How Loud is the Siren in a Qolsys IQ Panel 2?

The siren in a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 is rated at 85dB minimum. This is about as loud as a lawnmower or a motorcycle passing nearby. In most cases, this is loud enough to warn anyone in the immediate area about an alarm that has occurred. However, an even louder external siren can be used as well.

With its 85db (miminum) piezoelectric internal siren, the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 meets or exceeds the minimum requirement for sound pressure level as outlined in UL 985, the standard for household fire warning systems. The minimum standard for this classification is 85dB. This means that the siren inside of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 is considered to be loud enough to be used as a fire safety device in most households.

While its included siren is loud enough for most home applications, the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 can also be used with the Qolsys IQ Siren. This wireless Z-Wave siren is rated at 105dB. This is comparable to the volume of a helicopter at takeoff. The Qolsys IQ Siren also features a strobe light to warn people about the alarm, and it can be easily installed by plugging it into a standard wall outlet, then including it with the system.

Complete the following steps to program the Qolsys IQ Siren with the IQ Panel 2:

1. Install the siren. Plug the IQ Siren into a wall outlet near the IQ Panel 2 to install it.

2. Clear the siren. Clearing the siren before programming it for the first time is very important in case it was programmed with another device prior to leaving the factory. From the home screen of the IQ Panel 2, swipe down on the small grey bar at the top of the screen. Then go to Settings > Advanced Settings > enter installer code (default is 1111) > Installation > Devices > Z-Wave Devices > Clear devices. The panel will enter into clearing mode. Immediately press the small button on the bottom of the siren to clear the device. If successful, the panel will display that the device has been cleared from the network. Click "OK".

3. Pair the siren. Select "Add Device". Then click the "Pair" button at the bottom of the screen. The IQ Panel 2 will enter into pairing mode. Immediately press the small button on the bottom of the siren to pair it with the panel. Then click "Add" to save the device. Up to 10 sirens can be paired with a single IQ Panel 2.

4. Test the siren. Put your IQ Panel 2 into arm mode. Then, remove the tamper cover on the IQ Panel 2 to trigger an alarm. Verify that the siren is working, and enter any valid user code on the panel to disarm the system.