To keep your home’s automations working properly once the honeymoon period has passed, you’ll need to do a few maintenance activities.
Changing out the batteries in your smart gadgets is one of those chores.
An all-in-one sensor battery from SmartThings.
A single CR-2450 battery powers the SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor. Every six to twelve months, on average, it has to be changed (mine died after 9 months). To remove the old battery, use a 3/32′′ flathead screwdriver to pry it up, which just takes a few seconds.
Battery replacement instructions
The process of changing the battery is straightforward, however it does need some perseverance.
Make sure you have a tiny flat-head screwdriver on hand before you begin. Pry open the white case with this.
The old CR-2450 battery may simply be removed and replaced with a new one after the case has been removed.
It’s as simple as sliding the white shell back on and hearing a “click.”
In this video, you can see how simple it really is:
Do I have a Multipurpose Sensor?
As of right now, SmartThings is using a third generation of its Multipurpose Sensor.
The following is a complete list of sensor variants:
| Old model | 2015 model | 2016 model | Current model | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | ||||
| Battery Type | 2 x AAAA | 1 x CR-2450 | 1 x CR-2450 | 1 x CR-2450 |
Since most SmartThings multipurpose sensors utilize the same sort of battery, this is a good thing (CR-2450). You will want two AAAA batteries if using the older model.)
However, the new model (rounded) has a longer battery life and offers more accurate readings than the previous generation. as a result of improved sensors.
However, it doesn’t mean that the 2015 and 2016 models are awful. Keep it and utilize it till it quits operating if you have one.
As a general rule, if you’re in the market for a new one, I recommend going with the most recent model. Check out the new model’s pricing on Amazon by clicking here.
Battery type
A single 3 Volt CR-2450 battery powers the SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor, as previously described.
For the most part, it has an output of between 560 and 620 milliamperes (mA).
mAh stands for “milliamp hour” and is a time-varying unit of power measurement. A battery’s energy capacity may be determined by doing this test. A greater battery capacity and longer battery life are often associated with more mAh.
As a result, lower mAh CR-2450 batteries are less expensive than higher mAh CR-2450 batteries.
A pack of CR-2450s may be an excellent investment since they can last for up to 8-10 years in storage, therefore if you can, stock up.
My house is full with SmartThings Multipurpose Sensors, therefore this is a need. Alternatively, if you have additional gadgets that utilize the same sort of battery.
The EmazingLights 20 Pack from Amazon is a terrific value on CR-2450s. For less than ten dollars, you can get batteries with a mAh rating of 600! This item’s cost may be seen on Amazon by clicking here.
Battery type
The Multipurpose Sensor from SmartThings has an average battery life of 6-12 months, according to the company.
In my opinion, this is a good starting point.
Almost a year ago, I purchased two of these sensors.
A year and a half after the first one passed away, the second one is still going strong.
Routines are connected to the one that died, and it is often utilized. As an example, “turn on the bathroom light on low when the bathroom door is opened after 11 p.m.”.
I use the other Multipurpose Sensor to monitor the entrance to my basement, and it seldom, if ever, sets off an alarm (Late at night, when the door is unlocked after midnight).
It’s only natural, therefore, that the door to my bathroom failed first.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the Multipurpose Sensor battery life % read-out is often incorrect.
“it’s not uncommon for battery levels to underestimate the life of a battery at 30-35% less than what it actually is” SmartThings says on their website.
This is due to the fact that battery measurements are based on voltage, which changes over time.
If your sensor states it has “10 percent battery remaining,” don’t worry about it. It is quite probable that it has at least half of its battery remaining.
The only time I’d consider about changing the batteries is when it displays “1 percent left,” or if it dies.
Ideas and applications for a wide range of sensor types
The SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor’s adaptability is what sets it apart.
Open/close, orientation, vibration, temperature, and angle (tilt) may all be measured with this device. It has a significant impact.
There are so many applications for all of these “different” sensors!
The following are a few of my all-time favorites:
Door
Most people utilize this, thus it must be the most frequent use-case. Several options are available when you install this sensor on your front entrance.
To begin, you may just keep an eye on whether or not that door is open. Automated processes may be triggered by having the information at hand.
You may use this example: “If my basement door opens at night, switch on all lights and play Alexa music.” “
To deter burglars or children who may be tempted to sneak out late at night, this is an excellent deterrent.
Window
With the same functionality available whether installed on a window or door, there isn’t much more to say about this particular smart sensor.
A window may be opened at a certain time or day, and you could be alerted or have automations run in response.
The ability to use the vibration sensor is what makes this use-case special.
If an attacker destroyed your window instead of you opening it, you’d still be safe.
The sensor and, thus, your alerts/automations would still be triggered by that vibration.
Washer/Dryer
The vibration sensor may also be used to monitor the cycles of your washer and dryer.
Let’s imagine your washer/dryer is in the basement and you don’t want to have to set a fresh alarm every time you start a new load of laundry.
When the washer or dryer stops vibrating, the Multipurpose Sensor will sound an alarm.
In this manner, there is no guesswork as to whether or not the load is set to be transported from the washing machine to the dryer” (for example).
Mail-box
If your mailman is anything like mine, you’re probably checking it many times during the day.
A simple solution is to place one side of your Multipurpose Sensor on the inside door of your mail-box, and the other side inside your mail-box.
Whenever the mailbox door is opened, an alarm will go out saying “You’ve Got Mail!”.
It’s a real treat.
With so many options, you may be as inventive as you want.
My article, 12 Different Sorts of Smart Home Sensors, has a lot more use cases for a variety of smart sensors.
Conclusion
Battery replacement for the SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor is recommended every 6-12 months on average because of its reliance on a single CR-2450 battery (mine died after 9 months).
Use a tiny flat-head screwdriver to pry open the case and remove the old battery. Two minutes is all it takes for this.
The SmartThings Multipurpose Sensor may be used in a variety of ways in your home.
When and how do you put yours to use? I’d love to hear from you.