Should I Get a PowerG Motion Sensor?

You should get a PowerG Motion if you have a PowerG System and need the extended range and wireless encryption of PowerG. Generally speaking, anyone with a PowerG System will want to use PowerG Sensors. But there are some situations where selecting an alternate motion sensor is preferable.

When discussing PowerG Motion Detection Sensors, one is usually referring to the DSC PG9914. This is a relatively standard motion sensor with a coverage area of 39 feet and pet immunity for small animals weighing up to 85 pounds. There are other PowerG Motion Sensors, such as the DSC PG9974P with mirror optics, the dual-tech DSC PG9984P, and the DSC PG9862 Ceiling Mount Sensor. But for this FAQ, we will be focusing on standard PIR motion sensors and how they stack up to the DSC PG9914.

Keep in mind that PowerG Sensors utilize military-grade 128-bit AES encryption and offer a wireless communication range of up to 2,000 feet from a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System when used in an open-air environment. With that in mind, most industry experts agree that PowerG Sensors are the best devices in the industry. If your panel supports PowerG Sensors, then you will typically want to use PowerG Motion Sensors. There are only a few exceptions where that isn't the case.

There are three (3) types of systems that support PowerG Motion Sensors. These are the DSC Iotega, a DSC PowerSeries NEO System with an added PowerG Wireless Transceiver, and all three (3) versions of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. If you have a DSC Iotega or a DSC PowerSeries NEO, then PowerG Motion Sensors represent your only option for wireless motion sensors. Of course, a DSC PowerSeries NEO can utilize hardwired motion sensors. But for this FAQ, we will stick to wireless motion sensors. With that in mind Iotega and PowerSeries NEO users must choose a PowerG Sensor for their motion detection needs.

If you have a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, then you technically have other options for motion sensors. These options depend on which Legacy RF version you have (319.5 MHz, 345 MHz, or 433 MHz). In terms of wireless communication range and encryption and security, the DSC PG9914 reigns supreme. As a result the DSC PG9914 is typically the best option available. But if range and encryption aren't important to you, then there may be a better option available. Let's take a look at the other motion sensor options available for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus.

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus 319.5 MHz

The 319.5 MHz Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus can support the Qolsys QS1231-840 IQ Motion-S. This motion sensor offers about the same coverage area as the PG9914. The IQ Motion-S also utilizes rolling code "S-Line" encryption, which while less secure than the 128-bit AES encryption used with the DSC PG9914, is still a good method of wireless security. The IQ Motion-S is less expensive than the PG9914. If a lower price point is more important to you than further wireless range, and more secure encryption isn't important to you then the IQ Motion-S is an option.

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus 345

For users of the 345 MHz version of the IQ Panel 2 Plus, there is actually a pretty good alternative motion sensor in the Honeywell 5800PIR-COM. The Honeywell 5800PIR-COM offers a detection range of up to 60' by 80', which is considerably larger than the 39' range offered from the PG9914. Another benefit of the Honeywell 5800PIR-COM is that it has selectable loops, and you can program the sensor to multiple loops to also use it as a temperature sensor. However, the wireless range for the 5800PIR-COM is only 200 feet nominal, and it offers absolutely no wireless encryption protection. But if coverage area is your top priority, then you should definitely consider the Honeywell 5800PIR-COM over the DSC PG9914 when using this Legacy RF version of the panel.

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus 433 MHz

If you are using the 433 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus, then there is very little reason to choose a motion sensor other than the PG9914. DSC does offer a 433 MHz motion sensor called the DSC WS4904P that will work with the 433 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus. However, its coverage area is virtually identical to that of DSC PG9914. Also, the DSC WS4904P offers a smaller wireless communication range and no encryption protection. Any 433 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus user will definitely want to go with the PG9914 as a standard motion sensor.