How Do I Wire the IQ5 NS With a Custom Length Wire?

The IQ5 NS manual does not describe a custom length wire, because it lists no backplate terminals for one. It shows the barrel jack with the supplied cable and gives wire limits of 18 AWG, 98.5 ft (30 m) at most, and 22 AWG minimum. Contact Alarm Grid support. Ask support for a longer run.

Does the IQ5 NS Support a Custom Length Wire

The IQ5 NS (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE) does not describe a custom length wire connection in its manual. The IQ Panel 5 manual says a custom length wire connects to the (+) and (-) terminals on its SmartMount backplate, and the IQ5 NS manual lists no such terminals. It shows the barrel jack used with the supplied barrel connector cable only.

That means the manual gives no steps for wiring the system with a custom length wire.

What the Manual Does Say

The wiring page for the IQ5 NS shows the barrel jack and warns to use a 12 V DC power supply only. The striped wire on the supplied cable is positive (+). The supplied adapter takes 100 to 240 VAC at 50/60 Hz and outputs 12.0 V DC at 1.0 A. For EN Grade 2 installations, use only model SW61-120100-03.

It also gives a note for the power run. Use 18 AWG (0.75 mm2) wire no longer than 98.5 ft (30 m) to make sure the panel gets enough power, never use wire smaller than 22 AWG (0.33 mm2), and keep the 12 V DC power supply output at or below 15 VA (15 W).

If You Need a Longer Run

Plan the installation so the supplied power supply reaches the system. If you need a longer power run, contact Alarm Grid support before you cut or extend any wire, since the manual does not describe a way to do it. The limits above apply to any power run, and a wrong connection puts your security system at risk.

Check the Voltage

The system has an Input Voltage Test in its System Tests. Run it after installation to confirm the system receives enough power, and use it to confirm that the power run is working.

If the test shows a voltage problem, the manual says to use thicker gauge wire or shorten the wire run. It also says the wire run length and gauge should not exceed the UL specification, so a power run that is long or thin is the first thing to check.

If You Want the Backplate Terminals

If your installation needs a custom length wire, the IQ Panel 5 has backplate terminals for it. All panels in this family share the same core features, so the choice comes down to how the power will reach the panel.

Why Wire Gauge and Length Matter

A longer or thinner wire loses more voltage on the way to the system. The 18 AWG and 98.5 ft (30 m) limits exist so the system receives enough power, and the 22 AWG minimum is the smallest wire the manual allows. Staying inside those limits keeps the system powered reliably.

Planning the Power Run

Choose the mounting spot with the power supply in mind. Keep the supplied cable short and the connection easy to reach, and do not splice or modify the supplied barrel connector cable. A clean, short power run is the most reliable way to power the system.

The IQ5 NS manual does not describe a custom length wire, so use the supplied barrel connector cable and the limits it gives on the IQ5 NS. For help with powering the system or other installation questions or other configurations 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.