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Overview
The Qolsys IQ Panel 5 is the successor to the IQ Panel 4: a 7-inch touchscreen all-in-one security and automation panel, sold and activated by security dealers and normally used with Alarm.com service. It runs Android 14 on a Qualcomm processor and has PowerG+ wireless built in.
The biggest change for anyone choosing sensors is that the IQ Panel 5 is modular. PowerG is the only security radio inside the panel as shipped. Support for older 319.5, 345 or 433 MHz sensors, and wired Ethernet, are added with plug-in IQ Cards. Which sensors you can use depends on which cards are installed.
At a glance
| Type | All-in-one touchscreen panel, 7-inch 1280×800 |
|---|---|
| Security wireless | PowerG+ (915 MHz, encrypted, two-way) built in; legacy frequencies by add-on card |
| Communication | LTE cellular (carrier-specific models) and dual-band Wi-Fi; Ethernet by add-on card |
| Automation | Z-Wave 800 series with Z-Wave Long Range |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 LE, used for touchless disarming from a phone |
| Camera | 13 MP wide-angle front camera (disarm and alarm photos) |
| Partitions / users | Up to 4 partitions, up to 242 user codes |
| Power | 12 V DC plug-in adapter; 18650 lithium-ion backup battery rated for over 24 hours |
| Size | About 7.5" wide × 6.1" high × 1" deep |
| Models | IQP5017 (US, Verizon), IQP5018 (US and Canada, AT&T), IQP5020 (Canada, Telus) |
Specifications are from the Qolsys IQ Panel 5 spec sheet. The IQ5 Hub is a lower-cost panel on the same platform, with the same PowerG+ radio and card system.
Troubleshooting
A legacy sensor will not learn in
Check, in order:
- Is the right IQ Card installed for the sensor's frequency?
- Is the sensor model supported by the panel's firmware?
- Does the sensor have a good battery?
Older sensors pulled from a previous system often have tired batteries that still send a signal close to the old panel but fail further away.
Alerts at the top of the screen
Low battery, tamper, supervision loss, AC power and connectivity alerts work much like the IQ Panel 4's. See Qolsys IQ Panel alerts.
Panel battery
The backup battery is a rechargeable 18650 lithium-ion cell. If the panel reports a low battery while on mains power, check the 12 V adapter and its barrel plug first.
Compatible Peripherals
Which sensors work with the IQ Panel 5?
Sort your sensors by radio type. The suffix on Qolsys part names is the quickest guide: PG means PowerG, and -S means Qolsys S-Line, which uses the encrypted 319.5 MHz radio.
| Sensor family | Works with IQ Panel 5? | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| PowerG sensors: Qolsys "PG" devices, DSC PowerG, and other PowerG devices | Yes | Nothing extra; PowerG+ is built in |
| Qolsys S-Line and other 319.5 MHz sensors (Interlogix/GE/Caddx-family wireless) | Yes, with a card | IQ Card-319 |
| 345 MHz sensors (Honeywell 5800 series, 2GIG) | Yes, with a card | IQ Card-345 |
| 433 MHz sensors (older DSC wireless) | Yes, with a card | IQ Card-433 |
| Hardwired zones from an existing wired system | Yes | IQ Hardwire PowerG (8 wired zones, sent to the panel over PowerG) |
Two practical points:
- Not every legacy sensor learns in, even with the right card. The card supports the frequency, but each sensor model still has to be on Qolsys's supported list for the panel's firmware. Check the specific models before promising a takeover.
- Plan the cards before installation. The card slots are inside the panel. Decide on legacy support when you order, not after the panel is on the wall.
Qolsys S-Line sensors (319.5 MHz)
These need the IQ Card-319 on an IQ Panel 5:
- Door/window: IQ Door/Window-S, IQ Mini DW-S, IQ DW Extended-S, IQ Recessed DW-S, IQ Tilt-S (garage doors)
- Motion and glass: IQ Motion-S, IQ Glass-S, IQ Shock Mini-S
- Environmental: IQ Flood-S, IQ Temp-S
- Remotes: IQ Fob-S, IQ Pendant-S
Keypads, touchscreens and power
- IQ Keypad PG (PowerG keypad) and IQ Remote PowerG secondary touchscreen.
- Wall mount included; the IQ Stand table stand is sold separately.
- Automation: Z-Wave locks, lights, plugs and thermostats; Qolsys also sells PowerG automation devices such as the IQ Smart Plug-PG.
Installation Notes
- Choose the cellular model for the carrier with the best signal at the site. The radio is built in, and the US models are carrier-specific (Verizon or AT&T).
- Install IQ Cards before mounting, then enroll the legacy sensors.
- Mount at a height where the front camera sees the face of whoever disarms the panel. The PortraitView camera does not need to be tilted.
- The panel has wall and panel tamper switches. Seat it fully on the SmartMount backplate, or it will report a tamper.
- Enroll PowerG devices, then check signal strength from each device's final mounting spot, not from the bench.
- Change the default installer, dealer and user codes on every install. See installer and master codes.
- The panel is listed for indoor, dry locations only, at 32–120 °F.
FAQs
Do my IQ Panel 4 sensors work with an IQ Panel 5?
PowerG sensors do, because PowerG is built into both panels. S-Line and other legacy sensors only work if the IQ Panel 5 has the matching IQ Card (319, 345 or 433).
Can the IQ Panel 5 take over my old Honeywell or 2GIG wireless sensors?
Often, yes, with the IQ Card-345, as long as the specific sensor models are on Qolsys's supported list.
How many sensors can the IQ Panel 5 handle?
Qolsys's spec sheet lists capacities of up to 128 devices for security sensors. Check the current spec sheet for the exact limits per radio, because capacity can change with firmware.
Can I buy and set up an IQ Panel 5 myself?
Qolsys sells through security dealers. The panel needs a dealer's Alarm.com account for cellular service, the app and monitoring.