How Long Is The Cable That Comes w/ a Qolsys IQ Panel 4?

The only pre-made cable that comes with the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 is for power. The included power wire is about ten (10) feet long. It has a barrel connector at the panel end, and spade lugs at the power adapter end. A longer wire run is allowed, as long as you stay within the specifications.

For many users, the power cord that comes included with the IQ Panel 4 is adequate. It need only reach the nearest available power outlet. But for some users, this cable will not be long enough. This may be because they don't have an outlet near the panel's mounting location, or because they prefer to plug the panel into an outlet that can't be seen by anyone who is standing at the panel. In either case, a properly prepared custom-length cable can be used.

When using the included power cord, it will likely come out of the box with the power wire already connected to the transformer. If not, then it can easily be connected. Loosen each of the screws on the transformer. Slide the prongs of the spade lugs under each screw, making sure you observe proper polarity. It can be difficult to see the markings for Positive (+) and Negative (-) so be sure you find them. The spade lugs should be marked with Red for Positive, and Black for Negative. If not, then the wire with the gray dashes is the Positive one. The wire with the solid gray line is Negative. Once the wires are connected to the transformer, don't plug the panel in yet. But you can connect the barrel connector to the proper location in the back of the panel.

Below is an IQ Panel 4 transformer. You can just see the + and - markings, which indicate proper polarity:

The specifications for power wiring are found on Page 12 of the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 Installation Manual. There it states that you can use the 7VDC transformer with 18 AWG wire and run it up to 98.5' (30m) from the transformer to the IQ Panel 4. Any smaller gauge wire, or longer wire run, and you risk having power issues with the panel. These would likely manifest first as the panel reporting low battery messages when there should be no low battery condition. There could be other inexplicable behavior in such a situation.

This type of connection requires a two (2) conductor wire. One wire for Positive and one for Negative. This Genesis 18 Gauge 2-conductor wire is perfect. Inside the outer coating there are two wires. One is coated in black plastic and the other is in red plastic. This assists you in maintaining proper polarity.

Many DIY installers won't need an entire box of low-voltage wire. If you're one of those DIYers, you can go to your local home improvement store, or possibly a hardware store and ask them to cut a length of wire for you. Just be sure that the wire is at least 18 gauge or larger (the smaller the number, the larger the wire diameter) and that you don't exceed 98.5' (30m).