How Do I Add a PowerG Motion Sensor to the IQ5 NS System?

To add a PowerG motion sensor to the IQ5 NS, open the IQ Installer app and connect to the panel. Navigate to Installation, Devices, Security Sensors, and select Auto Learn Sensor. Touch Start Autolearn, then activate the PGP9914, set Sensor Type to Motion, and select a Sensor Group.

Before You Begin

The IQ5 NS (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE) is a screenless security system panel with no built-in motion sensor. The DSC PGP9914 PowerG PIR Motion Detector connects natively over PowerG wireless — no daughter card needed. All enrollment is done through the IQ Installer app. Mount the detector before enrollment and confirm it is within range of the panel.

The Sensor Group controls when the motion sensor is active. Group 17 (Away-Instant Motion) activates only in Away mode and trips instantly — the most common choice for interior rooms. Group 15 (Stay-Instant Motion) activates in both Stay and Away modes for areas you want to monitor when home. Group 25 (Safety Motion) is a chime-only group for activity monitoring without triggering an alarm.

Steps to Add the Motion Sensor

1. Open the IQ Installer app and connect to the IQ5 NS panel. The Configuration menu opens in the app.

IQ5 NS QR code scanned to connect the IQ Installer app

2. Navigate to Installation, then Devices, then Security Sensors. The Security Sensors menu opens.

IQ5 NS Devices menu in the IQ Installer app

3. Select Auto Learn Sensor and touch Start Autolearn. The panel enters listening mode.

IQ5 NS Auto Learn Sensor screen in the IQ Installer app

4. 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. The app displays the sensor DL ID with a confirmation prompt.

5. Touch OK and configure the sensor fields. Set Sensor Type to Motion. Choose a Sensor Group — Group 17 (Away-Instant Motion) is the standard choice for most rooms. Enter a Sensor Name such as Living Room Motion and touch Save.

IQ5 NS sensor configuration fields in the IQ Installer app

Motion Sensor Groups Explained

Group 17 (Away-Instant Motion) is active only in Away mode — the right choice for most interior rooms since it lets you move freely when home in Stay mode. Group 15 (Stay-Instant Motion) is active in both Stay and Away modes for areas needing protection even when home. Group 20 (Away-Delay Motion) gives entry delay time when motion is detected in Away mode. Group 25 (Safety Motion) never triggers an alarm and is used for activity monitoring only. For full protection, add a monitoring plan and expand your sensor coverage with additional PowerG sensors throughout the home.

Adding a PowerG motion sensor to your IQ5 NS provides wireless interior motion detection managed through the IQ Installer app on the IQ5 NS. For help with PowerG motion sensor enrollment or other configurations or other configurations on your IQ5 NS, 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.