How Do I Run a Z-Wave Device Test on the IQ5 Hub Panel?

To run a Z-Wave device test on the IQ5 Hub, swipe down from the top of the screen, touch Settings, then Advanced Settings, and enter your Installer Code (default 1111). Select System Tests, then Z-Wave Tests. This test verifies communication between the panel and your enrolled Z-Wave devices.

Before You Begin

Before you run a Z-Wave test, make sure you have at least one Z-Wave device enrolled on the IQ5 Hub, available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE versions. Z-Wave devices include smart locks, light switches, thermostats, and other home automation products that communicate using the Z-Wave protocol. You will need the Installer Code (default 1111) or Dealer Code (default 2222) to access the Advanced Settings menu. If your Z-Wave network includes devices that were recently added or relocated, run a Rediscover Network test first. This allows the panel to optimize the communication path for each Z-Wave device. The option to Rediscover Network is located in the same menu screen as Z-Wave Test.

Running a Z-Wave Test

The IQ5 Hub provides several Z-Wave testing tools that let you check device communication, network health, and signal routing. Follow these steps to run a basic Z-Wave test on your security system.

1. Access Settings. Swipe down from the top of the screen. The Settings Tray appears showing quick access icons for system options and controls. Tap Settings.
2. Enter Advanced Settings. Once you tap Settings a keypad appears prompting you to enter an authorized code. Enter the Installer Code (default: 1111) or Dealer Code (default: 2222). Once you've entered a valid code you will enter the Advanced Settings menu.
3. Enter System Tests. On the Advanced Settings screen tap System Tests. The System Tests menu appears with options for WIFI, Sensor, Cellular, Z-Wave, PowerG, and other diagnostic tests.
4. Tap Z-Wave Tests. The Z-Wave Tests screen opens with six options: Z-Wave Test, Rediscover Network, Neighbor Info, Counters, Z-Wave Diagnostics, and Advanced Z-Wave Diagnostics.
5. Select the test you want to run:
   1. Z-Wave Test: This test checks communication between the panel and enrolled devices.
   2. Rediscover Network: Whenever a device is added, removed, or moved run the Rediscover Network tool. This rebuilds the Z-Wave mesh network, rediscovering the most efficient path for each device.
   3. Neighbor Info: This test shows which devices can communicate with each other on the network. A counter displays how many neighbors each Z-Wave device can see. The more devices each device can connect with, the more paths a signal has to reach that device. This is helpful in finding weak spots in your mesh network and adjusting accordingly.
   4. Z-Wave Diagnostics: This test shows a graphical representation of your Z-Wave mesh network. Here you can see the network's, or an individual device's, last known working route.
   5. Advanced Z-Wave Diagnostics: This menu provides deeper troubleshooting data for individual devices. You'll find sub-menu items for Network Health Test, Repeater Test, and Last Working Route:
      • Network Health Test: This option provides information on minimum, maximum, and average node response times.
      • Repeater Test: Tests the connection to dedicated Z-Wave repeaters.
      • Last Working Route: This test shows you the last working route for a specific device and allows you to set a static, sometimes referred to as "sticky," route.

Tips

• If a Z-Wave device fails a test, try relocating it closer to the panel or to another Z-Wave device that acts as a repeater.
• Replace any low batteries in battery-powered Z-Wave devices, as weak batteries may cause communication failures.
• After making any physical changes, always run Rediscover Network to update the controller (the panel's) routing table.
• Adding Z-Wave repeaters, such as smart plugs or in-wall switches, between the panel and distant devices strengthens the overall mesh network. Remember that battery powered Z-Wave devices with no connection to constant AC power usually do not act as repeaters.
• For the most accurate test results, run Z-Wave tests after all devices have been installed in their final locations.

Running Z-Wave tests on the IQ5 Hub helps ensure reliable communication between the panel and your smart home devices. For help with Z-Wave testing or other configurations on your IQ5 Hub, contact the Alarm Grid support team. We're here Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Eastern Time. Email us at support@alarmgrid.com.