Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How should sensors and extenders be positioned?
2. What type of batteries do the sensors use?
3. How long do the batteries last?
4. How many wireless devices can be connected?
5. How often do sensors send temperature data?
6. How is the indoor temperature determined?
7. What happens if a sensor disconnects?
8. How does sensor data affect system operation?
9. Does the system support temperature alerts?
10. How are temperature alerts delivered?
11. What if the building does not have Wi-Fi access or heightened IT security blocking the system control from the internet?
12. If the system control loses internet, do all the wireless sensors disconnect?

1. How should sensors and extenders be positioned?

Sensors should be placed within areas covered by overlapping spheres with a 50-foot radius from each Mesh Network Extender. This ensures reliable wireless communication and coverage. Make sure each sensor / extender can see at least 2 other extenders for network robustness (they can be on different floors).

2. What type of batteries do the sensors use?

The Indoor sensors use 2x AA alkaline batteries.
The outdoor sensors use 2x AA lithium batteries for better performance in extreme outdoor weather conditions.

3. How long do the batteries last?

Batteries last up to 3 years; However, battery lifespan can vary depending on usage, signal strength, and environmental conditions.

4. How many wireless devices can be connected?

Up to 10 wireless devices per system control (294/289).
Up to 32 wireless devices per Mesh Network Extender (041).
Up to 100 wireless devices on one network.

5. How often do sensors send temperature data?

Indoor sensors send data every 2 minutes.
Outdoor sensors send data every 10 minutes.
Sensors will update temperature every 15 seconds if the temperature has changed more than 0.5°F.
This extends battery life without sacrificing temperature feedback.

6. How is the indoor temperature determined?

The system uses the lowest reasonable temperature reading from all connected indoor sensors and excludes values outside the expected range.

7. What happens if a sensor disconnects?

If an indoor sensor disconnects, other indoor sensors provide the building temperature for indoor feedback. If no indoor sensor is available, the system uses the outdoor sensor and only operates outdoor reset. If the outdoor sensor disconnects, Internet weather is used. If Internet weather is unavailable, the system defaults to 32°F.

8. How does sensor data affect system operation?

Sensor data works with Room Occupied or Unoccupied settings to set water temperature of the boiler plant or adjust steam cycle length.

9. Does the system support temperature alerts?

Yes. High and Low temperature alerts can be configured.

10. How are temperature alerts delivered?

Alerts can be delivered via email, SMS, and viewed in the Nexa app.

11. What if the building does not have Wi-Fi access or heightened IT security blocking the system control from the internet?

A 5G router from a major telecom provider can be used with building owner permission. Nexa also offers an internet hotspot on a monthly subscription basis.

12. If the system control loses internet, do all the wireless sensors disconnect?

No, the wireless mesh network the sensors run off is locally controlled by the system control. It will continue to receive sensor data and adjust the boiler plant if the system control is not connected to the internet (Device offline in Nexa).