How Do I Add A Hardwired Zone To My Qolsys IQ Panel 4?

There are a number of different ways to add hardwired zones to a Qolsys IQ Panel 4. Depending on the panel version you have, you can use a PG9WLSHW8, a Hardwire 16-F, a 5800C2W, 2GIG Take-345, or a wireless contact with a hardwired input available. The device to use depends on a few factors.

It's important to note that there are different versions of the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 that will support different RF frequencies, so the panel version you have will have a lot to do with the best option for adding hardwired zones. Another thing to consider is the number of hardwired zones that you want to add or convert.

In most cases, the reason for adding hardwired zones to the Qolsys IQ Panel 4, which is a wireless panel by default, is that you are replacing a panel that has working hardwired zones, and you don't want to go to the trouble or expense of replacing them with wireless ones. If you find yourself in this situation, you will likely have a number of wired zones that you need to convert to wireless so that they can be used with the IQ Panel 4.

However, if your reason for adding a wired zone is different, say, you have a wireless contact on a door or window, and you want to protect a second opening in the same area, it may be easier to use a wireless sensor with a hardwired input available. In this way, you get two (2) zones for the price of one (1) transmitter. In the remainder of this FAQ, we'll discuss the advantages of each type of wired expansion.

Image of the DSC PG9WLSHW8 In Small Enclosure:

DSC PG9WLSHW8 - 8-Zone PowerG Converter Module:

For installations where you will have a good number of wired zones, the DSC PG9WLSHW8 is the module that makes the most sense to use. It will work with every version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 4, and due to its use of PowerG wireless technology, it has an outstanding transmitting range of up to 4,000" (1,219 m). It can support up to eight (8) wired inputs, with support for either 2-wire or 4-wire smoke detectors (with reset via PGM). It offers a 12 VDC @700 mA bell output, up to four (4) programmable outputs, and more.

Another interesting capability of the PG9WLSHW8 is that it adds support for some CORBUS items. The CORBUS is the input/output bus for DSC panels, and it supports the addition of devices such as keypads. When one of these wired-to-wireless converters is used, it adds support for up to four (4) hardwired keypads, though it is recommended to only add up to two (2), in addition to wired zones. The HS2LCD, HS2ICON, HS2LCDP, and HS2ICONP keypads are compatible with this configuration.

When using the PG9WLSHW8, the device will require its own DC power supply (included) and its own backup battery (not included). It comes in a small plastic enclosure. There is a version available with a larger plastic enclosure that is suitable for mounting two (2) modules and two (2) backup batteries inside. That part number is the PG9HRDW8. It comes with a larger enclosure and one converter module. If you require a second module, purchase the PG9WLSHW8 and then move it to the existing large enclosure.

Specifications:

Qolsys Hardwire 16-F Small Enclosure (left) and Large Enclosure (right):

Qolsys Hardwire 16-F - 16-Zone S-Line Capable Converter Module:

Another option available in the category of wired-to-wireless conversion is the Qolsys Hardwire 16-F. This converter module is only compatible with Qolsys IQ 4 Panels that support the 319.5 MHz Qolsys and Interlogix RF frequency. It comes in either a small enclosure or a large enclosure and supports up to sixteen wired zones. One of these zones can be used with compatible 2-wire smoke detectors.

On the Hardwire 16-F Zones 1 - 15 can be used with any standard burglary zone type such as doors, windows, motion detectors, and glass break detectors. These zones can also be used for environmental sensors such as flood sensors, or temperature sensors. Zone 16 is used to support 2-wire smoke detectors, when necessary. If there are no 2-wire smokes to convert, then Zone 16 can be used as a normal, non-life-safety zone.

The original version of the Hardwire 16-F required the use of 4.7k End-of-Line-Resistors (EOLR). The current version of the module supports resistor calibration and can support any resistor value from 1k to 10k. They call this Legacy Mode. In UL Mode, the 4.7k EOLRs are used for all zones, and when Zone 16 is used for 2-wire smokes, it must use a 4.7k resistor. Not all 2-wire smokes are supported on the Hardwire 16-F. The System Sensor 2W-B, 2WT-B, and 2WTA-B models are all supported. It is not recommended to mix different smoke detector models on the same two-wire smoke loop.

The Hardwire 16-F also offers a bell output of 12VDC @500mA and Auxiliary power of 500mA to power devices such as motion detectors and glass break detectors. It requires its own power supply (included) and backup battery (not included). When used with a panel that supports S-Line rolling code encryption, such as the IQ Panel 4, the Hardwire 16-F provides encryption of all wireless signals between itself and the alarm panel. This helps to prevent the spoofing or mimicking of RF signals.

