CM Sensor FAQs
Placement and Installation Guide
If you have additional questions or need help, please contact the CM Sensor Monitoring and Support Center at (844) 863-4646.
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the CM Sensor 24/7 temperature and water monitoring system.
How will the sensor installations benefit my organization?
Who is Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB)?
Why is my organization receiving this sensor equipment from Church Mutual?
How many sensors will I receive?
Are the sensors easy to install?
Once I get my sensors, how quickly should I install them?
Where can I find help installing my sensors?
Where do I install the communication Gateway?
Where do I install the water and temperature sensors?
Who do I call if a sensor is damaged or disconnected?
What happens if an alert is triggered at my facility?
What are the different alerts?
What should I do if I receive an alert?
Do I have to monitor my sensor readings?
Can I check the output readings measured by my sensors?
What if the power goes out at my facility?
How will I know if the sensor batteries are low?
How do I update my contact information?
How do I return the sensors if I choose to leave the program?
What happens if I leave Church Mutual for a different insurance carrier?
General Information
How will the sensor program benefit my organization?
Your house of worship is not occupied 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making it susceptible to damage from water and water-related incidents such as leaking or frozen pipes. Church Mutual wants to help protect you from having to clean up, repair or replace your building by giving you a CM Sensor kit at no cost to help you monitor your facility around the clock from any location. The CM Sensor program is FREE, EASY to install and designed to ALERT you when water threatens your ministry. Our real-time notifications will alert you via phone, email or text so you can react quickly to prevent or reduce the damage water can inflict on your congregation.top
How do the sensors work?
The sensors monitor conditions at your facility and detect changes in temperature and/or the presence of water. The sensors are battery operated and communicate data through a cellular connection to the gateway device. The gateway then transmits the data to a secure internet portal where you or someone you have designated can view your sensor data at any time.
The water sensors send an alert if standing water is detected at your facility. This will allow you to react quickly to a possible water damage situation, such as a burst pipe or sump pump backup.
The temperature sensors can detect low temperatures within the building, perhaps caused by an open door, open window or heating system failure. These situations can lead to freezing water pipes - and, in turn, water damage.
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Who is Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB)?
Church Mutual has partnered with HSB to help provide you with temperature and water sensors and 24/7 remote monitoring.
HSB is a leading specialty insurer providing equipment breakdown, other specialty coverages, inspection services and engineering-based risk management that set the standard for excellence worldwide. With the help of advances in technology, HSB can focus on clients and partner with them to craft innovative insurance and service solutions to help reduce risks. For more information, visit www.hsb.com.
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Why is my organization receiving this sensor equipment from Church Mutual?
This technology provides significant improvement in detecting and preventing water damage caused by weather or mechanical failures in facilities across the country. Because of our success with this program, we are providing these risk control devices for new and returning customers in an effort to reduce losses. If you are uninterested in participating in the program, you can return your sensor technology to us at no cost - simply follow the return instructions enclosed in your sensor box. top
Before you receive the sensors:
How many sensors will I receive?
Every organization receives a room temperature sensor and a water sensor. Some organizations will also receive a pipe temperature sensor. top
How large are the sensors?
The temperature and pipe sensors are 3" x 2.125" x 1.25." The water sensor puck is 3" in diameter and 1" high. top
How do my sensors arrive?
Your sensors will be delivered to the address you provide during enrollment via a shipping service (i.e. FedEx). The sensor box will be clearly marked as part of the CM Sensor program.top
Are the sensors easy to install?
Yes, the sensor kit was designed to be self-installed. There is an installation and placement guide included in the package and at www.churchmutual.com/sensors. The sensors do not require professional installation by an electrician or plumber. top
Once I get my sensors, how quickly should I install them?
To get the most value from the sensors and to protect your facility, we suggest you install within 10 days of delivery. The sooner your sensors are installed, the sooner your facility will be able to take advantage of the 24/7 monitoring system. top
Installation Information
Where can I find help installing my sensors?
An easy to follow installation guide comes with your sensors. Church Mutual hosts a sensor information page (www.churchmutual.com/sensors/installation) which includes the guide, installation videos, as well as other helpful documents. You can also call any of our experienced Monitoring and Support Center team members at (844) 863-4646 with any installation questions. top
Where do I install the communication Gateway?
The gateway should be installed above ground level in a heated, finished area where cell signal is strongest. Do not place in basement! top
Where do I install the water and temperature sensors?
The room temperature sensor should be installed in areas within your facility that are at risk of freezing during cold weather conditions. This can include areas such kitchens, bathrooms or sanctuaries. Rooms that may contain pipe systems located on outside walls are also recommended. Good locations for the water sensor include:
- near a water heater.
- Areas with previous water damage.
- near a sump pump.
- areas of special significance where water can accumulate.
- any "low spots" in floors.
For those of you that have received the pipe temperature sensor, we are recommending this sensor be installed in areas where your exposed water pipes are located near or attached to uninsulated or poorly insulated exterior walls. Attic spaces or in your mechanical room, where there are typically a significant number of exposed water pipes, are also recommended locations for installation. top
Who do I call if a sensor is damaged or disconnected?
When a damaged or disconnected sensor is discovered, please call the Monitoring and Support Center at (844) 863-4646. top
Alert Information
What happens if an alert is triggered at my facility?
If your facility triggers a sensor alert, a text or email notification is sent to the contacts you designated when you activated your sensors. However, when conditions are severe and require a high priority alert, the primary contact listed on your account may receive a call from the Monitoring and Support Center.top
What are the different alerts?
There are four types of alerts based on the current temperature or water situation at your facility – three sequential temperature alerts and one water alert.
Temperature alerts include:
Water Alert includes:
What should I do if I receive an alert?
After being notified of an urgent condition, review the information in the notification and take appropriate action as necessary to remedy the situation and avoid a loss due to property damage.
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I received my equipment before June 1 - what is the difference between the equipment I have and the equipment being offered after June 1?
The current equipment functions the same way as the previous model, regardless of the different physical appearance of the sensors. Both models will send you real-time notifications from your facility's sensors that will allow you to react to any water or temperature issues. top
Do I have to monitor my sensor readings?
No, alerts will be sent to you in the event of a potential issue.
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Can I check the output readings measured by my sensors?
Yes, you can! You can view your data readings at https://CMIC_HOW.iot.hsb.com or via the HSB iSensor mobile app.top
What if the power goes out at my facility?
Your gateway is equipped with a battery back-up. You will receive an alert letting you know that the power in your facility could be out and the gateway is using its backup batteries. You will also receive an alert when the gateway's power is restored. top
How will I know if the sensor batteries are low?
The monitoring system detects low battery status for the gateway and the sensors you have operating in your building. You will receive a text and/or email specifying which one has a low battery status.
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How do I update my contact information?
Any time you'd like to change your sensor contacts, you can update that information at https://CMIC_HOW.iot.hsb.com. It is very important to make sure responsible responders are easily reached when alerts occur. top
How do I return the sensors if I choose to leave the program?
Please contact Church Mutual Customer Service at (800) 554-2642, option 1 and we will provide instructions on how to return your sensors to us.
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What happens if I leave Church Mutual for a different insurance carrier?
If you are no longer a customer of Church Mutual, alerting services will be discontinued and you will need to return the sensors and gateway. Contact Church Mutual Customer Service at (800) 554-2642, option 1 and we will provide instructions on how to return your sensors. We hope in the future that you will again become a Church Mutual customer and have the sensor monitoring to protect your facility. top
Additional questions:
