How Do I Get Power to a Qolsys IQ Panel 2?

You get power to a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 by connecting its transformer and plugging it in. The system uses a 5.5VDC or 7VDC transformer. An included power cable is attached to the transformer and plugged into the IQ Panel 2. The panel also has a backup battery for when AC power is out.

Please note that the system can also be powered using a standard 18-gauge 2-conductor wire or a Honeywell LT-Cable, instead of the stock six-foot (6') prepared cable that came with it. If you are using the prepared stock cable that originally came with the IQ Panel 2, then you can plug the male barrel connector from the end of the wire from the transformer into the female barrel connector port on the panel. This can be seen in the picture below. Note that on the stock cable, the wire with grey stripes is the positive (+) wire, and the solid-white wire is the negative (-) wire.

If you are not using the stock power cable, and you are instead using traditional alarm wire or a Honeywell LT-Cable, then the ends of the wire will connect to the top two terminal ports on the back of the system. These are the orange and black terminals labeled "5V_DC_IN" and "GND" respectively. The positive (+) wire will connect to the orange "5vDC In" terminal, and the negative (-) wire will connect to the black "GND" terminal. This is briefly mentioned in Step 5 later in this FAQ. You can also see this close-up of the terminals.

Also note that Qolsys later released an upgraded 7VDC transformer for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 and Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus called the Qolsys QR0051-840. This is different than the stock transformer that comes included with the IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus, as that is a 5.5VDC transformer called the Qolsys QR0029-840. The biggest difference between these two (2) transformers is that the 7VDC QR0051-840 makes longer wire runs possible for the IQ2 or IQ2+, as it can support an 18-AWG (18 Gauge) wire run of up to 100 feet for one of the systems, while the stock 5.5VDC QR0029-480 that comes included with the IQ2 or IQ2+ can only support an 18-AWG wire run of up to 25 feet for the IQ2 or IQ2+. Other than that, the transformers appear virtually identical, and they are both set up and used in the exact same way. The only reason to go out of your way to purchase the 7VDC Qolsys QR0051-840 is if you plan on using traditional alarm wire that you must prepare yourself, and you know that you will require an extra-long wire run (more than 25 feet for 18 AWG cabling).

The steps below mostly discuss using the standard cable that comes with the IQ Panel 2. Complete the following steps to power on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2:

1. Prepare the adapter. Locate the end of the included cable that features positive and negative connectors. This is the end opposite from the male barrel connector. The striped wire is the positive (+) connector, and the solid-white wire is the negative (-) connector. Screw these connectors into the included 5.5VDC or 7VDC transformer, making sure to observe proper polarity.

The picture below shows the connection. In the picture, the positive (+) connection is red, and the negative (-) connection is black.

2. Plug in the barrel connector. Remove the back cover of the IQ Panel 2 by sliding your thumb underneath the latch to gently pull it loose. Once it has been removed, locate the female barrel connection port on the circuit board of the IQ Panel 2.

The barrel connection port is shown in the picture below:

Take the end of the included cable with the male barrel connector, and plug it into the barrel connector port on the IQ Panel 2. This is the opposite end of the cable from the power supply shown in step 1.

The picture below shows the male barrel connector on the included cable:

After the cable has been plugged into the IQ Panel 2, you can put the cord behind the clip and into the strain-relief mechanism. This will make the wiring neater, and it will allow you to replace the back cover on the IQ Panel 2.

The picture below shows proper wire routing:

3. Plug-in the transformer Plug the DC transformer into an outlet. The IQ Panel 2 will begin receiving DC power from the outlet. In the event of power loss, the IQ Panel 2 will stay powered using its lithium polymer backup battery.

4. Power on the panel. Press and hold the power button on the side of the IQ Panel 2 for three (3) seconds to turn it on. The picture below shows the power button on the IQ Panel 2:

5. Using a different wire. For some customers, a six-foot (6') power cable will not be long enough. You can use 18-gauge 2-conductor wire instead. Remember that if you are using the 5.5VDC transformer, then you are limited to a wire run of no further than 25 feet for an 18-AWG wire. This maximum wire run limit increases to 100 feet for an 18-AWG wire if the 7VDC transformer is used instead. No matter which transformer you are using, remember to observe proper polarity to avoid damaging the unit.

Please note that the diagram below was made specifically for the 5.5VDC transformer, before Qolsys later released their 7VDC transformer.