How Do I Add a PowerG Smoke Detector to the IQ5 Hub Panel?

To add a PowerG smoke detector to the IQ5 Hub, 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 IQ5 Hub (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE) supports PowerG wireless smoke detectors natively. Compatible models include the DSC PGP9976 PowerG Smoke/Heat Detector and the DSC PG9936 PowerG Smoke Detector. No daughter card is required. Both use encrypted two-way PowerG wireless for supervised communication with the panel.

Once enrolled, the detector triggers a fire alarm when smoke or heat is detected, regardless of arming state. Smoke detectors use Sensor Group 26 and are always active. They cannot be bypassed — the panel does not allow fire sensors to be excluded from monitoring. With a monitoring plan, the central station receives the fire signal and dispatches 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.

IQ5 Hub 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.

IQ5 Hub Advanced Settings highlighted on the Settings page

3. Touch Installation, then Devices, then Security Sensors. The Security Sensors menu opens.

IQ5 Hub Advanced Settings installer menu categories

4. Touch Auto Learn Sensor. The panel enters listening mode.

IQ5 Hub Auto Learn Sensor mode waiting for a device signal

5. Activate the smoke detector to send a signal. Insert the battery or pull the battery tab on newer PowerG detectors. For older models, press and hold the test/tamper button until the LED flashes. The panel chimes and displays the DL ID.

6. Touch OK, then set the Sensor Type to Smoke Detector. The Sensor Group updates to Group 26 automatically. Choose a Sensor Name and touch Add New to save.

IQ5 Hub sensor type selection screen showing Smoke Detector option

After Adding the Smoke Detector

Test the detector after enrollment by pressing the test button. The panel should sound the fire siren and display a fire alarm event. PowerG supervision monitors the connection continuously and alerts you if the detector goes offline or needs a new battery. For combined smoke, heat, and CO protection, consider the DSC PGP9986 PowerG Smoke/Heat/CO Combo Detector. Expand your system further with a monitoring plan for central station fire dispatch.

Adding a PowerG smoke detector to your IQ5 Hub gives you always-on wireless fire protection with encrypted two-way supervision on the IQ5 Hub. For help with PowerG smoke detector enrollment or other configurations or other configurations on your IQ5 Hub, 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.