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

To run a siren test on the IQ5 NS, open the IQ Installer app and navigate to System Tests, then Panel Test, then scroll down to the Siren test and select Run to sound the siren and confirm that it is working correctly. Because the panel has no screen of its own, this is all done in the app.

About the Siren Test

The IQ5 NS (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE) lets you test the built-in siren from the Panel Test. Unlike the other panel checks, the Siren test works by actually sounding the siren, so you can confirm it is loud and working. It is a good check after an install, after changing siren settings, or any time you want to be sure the audible alarm on your security system will be heard when it matters.

The Siren test is one item within the Panel Test, which you reach by scrolling down the test list and selecting Run beside it. This sounds the siren on its own without running the full battery of tests. Running every test at once with Run All will also sound the siren as part of the sequence, but the individual Siren test is the direct way to check just the siren.

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. This test is loud, so let everyone in the home know before you run it, keep it away from anyone sensitive to loud sound, and be ready to stop it. If the system is monitored, consider placing it on test with your provider first.

Run the Siren 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. Scroll to the Siren test and select Run. Scroll down the Panel Test list to the Siren item and select Run. The panel sounds the siren so you can confirm it is working and audible.
   
   Scroll to the Siren test and select Run.
4. Confirm the siren and stop the test. Listen to confirm the siren sounds clearly, then stop the test when you are done. If the siren does not sound, there is a siren setting or hardware issue to look into.
   
   Confirm the siren sounds, then stop the test.

Tips

The panel siren is very loud at close range, so do not stand right next to the panel when you run the test. If the siren does not sound or seems quiet, check that the panel's sound and siren settings are not turned down, and confirm the siren was not disabled in programming. If you want to adjust how long the siren runs during a real alarm, see our guide on how to change the siren timeout on the IQ5 NS.

Running a siren test on the IQ5 NS confirms your audible alarm will be heard during a real event. For help running the test or with any siren 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.