Can the Large Enclosure for the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F be Recessed into a Wall?

No, the large enclosure for the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F cannot be recessed into a wall. The plastic enclosure is meant to be surface-mounted. It features a break-away wall tamper that will alert the system if someone tries to remove it from the wall. The tamper switch comes pre-wired.

The Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F is a wired to wireless converter that allows hardwired sensors to be used with a wireless 319.5 MHz security system. Wired sensors connect directly with the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F, and the module sends a wireless 319.5 MHz signal to the panel on their behalf. The module features 16 total hardwired zones, and each zone must be equipped with an end of line resistor (EOLR). The Hardwire 16-F also allows users to take advantage of Qolsys' S-Line rolling code encryption.

In week 40 of 2019, Qolsys began offering a version of the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F that comes housed inside a large plastic enclosure. This large plastic enclosure is capable of fitting up to two (2) Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F modules and their accompanying backup batteries. If you want to keep one or two Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F units nice and organized, then this large plastic enclosure is strongly recommended.

Some users wonder if the large plastic enclosure for the IQ Hardwire 16-F can be recessed into a wall. According to Qolsys, the unit is designed to be surface-mounted on a wall, and not recessed into a wall. This is for two reasons. For one, the large enclosure has a break-away tamper switch that is best utilized when the enclosure is surface-mounted. Second, trying to recess-mount the enclosure might block off the 16-F antenna that sticks out of the enclosure and prevent the module from communicating properly.

Remember, you do not need to have the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F enclosure out in plain sight. Most users will "hide" the enclosure inside an area like a storage closet, garage, attic, or basement. You will not need to interact with the module regularly, so it isn't too much trouble to have it out of sight. Just remember that the 16-F module will need to communicate with your wireless alarm panel. Make sure that your sensors continue to work properly if you decide to mount your IQ Hardwire 16-F enclosure in a new location.