How Do I Set Up RF Jam Detection on the IQ5 NS Alarm System?

To set up RF jam detection on the IQ5 NS, open the IQ Installer app and then navigate to Installer Settings, then set the PowerG RF Jam Detection along with any of the other jam detection options that you want here. Because the panel has no screen of its own, this is all done in the app.

What RF Jam Detection Does

RF jam detection lets the IQ5 NS (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE) notice when an unusual amount of radio signal is being transmitted on the frequencies your wireless sensors use. A flood of signal like that, whether accidental interference or a deliberate attempt to jam the system, can cause a loss of connectivity, so detecting it and reporting it helps protect your security system. These settings live together in the Installer Settings. Here is what each one does:

If some of these options appear greyed out, it is because they apply to a legacy daughter card the panel does not have. On a PowerG-only panel, SRF Jam Detection and SRF Jam Sensitivity Level stay inactive, and you use PowerG RF Jam Detection instead.

Before You Begin

Because the IQ5 NS has no screen, its Installer 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. PowerG RF Jam Detection is the one most systems use, and it is set to EN 30/60 by default; UL 20/20 is the option for UL installations that require it.

Set Up RF Jam Detection

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 Installer Settings. In the app, go to the Installer Settings and find the RF jam detection settings.
   
   Navigate to Installer Settings and find the jam detection options.
3. Set your jam detection options. Set PowerG RF Jam Detection to UL 20/20 or EN 30/60, or Disabled. If your panel has a legacy daughter card, you can also enable SRF Jam Detection, Jam Detection Local Alarm, and set the SRF Jam Sensitivity Level.
   
   Set PowerG RF Jam Detection and any legacy options.

Tips

For most systems, leaving PowerG RF Jam Detection on its EN 30/60 default is the right choice, and you only switch to UL 20/20 if a UL-listed installation calls for it. The Jam Detection Local Alarm option is worth considering if you want the panel to sound locally during a jam event, but remember it only works when SRF Jam Detection itself is active, which requires the legacy card. A reported jam does not always mean an attack; strong nearby interference can trigger it, so investigate repeat events rather than assuming the worst.

Setting up RF jam detection on the IQ5 NS helps your system flag signal interference that could affect your wireless sensors. For help with RF jam detection or other installer 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.