How Do I Add a PowerG Smoke Detector to the IQ Panel 5?

To add a PowerG smoke detector 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 detector, set Sensor Type to Smoke Detector, and touch Add New.

Compatible PowerG Smoke Detectors

The IQ Panel 5 (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE) supports PowerG wireless smoke detectors natively — no daughter card required. Two compatible models are the DSC PGP9976 PowerG Smoke/Heat Detector and the DSC PG9936 PowerG Smoke Detector. The PGP9976 detects both smoke and heat while the PG9936 detects smoke only. Both use PowerG two-way encrypted wireless for reliable, supervised communication with the panel.

Once enrolled, the detector triggers a fire alarm whenever smoke or heat is detected, regardless of whether the security system is armed or disarmed. Smoke detectors are assigned Sensor Group 26 (Smoke Detector) by default, which means the detector is always active. Unlike door sensors, smoke detectors cannot be bypassed — the panel will not allow a fire sensor to be excluded from monitoring. With a monitoring plan, the central station receives the fire signal and can dispatch emergency services immediately.

Steps to Add the Smoke Detector

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.

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 smoke detector to send a signal. For newer PowerG detectors, insert the battery or pull the battery tab to power on the device. For older models, press and hold the test/tamper button until the 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.

IQ Panel 5 sensor configuration screen after smoke detector detection

7. Set the Sensor Type to Smoke Detector. The Sensor Group automatically updates to Group 26 (Smoke Detector). Choose a Sensor Name such as Smoke Detector or Living Room Smoke. Leave Voice Prompts enabled so the panel announces when a smoke alarm activates.

IQ Panel 5 sensor type selection screen showing Smoke Detector option

8. Touch Add New to complete enrollment. The smoke detector is saved and active. The panel returns to the Auto Learn screen so you can continue adding sensors.

After Adding the Smoke Detector

Test the smoke detector after enrollment by pressing the test button on the device. The panel should sound the fire siren and display a fire alarm event. Smoke detectors are always active regardless of arming state — they protect your home 24 hours a day whether the system is armed or not. The panel supervises the PowerG connection continuously and alerts you if the detector goes offline or the battery runs low. For additional fire protection, consider adding the DSC PGP9986 PowerG Smoke/Heat/CO Combo Detector which combines smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide detection in a single device.

Adding a PowerG smoke detector to your IQ Panel 5 gives you always-on wireless fire protection with encrypted two-way supervision on the IQ Panel 5. For help with PowerG smoke detector 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.