What Is Exit Delay on the Qolsys IQ5 Hub Security Panel?

Exit Delay on the Qolsys IQ5 Hub is a countdown timer that begins when you arm the system, giving you time to exit before alarm sensors become fully active. The default exit delay period is 60 seconds and can be configured by your installer from 30 to 254 seconds based on your home layout.

The IQ5 Hub provides a visual countdown timer and audible beeps during the exit delay period to help you track how much time remains before your security system becomes fully armed. Understanding how Exit Delay works ensures you can arm your system confidently and exit your home without triggering false alarms.

How Exit Delay Works

When you arm your IQ5 Hub in either Away or Stay mode, the Exit Delay timer begins immediately. The panel's touchscreen displays a countdown showing the remaining seconds. During this period, the system has not yet activated perimeter sensors, allowing you to open doors designated as entry/exit zones without triggering an alarm.

The panel emits beeping sounds during the countdown to provide audio feedback. These beeps start at a slow pace and increase in frequency as the timer approaches zero. In the final 10 seconds, the beeping becomes rapid to alert you that full arming is imminent. Once the Exit Delay expires, all configured sensors become active according to your arming mode selection.

Configuring Exit Delay Settings

Your system installer programs the Exit Delay duration through the IQ5 Hub's installer settings menu. The default setting is 60 seconds, which provides adequate time for most residential applications. Installers can adjust this timer anywhere from 30 seconds for quick exits to 254 seconds for larger properties requiring more exit time.

The system also supports a Long Exit Delay setting that provides an extended countdown period for specific sensors requiring more time. This secondary delay timer defaults to 120 seconds and can be programmed between 45 and 254 seconds. Your installer assigns sensors to either Normal Exit Delay or Long Exit Delay based on their location and your home's layout.

An Auto Exit Time Extension feature automatically restarts the countdown if you open an entry/exit door a second time during the original exit delay period. This proves useful when you need to re-enter briefly after initiating the arming sequence. Your monitoring provider can enable or disable this feature based on your preferences.

Silencing Exit Sounds

The IQ5 Hub allows you to silence the exit delay beeps before completing the arming process. Touch the '>' icon on the right side of the arming screen to access additional arming options. Within this menu, you will find the Exit Sounds toggle switch.

Touch the Exit Sounds control to turn off the audible beeps. The visual countdown timer continues to display on screen even with sounds disabled. This feature helps when arming your system during quiet hours or when you prefer a silent exit. The sound setting resets to enabled for your next arming cycle.

Instant Arming Without Exit Delay

The IQ5 Hub supports instant arming methods that bypass the exit delay entirely. When you arm the system using a wireless key fob with the Keyfob Instant Arming feature enabled, the panel arms immediately without countdown. This proves useful when arming from outside your home.

Arm Stay mode includes a No Delay option that arms perimeter sensors immediately without exit countdown. This setting is useful when arming for the night while already inside your home. Your installer can enable the Arm Stay - No Delay feature if you prefer immediate arming when staying inside.

Canceling Exit Delay

You can cancel the exit delay countdown and disarm the panel by entering your user code (default Master Code 1234) before the timer expires. Touch the center of the screen where the countdown displays, then enter your valid user code when prompted. The system immediately disarms and the exit delay stops.

If you need to exit after the Exit Delay has expired and the system is fully armed, use the Quick Exit feature. Press and hold the Quick Exit button for two seconds to create a brief exit window without disarming the entire system. This provides a two-minute exit opportunity without requiring full disarm and rearm.

Exit Delay and Home Automation

The IQ5 Hub's exit delay integrates with home automation features through Z-Wave automation scenes. You can program scenes to trigger when the exit delay begins, such as turning off lights and adjusting thermostats as you leave. These automations enhance your security routine by ensuring your home enters the desired state when your system is armed.

Some users configure scenes to provide visual confirmation during exit delay. For example, you might program smart lights to flash during the countdown period, offering an additional visual indicator beyond the panel's display. This proves helpful in larger homes where the panel may not be visible from all exit routes.

Exit Delay on the Qolsys IQ5 Hub provides essential time to exit your home safely after arming without triggering false alarms. For help with exit delay settings or arming 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.