Home
>
Support
>
Product Support
>
StayAway
>
FAQ
StayAway Frequently Asked Questions
For more information, call Contech at 1-800-767-8658 (in Canada or USA), 1-250-652-0755
(overseas), or send an
e-mail to us.
There is no response when I put my hand in front of the StayAway.
There may be no response when you put your hand in front of your StayAway if:
1. The unit is turned off.
Hey, it happens. Be sure your unit is turned on.
2. You need new batteries.
Use only brand new, fresh-from-the-package, AAA alkaline batteries. We recommend
you check the expiry date on the package and use only good quality name brand batteries
for best results.
Occasionally, customers will tell us they tested their batteries before putting
them into our products but battery testers can only tell you if there is a charge
available. They can't tell you whether or not those batteries are capable of handling
the load from a working product. Always use new batteries.
3. Be sure you're testing your StayAway with something that has a different temperature
than the background temperature. The infrared sensor senses a change in heat. If
you wave a wooden spoon or other inanimate object in front of the unit, nothing
will happen. If your hand isn't producing a response, try walking in front of it.
Back to Questions
The alarm tone on the StayAway is very weak and dies out.
The alarm tone on your StayAway may be very weak and die out if:
1. The switch is not directly on the correct setting.
Check your switch and move it to the setting you desire.
2. You need to change the batteries.
Use only brand new, fresh-from-the-package, AAA alkaline batteries. We recommend
you check the expiry date on the package and use only good quality name brand batteries
for best results.
Occasionally, customers will tell us they tested their batteries before putting
them into our products but battery testers can only tell you if there is a charge
available. They can't tell you whether or not those batteries are capable of handling
the load from a working product. Always use new batteries.
If you are still having difficulty after trying these solutions, please call our
customer service number at 1-800-767-8658.
Back to Questions
The StayAway makes noise but produces no spray.
Your StayAway may make noise but produce no spray if:
1. The can is empty.
To order a refill can of spray call our customer service number at 1-800-767-8658, or order online.
2. It needs to be reset.
Turn the StayAway off and then on again. Wait a few seconds for it to reset and
then try it again.
3. It isn't set correctly.
Check to be sure it's on the right setting. If it isn't, set it correctly then turn
it off and back on to reset it.
4. You need to change the batteries.
Use only brand new, fresh-from-the-package, AAA alkaline batteries. We recommend
you check the expiry date on the package and use only good quality name brand batteries
for best results.
Occasionally, customers will tell us they tested their batteries before putting
them into our products but battery testers can only tell you if there is a charge
available. They can't tell you whether or not those batteries are capable of handling
the power demand of a working product. Always use new batteries.
Back to Questions
My cat is not responding to the spray on the StayAway anymore.
Your cat might not be responding to the spray on the StayAway anymore if:
1. Your cat became used to the unit.
This doesn't happen very often but we have heard of it. Try putting the StayAway
somewhere new to reintroduce the element of surprise. Our customers have reported
success after doing so.
Back to Questions
The StayAway is leaking.
Your StayAway might be leaking if:
1. The black ring that locks the sensor head onto the top of the can has not locked
properly.
Check to see if the head is properly seated on the can. Then push the black ring
down firmly. Don't be afraid to push hard. It may require some force. This should
solve the problem.
2. The head has failed in some way.
You'll need a new head.
For assistance, please call our customer service number at 1-800-767-8658.
Back to Questions
Can I use the StayAway outside?
Yes. During the warm weather months, you can use it in covered areas outside.
We mention warm weather because the StayAway is not meant to be used in freezing
weather.
If the can will be in an area where it might get damp from evening dew, be certain
to use the standing base to protect furniture or painted finishes.
Back to Questions
Is the StayAway safe to use around children?
Keep the StayAway out of the reach of children. Exposure to the gas stream in very
close proximity may cause frostbite to the skin or eyes.
Please do not leave small children unsupervised near the StayAway. The StayAway
cannot tell the difference between your pet and your child. It will go off when
either goes near it. Treat the StayAway like any other propellant in the home. Keep
it out of the reach of children.
Back to Questions
Can the height of the StayAway be adjusted?
The height of the StayAway can't be adjusted but you can find some neat stuff around
the house to put it on top of to make it higher. An attractive stack of books or
a decorative box might work.
Back to Questions
Can I increase the viewing range of my StayAway?
The range is preset as three feet (one metre) which is the approximate distance
the spray shoots out as well. There is no way to change the range but feel free
to move the StayAway around to find the best position for it in your home. If you'd
like it to sit higher, you might place it on top of an attractive stack of books
or decorative box.
Back to Questions
Can I use other propellants with the StayAway head?
No. Using other propellants with the StayAway head is not recommended. You
don't want to be spraying anything dangerous to your pet's health at them. Another
consideration is many other propellants are flammable. Our spray is not. Please
use only the recommended refill cans with your StayAway. Use of other products will
invalidate your warranty.
Back to Questions
Can I aim the StayAway one way but have it spray another?
Yes. The StayAway head can be adjusted to detect animals approaching from
one direction but send the spray in another.
Back to Questions
Can I leave the StayAway on continuously?
Yes, but should you find your own movements trigger the unit, you may prefer
to turn it off to conserve compressed air.
Back to Questions
Will moving the StayAway around help my cat's training?
Yes. To generalize your cat's learning, you can move the StayAway a
few feet away from its original location. This way, your cat will not only avoid
one particular area (for example, the corner of your couch) it will soon avoid the
area completely.
Back to Questions
My spray can is empty. Where can I get refills?
You can order a
replacement air canister from Contech
Back to Questions
What kind of gas is in the StayAway?
The StayAway refill contains a gas (HFC134a) that is safe for people, animals and
the environment. This scentless spray is stainless, ozone friendly and has no side
effects when used as directed. (Please see the precautions section below).
Where can I find more information about the StayAway contents?
The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the StayAway contents can be found here:
Contech MSDS (pdf)
Back to Questions