How Many Hardwired Zones Are On a Qolsys IQ Panel 2?

There are two hardwired zones on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2. These zones are for normally closed hardwired devices only. To use additional hardwired devices, a compatible wired to wireless converter is needed. A compatible wired to wireless converter for the IQ Panel 2 is the IQ Hardwire 16-F.

On the board for the IQ Panel 2, there are two inputs for normally closed hardwired devices. To use a hardwired device with the system, start by wiring it to one of these inputs. A 4.7k resistor (color code Yellow, Violet, Red, Gold) must be wired in series with the device. The required resistor is not included. Once wiring is complete, access the Installation Menu under Advanced Settings, and choose "Auto-Learn Sensor". Then activate the hardwired sensor to have it recognized by the system. You will then be able to configure the settings for that sensor.

But if you need to use more than two hardwired sensors, then you will need to use a wired to wireless converter. Hardwired devices connect with a wired to wireless converter, and the converter sends a wireless signal to the panel on behalf of the hardwired devices. For a wired to wireless converter to work, it will need to send a wireless signal that is compatible with the security system's wireless receiver.

For the IQ Panel 2, we recommend using a Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F. This converter will send an encrypted 319.5 MHz signal that is compatible with both the original IQ Panel 2 and the newer IQ Panel 2 Plus with the 319.5 legacy daughtercard. The IQ Hardwire 16-F can support up to 16 hardwired devices. Zone 16 can even support up to ten (10) compatible 2-wire smoke detectors. The Qolsys Hardwire 16-F is the only wired to wireless converter that allows you to continue to use existing 2-wire smoke detectors.

To use this converter, simply plug it into the wall, and connect any hardwired devices to zone inputs 1 - 15 on the converter. If you are not using 2-wire smoke detectors, zone 16 can be used as a regular burglary input. The hardwired sensors can then be enrolled using the same process as wireless sensors. If you are using a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus with the 345 MHz legacy daughtercard, then the Honeywell 5800C2W or the 2GIG Take-345 would be the wired to wireless converter to use. Unfortunately, neither of these devices will allow the use of 2-wire smoke detectors. Also, none of the wired to wireless converters currently on the market will allow the use of Carbon Monoxide detectors.

Remember, each hardwired sensor that is learned in through the converter will require its own wireless zone on the system. This will count towards the system's limit of 128 wireless zones. Make sure to keep this in mind when planning your system.