How Do I Add a PowerG Smoke Detector to the IQ5 NS System?

To add a PowerG smoke detector 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, activate the PGP9976 or PG9936, set the Sensor Type to Smoke Detector, and save.

Compatible PowerG Smoke Detectors

The IQ5 NS (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE) is a screenless security system panel that 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. All enrollment is done through the IQ Installer app.

Once enrolled, the smoke detector triggers a fire alarm whenever smoke or heat is detected, regardless of whether the system is armed or disarmed. Smoke detectors use Sensor Group 26 and are always active. They cannot be bypassed. With a monitoring plan, the central station receives the fire signal and dispatches emergency services immediately.

Steps to Add the Smoke Detector

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 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 app displays the sensor DL ID with a confirmation prompt.

5. Touch OK and configure the sensor fields. Set the Sensor Type to Smoke Detector. The Sensor Group updates to Group 26 automatically. Choose a Sensor Name such as Smoke Detector or Kitchen Smoke and touch Save to complete enrollment.

IQ5 NS sensor configuration fields in the IQ Installer app

After Adding the Smoke Detector

Test the detector after enrollment using the test button on the device. The panel should sound the fire siren. The IQ5 NS monitors the PowerG connection continuously and generates a trouble condition if the detector goes offline or the battery is low. For expanded fire protection, the DSC PGP9986 PowerG Smoke/Heat/CO Combo Detector adds carbon monoxide detection. Add a monitoring plan so the central station receives fire signals and can dispatch emergency services.

Adding a PowerG smoke detector to your IQ5 NS gives you always-on wireless fire protection managed through the IQ Installer app on the IQ5 NS. For help with PowerG smoke detector 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.