How Do I Add a PowerG Motion Sensor to the IQ Panel 5 System?

To add a PowerG motion sensor to the IQ Panel 5, swipe down, touch Settings, Advanced Settings, enter the Installer Code (1111 by default), and go to Installation, Devices, Security Sensors. Touch Auto Learn Sensor, activate the PGP9914, set Sensor Type to Motion, and select a Sensor Group.

Before You Begin

The IQ Panel 5 (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE) includes a built-in PIR motion sensor and glass break detector. External PowerG motion sensors expand your coverage to additional rooms and areas the built-in sensor cannot reach. The DSC PGP9914 PowerG PIR Motion Detector is a compatible model that connects natively over PowerG wireless — no daughter card required. Mount the detector before enrollment and make sure it is within PowerG range of the panel.

The Sensor Group controls when the motion sensor is active and how it behaves. Group 17 (Away-Instant Motion) is the most common choice for interior rooms — it activates only when the system is armed in Away mode and triggers an instant alarm when motion is detected. Group 15 (Stay-Instant Motion) keeps the sensor active in both Stay and Away modes, which is useful for areas you want to protect even when you are home. Choose the group that matches how you plan to use the detector before you enroll it.

Steps to Add the Motion 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, Add Sensor, Edit 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. Activate the PGP9914 to send a signal. Walk in front of the detector's field of view or press the tamper button on the back of the unit. 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.

IQ Panel 5 sensor configuration screen after motion detector detection

7. Set the Sensor Type to Motion. The Sensor Group dropdown updates to show only motion-compatible groups.

IQ Panel 5 sensor type selection screen showing Motion option

8. Choose the Sensor Group, add a Sensor Name, and touch Add New. Group 17 (Away-Instant Motion) is the standard choice for interior rooms. Choose a name such as Living Room Motion or Hallway Motion. Touch Add New to save.

IQ Panel 5 sensor group selection showing motion sensor group options

Motion Sensor Groups Explained

Choosing the right Sensor Group determines when the motion sensor protects your home. Group 17 (Away-Instant Motion) only activates when armed to Away — the sensor is ignored when you are home in Stay mode, which is the right choice for most interior living areas. Group 15 (Stay-Instant Motion) activates in both Stay and Away modes, useful for areas like a basement or garage where you want protection even when home. Group 20 (Away-Delay Motion) gives an entry delay when motion is detected, allowing time to disarm before the alarm sounds. Group 25 (Safety Motion) never triggers an alarm — it only chimes, making it useful for activity monitoring. Expand your home's protection further with a monitoring plan and additional PowerG sensors for complete coverage of your security system.

Adding a PowerG motion sensor to your IQ Panel 5 expands interior motion detection beyond the built-in sensor to cover additional rooms and areas on the IQ Panel 5. For help with PowerG motion 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.