Can I Add Additional Zones to My Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F After Initial Setup?

Yes, you can add additional zones to your Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F after initial setup. All zones on the 16-F are set up with end-of-line resistors (EOLR). This includes zones that are not being used. A new sensor can be wired to the zone with the resistor and then enrolled with the panel.

The Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F is a wired to wireless converter for use with wireless alarm panels that support the 319.5 MHz frequency. Hardwired sensors connect directly with the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F. The IQ Hardwire 16-F can then send out wireless 319.5 MHz signals to a panel on behalf of the sensors. This will allow the hardwired sensors to communicate with the panel wirelessly. It is a very useful device when upgrading to a new wireless system from an older wired panel, as it can likely save you money by not needing to purchase all new wireless sensors. For more information on setting up the unit for the first time, please review this helpful FAQ.

One very important thing to keep in mind about the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F is that every zone on the unit will need an end-of-line resistor. This is true for every zone, including those that are not actively supporting any sensors. For an "empty" zone on the IQ Hardwire 16-F, the EOLR is simply placed across the two zone terminals. Old units of the IQ Hardwire 16-F that were manufactured prior to week 40 of 2019 do not support EOLR learning, and they can only use 4.7k ohm resistors. The 4.7k resistors have the color code Yellow-Violet-Black-Brown-Brown. However, units made in week 40 of 2019 and onward support EOLR learning for resistor values ranging from 1k to 10k. The sole exception is for Zone 16, which must always use a 4.7k EOLR. If you are unsure as to whether or not your Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F supports EOLR learning, please check this FAQ.

If you have an open zone on the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F, and you want to add a new wired sensor after initial setup, then there is no need to default the module and re-learn all the zones. The new zone can be discreetly added, without needing to start from scratch. In fact, you do not even need to power down the IQ Hardwire 16-F when adding the new zone. Just make sure to wire the EOLR with the sensor. Remove the resistor from the zone and then wire it in with the zone circuit that is being added. Remember that resistors are wired in series for Normally Closed (NC) zones and in parallel for Normally Open (NO) zones. It is always recommended that resistors be placed at the end of the zone circuit, at the last device on the circuit, either in parallel or in series, depending on the sensors used.

Once the new zone is properly wired with an EOLR, the new sensor can be enrolled with the system. Press and hold the EOL LEARN button on the IQ Hardwire 16-F for about two (2) seconds. All of the zone LED lights on the unit should flash, before turning off. If any zone LED remains illuminated, then that means that zone does not have a proper EOLR. Additionally, the EOL CAL LED light for the IQ Hardwire 16-F should remain illuminated. This LED light indicates that the module is in its auto-enrollment mode. You can then put your wireless 319.5 MHz panel into its own auto-enrollment mode for learning in new sensors. For the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 and Panel 2 Plus, enter this mode by pressing the small grey bar at the top of the home screen, then going to Settings > Advanced Settings > Enter Installer Code or Dealer Code (defaults are 1111 and 2222 respectively) > Installation > Devices > Security Sensors > Auto Learn Sensor.

Fault the newly connected wired sensor to activate it. The panel should recognize the transmission from the IQ Hardwire 16-F and allow you to add the hardwired sensor to a wireless zone. You will need to go through and program the zone like you would for any other wireless sensor. Once you have finished, remember to press and hold the EOL LEARN button again for about two (2) seconds to exit auto-enrollment mode for the IQ Hardwire 16-F. The EOL CAL LED should turn off.

The one exception for adding a zone with the IQ Hardwire 16-F after the initial module setup is if you are trying to add a 2-wire smoke detector zone to the module. The IQ Hardwire 16-F allows 2-wire smoke detectors to be used on Zone 16 only. This is only possible if Zone 16 is configured as a Normally Open (NO) loop. This is best done during initial device setup. It is possible to add 2-wire smoke detectors at Zone 16 after initial device setup, but you may run into issues, as the IQ Hardwire 16-F may have trouble recognizing the zone as NO. As a troubleshooting step, you may need to perform a memory reset for the device and re-enroll the module with your system, this time with Zone 16 wired for NO devices. For more information on using 2-wire smoke detectors with the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F please see this FAQ. Keep in mind that Zone 16 must always be configured using a 4.7k EOLR.