Can I Use the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F to Power My Alarm Panel?

No, you cannot use the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F to power your alarm panel. The Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F requires its own plug-in transformer and backup battery. It cannot share a transformer or backup battery with a panel. The module is powered completely separately from the panel.

The Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F uses a 16VDC transformer for power. This transformer comes included with the module, along with a power cable for connecting. You will also need to add a compatible backup battery to keep the module running in case of an electrical outage. A good backup battery to use for this job is the UltraTech 1240. That battery is rated at 12V 4.5Ah. Although the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F does not come with a backup battery, it does include a battery harness for connecting the battery.

As a wired to wireless converter, the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F outputs some power for powering devices like glass break sensors and motion detectors. Unfortunately, the module does not supply enough power to keep an alarm panel running. The Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F only outputs 500 mA of power at 12VDC. In order to power a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System, you need 1A of power at 5VDC to 7VDC. As a result, the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F is not suitable for the job of powering a system.

Additionally, you wouldn't want to have the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F and a panel share a transformer. For one, they have completely different power requirements. Trying to share a transformer could result in damage to one or both pieces of equipment. Another problem is that the IQ Hardwire 16-F would likely draw too much power away from the panel. This could cause the panel to experience an AC loss condition and/or not be able to supply sufficient power to its backup battery. In any case, you should make sure that both the panel and the IQ Hardwire 16-F have their own respective transformers and batteries.