Specifications:

Image of a Honeywell Home 5800C2W:

Honeywell Home 5800C2W - 9-Zone Converter Module:

The Honeywell Home 5800C2W is a 9-zone wired-to-wireless converter module that transmits using the Honeywell 5800-Series 345 MHz frequency. It is only compatible with an IQ Panel 4 that is capable of receiving this frequency, so be certain which panel version you have before purchasing this unit.

Just like the DSC PG9WLSHW8 and the Qolsys Hardwire 16-F, the 5800C2W allows you to convert a conventional wired zone input, such as a door, window, or motion sensor, into a wireless signal that can be received by the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 with a 345 MHz SRF daughter card. This makes it a relatively simple matter to replace an existing wired system with a brand new, state-of-the-art wireless system that offers modern features such as a touchscreen interface and Z-Wave Plus capability.

The 5800C2W can not support any life-safety sensors such as carbon monoxide detectors or smoke detectors. It can support all wired burglary-type sensors as well as environmental sensors such as flood or temperature sensors. It supports resistor calibration with any resistor value from 1 kΩ to 10 kΩ. Be sure that all zones are wired to the module, and that all zones are in their normal, non-faulted state, then press and release the calibration button. Any zone that is open, or that has no EOLR connected at the time the calibration button is pressed will be disabled by the module.

By default, the module is supervised for AC loss, low battery, RF supervisory, and cover tamper using the lowest calibrated and programmed zone input. Normally, this will be whatever panel zone number the 5800C2W zone 1 input is programmed with. If you skip the module's zone 1 input, and use zone 2 as your first programmed zone, then this zone will be used for supervision. You can use some creative programming to get a dedicated AC loss, low battery, and tamper zone. Check out Step 3 in the installation instructions for details.

As with all the other converter modules listed here, the 5800C2W comes with a transformer but no backup battery, so you'll need to purchase a battery separately. There is no wire included with the module for connecting the transformer to it. As long as the outlet to be used is within eight (8) feet of the module mounting location, you can use a Honeywell LT-Cable to connect the module to its power supply. This cable is pre-stripped at the module end and has nice spade connectors that are color-coded Black and Red for connecting to the DC power adapter.

Specifications:

Image of a 2GIG Take-345 Module:

2GIG Take-345 - 8-Zone Converter Module:

The 2GIG Take-345, sometimes referred to as the Super Switch, is the 2GIG manufactured 345 MHz wired-to-wireless converter. It has a smaller physical footprint than the 5800C2W, and only supports up to eight (8) wired zones. It also does not have its own backup battery circuit, unlike every other converter module we've discussed so far. As is the case with early wired-to-wireless converter modules, no life safety devices such as smoke detectors, CO detectors, and even heat detectors are supported.

The idea behind the Take-345 is that it will be mounted inside the old wired panel that is being replaced. The wired panel is meant to behave as sort of a life support system for the Take-345. The panel's 12-volt auxiliary power is used to power the Take-345, with the panel's backup battery providing the backup power. There was a kit available for those who weren't replacing an existing panel called the 2GIG TAKE-KIT1. This kit came with an enclosure, a power supply and transformer, and the Take-345 module. A backup battery is supported with this configuration but is sold separately. This kit, however, is no longer available.

The 2GIG Take-345 is only compatible with the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 with a 345 MHz daughter card installed. Be sure to verify which IQ Panel 4 you have before you purchase this module. One problem that is sometimes encountered when using the Take-345 is that it has only one (1) ground terminal for all eight (8) zones and input power. It can be difficult to get all of the necessary wires connected to the Ground Terminal and may require that you use a bus terminal expander.

Specifications:

Wireless Sensors With Auxiliary Input - Honeywell 5816 (Left), DSC PG9945 (Center), IQ DW MINI Extended-S (Right):

Various Wireless Sensors with Auxiliary Wired Input:

Given the fact that you can get a Qolsys IQ Panel 4 that supports nearly any existing wireless protocol, there is a wide variety of wireless sensors that can be used with these panels. In most cases, a wireless transmitter that also supports an auxiliary wired input will only support one such zone.

The use case for this type of wired zone addition usually comes down to convenience and cost. You may have a set of double doors. You plan to use a wireless transmitter to protect one door, and the auxiliary wired input of that transmitter to protect the second door. In this way, you can take advantage of the fact that wired contacts are very inexpensive, and protect two openings for the price of one transmitter.

Common Transmitters with Auxiliary Input:

It is possible that there are other sensors with auxiliary input capabilities that may work with one or more versions of the IQ Panel 4, however, this list is based on the most current RF Compatibility List for the panel. This list is current as of Firmware Version 4.1.0.