How Do I Run a Panel Glass Break Test on the IQ5 Hub System?

The IQ5 Hub does not include a Panel Glass Break Test. The test checks the IQ Panel 5's built-in glass break detector, and the IQ5 Hub manual lists no such detector or test. A PowerG glass break sensor adds this protection to the IQ5 Hub. The test is available only on the IQ Panel 5.

Does the IQ5 Hub Have This Test

The IQ5 Hub (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE) does not include a Panel Glass Break Test. On the IQ Panel 5, the test checks a built-in glass break detector that uses the panel's microphones. The IQ5 Hub manual lists no Panel Glass Break Detector setting and no Panel Glass Break Test in its System Tests, and its spec sheet lists a single microphone compared with two on the IQ Panel 5.

This does not leave the panel without glass break protection. It means the on-panel detector and its test are not part of this model.

How to Add Glass Break Protection

To detect breaking glass with the panel, enroll a PowerG glass break sensor. The panel supports a Glass Break sensor group, and the sensor is mounted near the glass it protects. This is how glass break detection works on the panel, and it covers specific windows or doors instead of the whole room. It is part of your security system.

How to Test a Glass Break Sensor

After you enroll a glass break sensor, test it with the Sensor Test in the System Tests menu. Go to Advanced Settings, enter the Installer Code, touch System Tests, then touch Sensor Test, and trigger the sensor with a glass break simulator made for that sensor. The Sensor Test shows whether the panel receives the signal.

If You Want the Built-In Detector

If built-in glass break detection matters to you, the IQ Panel 5 includes it, along with the Panel Glass Break Test. Both panels share the same core security features, so the choice comes down to whether you want the built-in microphones and the extras that come with them.

Which Sensor Group to Choose

When you enroll a glass break sensor, you assign it a sensor group. The sensor group list in the IQ5 Hub manual includes Group 13, Glass Break, which is active in both Stay and Away modes, and a Glass Break-Away group. Group 13 is the usual choice when you want the sensor to protect the glass whether you are home or away, since it stays active in both arming modes. Choose the Glass Break-Away option only if you do not want the sensor active while someone is home.

The Ambient Noise Detector Is a Different Feature

The IQ5 Hub does include a Panel Ambient Noise Detector, and its System Tests menu has an Ambient Noise Test. That feature uses the panel's built-in microphone to watch for loud noise above a threshold you set and generate an alert. It is designed for situations like apartments and short term rentals where noise is a concern. It does not detect breaking glass and should not be used as a substitute for a glass break sensor.

Why the Test Matters Less Without a Built-In Detector

On the IQ Panel 5, the Panel Glass Break Test confirms that a built-in detector is working. On the IQ5 Hub, the equivalent check is testing each glass break sensor you add. Test each sensor after mounting it and again whenever you replace its battery, since a sensor that is not communicating will not protect the glass it covers.

After You Enroll the Sensor

Once the sensor is enrolled, check the Status page to confirm the IQ5 Hub shows it with the name you gave it and a normal reading. Then run the Sensor Test and trigger the sensor with a simulator. Keep a record of the date you tested each sensor, so you know when it is time to test again. Repeating the check every so often is a simple habit that catches a weak battery before it leaves a window unprotected.

Planning Glass Break Coverage

A glass break sensor protects the glass within its detection range, so plan one sensor for each area with glass you want covered. Large rooms with several windows, sliding glass doors, and garage side windows are common places to start. Mount the sensor in line of sight of the glass and test it after mounting.

The IQ5 Hub does not have a Panel Glass Break Test, but a PowerG glass break sensor adds glass break detection to the system on the IQ5 Hub. For help with glass break sensors or other System Tests 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.