How Do I Run a Battery Test on the IQ5 NS Security System?

To run a battery test on the IQ5 NS, open the IQ Installer app and navigate to System Tests, then Panel Test, and select Run right next to the Battery test to check the overall health of the panel's backup battery on its own. Because the panel has no screen of its own, this is done in the app.

About the Battery Test

The IQ5 NS (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE) does not have a standalone battery test. The battery check is an item called Battery inside the Panel Test, and it confirms the health of the rechargeable backup battery that keeps the panel running during a power outage. Running it is a good idea if you have had a power trouble that will not clear, or if you just want to confirm the backup power on your security system is ready before storm season.

The Panel Test runs the panel's built-in checks either one at a time or all at once. Select Run beside the single Battery item to test just the battery, which is the quickest option here. Running every test with Run All is more thorough but will sound the siren, so for a battery-only check, use the individual Run.

Before You Begin

Because the IQ5 NS has no screen, its System Tests 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. Choosing Run All rather than the individual Battery test will sound the siren as part of the full test, so stick to the single Battery test if you only want to check the battery.

Run the Battery Test

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 System Tests, then Panel Test. In the app, go to System Tests, then open Panel Test to see the list of individual panel checks.
   
   Navigate to System Tests, then open Panel Test.
3. Run the Battery test. Find the Battery item in the Panel Test list and select Run next to it. Choosing this single item tests only the battery, without sounding the siren.
   
   Select Run next to the Battery test.
4. Read the result. Wait for the test to finish and check the pass or fail result in the app. A pass means the backup battery is healthy; a fail means the battery needs attention.
   
   Read the pass or fail result for the Battery test.

Tips

If the Battery test fails, first make sure the battery is properly connected inside the panel, then run the test again. If it continues to fail even after a full day on AC power, the battery is worn out and should be replaced; see our guide on how to replace the battery in the IQ5 NS. For a quick day-to-day reading rather than a full test, the front Power LED shows whether the panel is on AC or running on battery, so you can check the battery status on the IQ5 NS any time.

Running a battery test on the IQ5 NS confirms your backup power is ready for the next outage. For help running the test or replacing the battery 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.