Can I Use Wired Contacts on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2?

Yes, you can use wired contacts on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2. In order to do this, you will need to use a compatible wireless converter. This will allow you to use your existing hard-wired devices with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2, saving you the hassle of having to replace them with wireless devices.

When upgrading your security system to the Qolsys IQ Panel 2, there's no need for you to replace your hard-wired devices that have already been installed. Most security devices are compatible with wireless converters that will allow them to be used wirelessly. When choosing a wireless converter, you will need to make sure that it is compatible with the IQ Panel 2. Two wireless converters that meet this requirement are the Qolsys Hardwire 16-S and the Qolsys Hardwire 8-S.

The only difference between the 16-S and the 8-S is that the 16-S supports up to 16 hard-wired zones, while the 8-S only supports 8. Both of these converters work by sending a wireless 319.5 MHz RF signal that can be recognized by the IQ Panel 2. After connecting the hard-wired devices to the wireless converter and programming the converter with the panel, the hard-wired zones will each function as a wireless zone.

Both the 16-S and the 8-S feature "S-Line Encryption" that will prevent the signal from being compromised. This type of encryption is a form of bi-directional communication, in which the converter will send information to the panel. The panel must in turn respond with its 128-bit AES encryption key in order for any given information to be processed. This two-way communication is often referred to as a "digital handshake", and it can provide you with peace of mind in knowing that your devices are protected.

It should be mentioned that wireless converters like the 16-S and the 8-S should not be used with hard-wired life-safety devices, such as smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. For these devices, you'll need to use a compatible takeover module such as the Encore Firefighter FF319. This device will be programmed to the IQ Panel 2 as a wireless zone and mounted within six inches of a working, modern smoke detector. Once programmed, it will listen for the sound of the activated hard-wired smoke detector. If it picks up this sound, which is known as temporal 3 (three beeps, pause, three beeps, pause), the FF319 will transmit and cause an alarm on the system. The FF319 only supports Fire monitoring at this time, not Carbon Monoxide. For CO protection, a wireless IQ Carbon is required.

Additionally, the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 has two built-in inputs for wired devices. These inputs will support two wired burglary zones. Wired life-safety devices, such as smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors, cannot be used with the system in this way. These two wired zones will each require a 4.7k resistor when used. This resistor is color-code Yellow, Violet, Red, Gold. The required resistors are not supplied with the system. If a user wants to use more than two wired zones, then a compatible wired to wireless converter, such as the Qolsys Hardwire 8-S, is required.