How Do I Switch Between Resistor Modes On The Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F?

You can switch between resistor modes on the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F by powering down the module and holding down the "EOL Learn" button for eight (8) seconds while power is reapplied to the device. Successfully switching modes will cause the module's LED lights to blink rapidly.

Please note that only Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F units manufactured in week 40 of 2019 and beyond will have adjustable resistor modes. Units manufactured before week 40 of 2019 only support a UL Fire Mode, in which all end of line resistors must be 4.7k Ohms. These older units cannot support end of line resistor learning for the use of resistors other than 4.7k Ohms.

For the units manufactured in week 40 of 2019 and beyond, a Legacy Mode is available, in addition to the UL Fire Mode. In Legacy Mode, the module will support end of line resistor learning, which allows resistors ranging from 1k Ohms to 10k Ohms to be used. Remember that all versions of the IQ Hardwire 16-F require end of line resistors at all 16 zones, including any zones that are not actively being used. This is true regardless of when the unit was built or what resistor mode is being used. If you do not know when your IQ Hardwire 16-F unit was manufactured, please see this FAQ for information on how to determine its Revision.

The default resistor mode for the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F is the UL Fire Mode, in which all zones will utilize a 4.7k resistor. This resistor is color-coded Yellow-Violet-Black-Brown-Brown. The Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F comes with (16) 4.7k resistors for this reason. In this mode, only 4.7k resistors can be used. You can identify that the module is in this mode because the Processor LED light will blink rapidly at eight (8) times per second.

If you intend to use 1k to 10k resistors (other than 4.7k) at any zone, then you must switch to Legacy Mode, which may also be referred to as EOL Resistor Learning Mode. Legacy Mode can be identified by the Processor LED light blinking slowly at just one (1) time per second. Keep in mind that Zone 16 must use a 4.7k resistor, regardless of which resistor mode the IQ Hardwire 16-F is currently using. For more information on using 2-wire smoke detectors with the IQ Hardwire 16-F please see this FAQ.

Complete the following steps to switch resistor modes on the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F:

1. Clear the memory. You should clear the memory for the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F before switching resistor modes. This is also referred to as performing a factory default. You can clear the memory by powering down the module (disconnect backup battery and transformer) and hold down the Memory Reset button while power is being reapplied to the device. Keep the Memory Reset Button held down for at least three (3) seconds. LED lights on the module should begin blinking rapidly to confirm that the process was successful. Please see this FAQ for more information.

2. Power down the module. Disconnect the IQ Hardwire 16-F backup battery and unplug its transformer to power down the module. There should be no LED lights lit on the module. Wait about 20 seconds before continuing to the next step.

3. Switch resistor modes. Press and hold the EOL Learn button on the IQ Hardwire 16-F. With the button held down, reapply power to the IQ Hardwire 16-F by plugging its transformer back into the outlet. Keep the EOL Learn button held down, and do not let go of it. You may need to get a second person to help you do this. Keep holding the button until the Processor, RF Xmit, and EOL CAL LED lights begin blinking rapidly. This will take about eight (8) seconds. The rapidly flashing LED lights indicate that the resistor mode has been switched. You can then release the EOL Learn button. You can also reconnect the module's backup battery at this time.

4. Confirm resistor mode. Make sure the module is now in the mode you want to use. In UL Fire Mode where all zones need a 4.7k resistor, the Processor LED will blink rapidly (8 times per second). In Legacy Mode where zones can use 1k to 10k resistors, the Processor LED will blink slowly (1 time per second).

Note: Since you cleared the memory for the IQ Hardwire 16-F, you will need to re-enroll it with your panel if it had been programmed into the panel prior to step 1. You will also need to re-enroll any sensors used with the module. You should delete the old zones from your panel before re-enrolling the 16-F module and its sensors.