How Do I Add a Door Sensor on the IQ5 NS Security Panel?

The IQ5 NS supports PowerG and legacy wireless door sensors for monitoring entry and exit points in your home. Since the IQ5 NS does not have a touchscreen, all sensor enrollment is handled through the IQ Installer app on your mobile device, connected to the panel over your WIFI network.

Before You Begin

The IQ5 NS (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE) supports up to 128 security sensors, including door and window contacts, motion detectors, and life safety devices. Before adding a new door sensor, make sure your DSC PGP9945E or compatible PowerG+ door sensors are nearby and ready for enrollment. You will also need the Installer code (default: 1111) to access the sensor programming menus.

The IQ5 NS does not have a touchscreen, so you will need to download the IQ Installer app on your mobile device. If you have not yet connected the IQ Installer app to your panel, see our guide on setting up the IQ5 NS with the IQ Installer app before proceeding.

Make sure your phone or tablet is connected to the same WIFI network as the panel. A strong WIFI connection is essential for remote access, real-time notifications, and dual-path communication on your security system.

Adding a Door Sensor with Auto Learn

Auto Learn is the fastest way to add a door sensor to your security system. The panel listens for a sensor signal and automatically populates the sensor ID, saving you from entering it manually.

1. Open the IQ Installer app on your mobile device. Connect to the IQ5 NS panel. The app dashboard displays the current system status and available configuration options.
2. Navigate to Installation, then select Devices. The Devices menu provides access to Security Sensors, Z-Wave Devices, Bluetooth Devices, and other peripheral categories.
3. Select Security Sensors, then touch Auto Learn Sensor. Press Start Autolearn to begin. The panel enters listening mode and waits for a sensor signal.
4. Trip the door sensor to send a signal. Open and close the door where the sensor is installed, or tamper the sensor by removing the cover. For PowerG door contacts, press and hold the enroll button on the sensor until the yellow LED flashes. The IQ Installer app displays the sensor DL ID and prompts you to confirm.
5. Touch OK to confirm the sensor. The app displays the sensor configuration fields. Set the Sensor Type to Door/Window, choose Sensor Group 10 (Entry-Exit, Normal Delay) for a main entry door, and select a Sensor Name such as Front Door or Back Door from the preset list.
6. Configure the remaining fields. Set the Chime Type to your preferred notification sound, enable or disable Voice Prompts, and assign a Partition if partitions are enabled on your system. Review all settings before saving.
7. Touch Save to complete enrollment. The sensor is now active on your IQ5 NS system. The panel returns to the auto-learn screen so you can add additional sensors if needed.

Adding a Door Sensor Manually

If auto-learn does not detect your sensor, you can add it manually by entering the sensor DL ID found on the back of the device.

1. Navigate to Security Sensors and select Add Sensor. Choose Manual PowerG or Manual SRF depending on your sensor frequency.
2. Enter the Sensor DL ID. Type the DL code printed on the sensor label into the Sensor DL ID field.
3. Configure all sensor fields. Set the Sensor Type to Door/Window, select the appropriate Sensor Group, choose a Sensor Name, set the Chime Type, and configure Voice Prompts and Bypass settings.
4. Touch Add New to save the sensor. The sensor is enrolled and active on the system.

Tips

After adding your door sensor, verify it works by opening and closing the door while the system is disarmed. The IQ5 NS will announce the zone with a chime or voice prompt if those features are enabled. You can view sensor status at any time through the IQ Installer app under Security Sensors. Once your sensors are enrolled, pair the system with an Alarm.com account and a monitoring plan for remote access and professional monitoring capabilities.

Adding a door sensor to the Qolsys IQ5 NS strengthens your perimeter protection with reliable wireless detection at every entry point. For help with sensor enrollment or other configurations on your IQ5 NS, contact the Alarm Grid support team. We're here Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Eastern Time. Email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Visit our website to chat with a live support agent.