Which Battery Is Compatible With The Qolsys IQ Panel 4?

The replacement battery for the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 is the Qolsys QR0083-840. Rated at 3.7 Volts with a 10Wh, 3,000 mAh capacity, it is capable of powering the IQ Panel 4 for at least 24 hours when AC power fails. The panel battery will eventually fail to hold a charge, replace it with this one.

When it comes to security systems, any component of the system that has a separate connection to AC power must also have a backup battery. This is so that the entire system can continue to operate in the event of a power failure. Power failures can be accidental, weather-related, or part of a burglar's effort to defeat an alarm system and prevent detection. As such, keeping the entire system powered and working is mission-critical.

The Qolsys QR0083-840 is a rechargeable lithium battery. These batteries have become standard for use in all-in-one, touchscreen alarm panels like the Qolsys IQ Panel 4. They offer a small form factor, with relatively large power capability. The effective life of a rechargeable lithium battery in a system like the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 is usually around five (5) years. Eventually, the battery that comes with the panel from the factory will lose its ability to hold a charge. As this occurs, you will begin to see low-battery messages generated by the system.

When this happens, you should purchase a replacement battery and make the swap. If your system is monitored by a central station, be sure to put it on test before you begin the battery replacement. Once the system is on test with the monitoring station, you can begin the replacement process.

Follow these steps to replace the Qolsys IQ Panel 4 battery:

1. Power down. To properly power down the Qolsys IQ Panel 4, tap the gray menu bar at the top of the panel screen, then tap Settings > Advanced Settings > Enter Installer, Dealer, or Master Code (1111, 2222, or 1234 by default, respectively) > Power Down. Allow the panel to completely power down before moving to the next step.
   
   Never power down a Qolsys IQ Panel 4 by simply removing the transformer and battery without going through the menu. This can terminally damage the panel.
   
   
2. Remove the panel base. If the panel is wall mounted, find the set screw on the bottom edge and loosen it enough so that you can pull the bottom of the panel forward, away from the mounting base. Once you've pulled the bottom edge of the panel forward, push the panel straight up so that it clears the two tabs on the top edge of the mounting plate. The panel should now be free and can be placed face down on a flat surface.
   
   
   
3. Remove the battery. Looking into the panel from the back, the battery is on the lower left side. Disconnect the old battery's cable from the panel. Don't pull on the cable. If the connector is tight, gently use a flathead screwdriver to loosen the connector from the panel, without puncturing the battery. Once the connector is unplugged, remove the battery. Rechargeable lithium batteries pose a danger if punctured. They should also never be stored where the temperature could rise above 140°F (60°C), and should not be incinerated. Check your local recycling center to see if they accept lithium batteries. If you don't have a recycling center in your area, you can search for ways to properly recycle your battery based on your location here.
   
   
   
4. Install the new battery. Plug in the new battery, and route the wire in the same manner the original battery was routed (as seen in the image above). Drop the battery into the space provided.
   
   
5. Mount the panel. Align the space in the back of the panel with the locking tabs on top of the back mounting plate. Vertically slide the panel down over those tabs, then press the bottom edge of the panel forward until it locks into place on the mounting plate. Tighten the set screw in the bottom edge of the panel.
   
   
6. Power the panel on. Press and hold the power button on the right side of the panel for three (3) seconds, until the panel begins to boot up. Once booted, you can run the panel test to verify that the new battery is working properly.