How Do I Add a PowerG Door/Window Sensor to the IQ Panel 5?

To add a PowerG door or window sensor to the IQ Panel 5, swipe down, touch Settings, Advanced Settings, enter the Installer Code (1111 by default), go to Installation, Devices, Security Sensors, and touch Auto Learn. Trip the sensor, set Sensor Type to Door/Window, and select a Sensor Group.

Compatible PowerG Door and Window Sensors

The IQ Panel 5 (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE) supports PowerG door and window contacts natively — no daughter card required. A compatible model is the DSC PGP9945E PowerG Door/Window Contact, which includes a wired input for connecting a hardwired device to a wireless sensor. The standard PG9945 and slim PGP9303 vanishing contact are also compatible. All three use PowerG two-way encrypted wireless and provide full supervision. Note that the PGP9945E and similar models with auxiliary input show an additional Sensor Input field during enrollment — set this to Reed Switch for standard door/window use.

The Sensor Group you assign determines how the sensor behaves when the security system is armed. Group 10 (Entry-Exit Normal Delay) is the standard choice for a main entry door — it gives you time to disarm after opening the door before the alarm sounds. Group 13 (Instant Perimeter D/W) triggers an alarm instantly and is used for windows and secondary doors that should never open while armed. Choose the group that matches the door's role before completing enrollment.

Steps to Add the Door or Window Sensor

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen and touch Settings. The Settings page opens.

IQ Panel 5 Settings Tray opened by swiping down from the top of the screen

2. Touch Advanced Settings and enter the Installer Code (1111 by default). The Advanced Settings menu opens. If you see Master Settings instead of Installation, you entered the Master Code — go back and re-enter the Installer Code.

IQ Panel 5 Advanced Settings highlighted on the Settings page

3. Touch Installation, then Devices, then Security Sensors. The Security Sensors menu opens showing Auto Learn Sensor and other options.

IQ Panel 5 Advanced Settings installer menu categories

4. Touch Auto Learn Sensor. The panel enters listening mode and waits for a PowerG signal.

IQ Panel 5 Auto Learn Sensor mode waiting for a device signal

5. Trip the sensor to send a signal. Open and close the door or window where the sensor is installed. For newer PowerG sensors, pull the battery tab to power on the device. For older models, press and hold the enroll button until the yellow LED flashes. The panel chimes and displays the sensor DL ID with a confirmation popup.

6. Touch OK to confirm the sensor. The sensor configuration screen appears. The Source field auto-populates as PowerG. For the PGP9945E and similar models, a Sensor Input dropdown also appears — set this to Reed Switch for standard door/window use.

IQ Panel 5 sensor configuration screen after door/window sensor detection

7. Set the Sensor Type to Door/Window. The Sensor Group dropdown updates to show only door/window-compatible groups.

IQ Panel 5 sensor type selection screen showing Door/Window option

8. Choose the Sensor Group, add a Sensor Name, and touch Add New. Use Group 10 for a main entry door, Group 12 for a garage or secondary entry needing a longer delay, or Group 13 for windows and doors that should trigger an instant alarm. Choose a descriptive name such as Front Door, Back Door, or Kitchen Window, then touch Add New to save.

IQ Panel 5 sensor group selection showing door/window sensor group options

Sensor Groups for Door and Window Sensors

Group 10 (Entry-Exit Normal Delay) is the standard choice for a front or back door — it gives you the entry delay period to reach the panel and disarm before the alarm sounds. Group 12 (Entry-Exit Long Delay) works the same way but with a longer delay, useful for a garage entry where the walk to the panel is farther. Group 13 (Instant Perimeter D/W) triggers an instant alarm the moment the sensor is tripped while armed — the right choice for windows and doors that should never open during arming. Group 14 (Instant Interior Door) triggers instantly in both Stay and Away modes. Expand your home's coverage with additional PowerG sensors and add a monitoring plan so every door and window event is reported to the central station.

Adding a PowerG door or window sensor to your IQ Panel 5 gives you encrypted wireless protection at every entry point with full supervision on the IQ Panel 5. For help with PowerG sensor enrollment or other configurations or other configurations on your IQ Panel 5, contact the Alarm Grid support team. We are here Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time. Email us at support@alarmgrid.com, call us at 888-818-7728, or visit our website and chat with a live support agent.