How Do I Change the Siren Timeout on the IQ5 NS System?

To change the siren timeout on the IQ5 NS, open the IQ Installer app and navigate to Sirens and Alarms, then scroll down to the Siren Timeout to set how long the siren keeps sounding during an alarm event on the panel. Because the panel has no screen of its own, this is all done in the app.

About the Siren Timeout

The siren timeout on the IQ5 NS (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE) is how long the siren keeps sounding during an alarm event before it automatically stops. By default the siren shuts off after 4 minutes, and you can adjust that up if you want it to run longer. Setting an appropriate timeout helps your security system get attention during an alarm without the siren running longer than necessary.

The available options are 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 15 minutes. Many local ordinances limit how long an alarm siren may sound, so a shorter timeout can help you stay within those rules, while a longer one keeps the siren going if you want maximum audibility. The setting lives in the Sirens and Alarms menu alongside the panel's other siren options.

Before You Begin

The IQ5 NS has no screen, so its Sirens and Alarms settings are reached through the IQ Installer app. If you have not yet connected the IQ Installer app to your panel, see our guide on setting up the IQ5 NS with the IQ Installer app before proceeding. Also check whether your area has a local ordinance on siren duration before setting a longer timeout, since some municipalities cap how long an alarm may sound.

Change the Siren Timeout

1. Open the IQ Installer app. Open the IQ Installer app on your mobile device and make sure it is connected to your IQ5 NS.
   
   Open the IQ Installer app connected to your IQ5 NS.
2. Navigate to Sirens and Alarms. In the app, go to the Sirens and Alarms menu and scroll down to the Siren Timeout setting.
   
   Navigate to Sirens and Alarms and scroll to Siren Timeout.
3. Set the Siren Timeout. Select Siren Timeout and choose the length you want: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 15 minutes. The siren will stop sounding after that amount of time during an alarm event.
   
   Choose 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 15 minutes.

Tips

The siren timeout only limits how long the siren sounds; it does not affect the alarm signal sent to your monitoring station, which goes out regardless of the siren duration. If false alarms are a concern, a shorter timeout reduces how long a mistaken alarm disturbs the neighborhood while you disarm. Keep in mind the default of 4 minutes is a sensible middle ground that works well for most homes.

Changing the siren timeout on the IQ5 NS lets you control how long the siren sounds during an alarm. For help with the siren timeout or other alarm settings 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.