diff --git a/esp32/include/ControllerConfiguration.h b/esp32/include/ControllerConfiguration.h
index 6035376..312934c 100644
--- a/esp32/include/ControllerConfiguration.h
+++ b/esp32/include/ControllerConfiguration.h
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@
     #define FLOWMETER_PULSES_PER_ML 2.2
 #endif
 
-#define MOIST_SENSOR_MAX_FRQ               60000 // 60kHz (500Hz margin)
+#define MOIST_SENSOR_MAX_FRQ               5200 // 60kHz (500Hz margin)
 #define MOIST_SENSOR_MIN_FRQ                500 // 0.5kHz (500Hz margin)
 
 #define ANALOG_SENSOR_MAX_MV                1300 //successive approximation of good range
diff --git a/esp32/include/HomieTypes.h b/esp32/include/HomieTypes.h
index 0bc94a9..87d763a 100644
--- a/esp32/include/HomieTypes.h
+++ b/esp32/include/HomieTypes.h
@@ -47,6 +47,8 @@ static const char *SENSOR_STRING[] = {
 #define HYDROPONIC_MODE -3
 //plant uses cooldown and duration and workhours, moisture is measured but ignored
 #define TIMER_ONLY -4
+//special value to indicate a shorted sensor when the plant is not deactivated but the sensor reads short circuit value
+#define SHORT_CIRCUIT_MODE -5
 
 typedef struct PlantSettings_t
 {
diff --git a/esp32/include/PlantCtrl.h b/esp32/include/PlantCtrl.h
index 524a9e8..91c236d 100644
--- a/esp32/include/PlantCtrl.h
+++ b/esp32/include/PlantCtrl.h
@@ -148,6 +148,10 @@ public:
             {
                 return MISSING_SENSOR;
             }
+            if (mMoisture_raw.getMedian() > MOIST_SENSOR_MAX_FRQ)
+            {
+                return SHORT_CIRCUIT_MODE;
+            }
         }
 
         return mMoisture_raw.getMedian();