Can I Use a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 w/o Monitoring?

Yes, you can use a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 without monitoring. But by doing this, the panel will be nothing more than a local sounder. It will have no way of reporting out to a central station. The system will also be unable to alert any off-site users to any alarm events that may occur.

Monitoring service is essentially what makes an alarm system useful. Most users obtain an alarm system so that their home or business remains protected when they are not actively on the properly. The only way for an alarm system to alert an end user or to request automatic emergency dispatch is with active monitoring service. So by using an alarm system without monitoring, the main purpose of the security system is essentially being defeated.

Additionally, monitoring service is needed for the panel to work with a remote interactive services platform. In the case of the IQ Panel 2, this is the Alarm.com service. A user can access Alarm.com at any time to arm and disarm their system, check the status of sensors, control Z-Wave home automation devices view the live feed of security cameras and more. And by using the Alarm.com Mobile App, these actions can be performed from virtually anywhere.

Without monitoring, there is very little that an IQ Panel 2 System can do. It can serve as a local sounder to alert on-site users when a sensor activates. Of course, off-site users will not receive any notifications about alarm events. The system can also still operate as a central hub for any programmed Z-Wave devices. These devices can still be controlled from the actual panel even without active monitoring service. But remember, without some type of monitoring there will be no way to control these devices from an off-site location.