How Do I Test the PGP9986 Water Tile?

The PowerG+ signal level can be tested by entering Advanced Settings > System Tests > PowerG Test, then pressing Run next to the device's zone. Perform a functional test by exposing the device or the probe/sensing cable to water. To test the freeze function place the Water Tile in a freezer.

Usually, when we think of PowerG or PowerG+, the first thing that comes to mind is its exceptional transmitting range. Qolsys has even tested PowerG automation sensors over one (1) mile away from the alarm panel in open air! However, when installing devices in a home or business where walls, appliances, ductwork, and other obstacles may block the path between the panel and the sensor, it's a good idea to verify signal strength.

Due to PowerG's use of Adaptive Transmission to ensure the longest possible battery life, finding the optimal installation placement for a PowerG or PowerG+ sensor will provide you with the best experience over time. Typical battery life for the DSC PGP9986 Water Tile is around five (5) years with typical use at room temperature (77°F or 25°C).

Testing The PowerG Signal Strength of a DSC PGP9986 Water Tile

1. Enter PowerG Test. On a Qolsys IQ Panel 4 or IQ4 Hub tap the gray bar at the top center of the screen then tap Settings > Advanced Settings > Enter Installer, Dealer, or Master Code (1111, 2222, or 1234 respectively, by default) > System Tests > PowerG Test.
2. Find the zone. You'll see a list of PowerG sensors. A column titled "Strength" will display the last tested signal strength of each PowerG or PowerG+ zone. There are also columns titled "Run" and "More".
   
   
   
   1. If you tap "Run" the system will ping the sensor and receive a response with the sensor's signal strength. The possible responses are Strong, Good, Poor, or No Signal.
   2. If you tap "More" you will see a window with detailed information about the sensor. Beneath the list of detailed specs you'll see a button for Test LED and Test Buzzer. Tapping Test LED will cause the Water Tile's red LED to flash for between 60 and 90 seconds. Tapping Test Buzzer will cause the Water Tile's buzzer to sound for about the same amount of time. Once you begin either test, there appears to be no way of stopping it. You just have to let it play out.
      
      
      

Performing Functional Tests With the DSCPGP9986 Water Tile

Flood Testing:

1. Place on a level surface. Place the Water Tile in a shallow container (like a saucer) that allows it to rest level while accumulating enough water to activate the flood detection. If you will be using a sensing cable or probe, be sure it is properly connected to the wall mounting bracket, and that the Water Tile is securely and properly mounted in the bracket. Place the probe or cable where you can introduce enough water to cause an alert.The probe can be placed in a container like a saucer, the cable might be better tested by laying it in a sink.
2. Add water. Pour enough water beneath the sensor or the probe to activate a flood alert. If you're using the sensing cable pour enough water into the sink to cause an alert. Don't submerge the Water Tile. If you programmed the flood zone as Sensor Group 38 - Water Sensor the IQ Panel 4 will activate a full alarm and you'll need to enter a valid code to silence it or disarm through the Alarm.com app. This will also result in a notification and a report to the monitoring station, if enabled. If you programmed the zone as 25 - Water Sensor, Non Reporting then the only notification you'll receive is at the panel itself. There is no push notification, text, or email alert for this sensor group setting.
3. Dry the sensor. Once you're finished testing, dry the sensor, probe, or sensing cable completely. Once dry, return the sensor to the proper location for its use.

Freeze Testing:

1. Place Water Tile in freezer. The temperature sensor for the Water Tile is in the Water Tile itself. A water sensing probe or cable isn't involved with freeze sensing. So, to test the freeze sensing functionality, place the Water Tile in the freezer and wait for the device to acclimate.
2. Silence the alert. It will take several minutes for the Water Tile to sense the drop in ambient temperature. In my case, it took between five (5) and ten (10) minutes. The sensor was able to transmit from inside the freezer with no issues. My panel is only about forty feet from the freezer, through one wall. The reporting options for freeze sensing are the same as for flood sensing (though the Sensor Group numbers differ slightly). Sensor Group 52 - Freeze causes an alarm at the panel that you must enter a valid code to silence or disarm through the Alarm.com app. It also generates a notification via push, SMS, and/or email and reports to the monitoring station, depending on your settings. Sensor Group 25 - Freeze, Non Reporting sounds/shows at the panel only. There are no off-site notifications for this Sensor Group setting.
3. Return the Water Tile. Remove the Water Tile from the freezer and allow it to re-acclimate to the normal ambient temperature. Wipe away any condensation that may form on the outside of the sensor. Return it to its normal location for monitoring.