up on the
board. Remove power at the source (not by unplugging the cable). Turn the pot all the way
counterclockwise. Reapply power and adjust sensitivity as described in Section 7.
9. MAGNACARE  LIFETIME REPLACEMENT WARRANTY
For warranty information visit www.securitron.com/en/site/securitron/About/MagnaCare-Warranty
TO ADJUSE SENSITIVITY,
ROTATE PLATE ENOUGH
TO REVEAL SENSITIVITY
POT. RETIGHTEN TOP
SCREW HOLDING PLATE
AND THEN ADJUST POT.