What Is the Range on a Qolsys Security System?

The range on a Qolsys Security System depends on the type of sensors that are being used. For Qolsys 319.5 MHz Sensors, the maximum range is 600 feet in open air. However, a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System can support PowerG Sensors, which have a maximum range of up to 2k feet in open air.

Most Qolsys Systems are able to support 319.5 MHz wireless sensors. The systems that support these sensors include the Qolsys IQ Panel 2, the original Qolsys IQ Panel and any Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System with a legacy 319.5 MHz daughtercard. There are two main types of 319.5 MHz security sensors, which are Qolsys Sensors and Interlogix/GE Sensors.

The Qolsys Sensors have a maximum range of 600 feet in open air. This range is the same for both the standard "unencrypted" Qolsys Sensors and the newer Qolsys S-Line Sensors that feature rolling code encryption. But keep in mind that this range can be reduced due to the presence of obstacles, such as walls and large metal objects. As for the Interlogix/GE Sensors, they have a maximum range of 500 feet in open air. But it is recommended that they are used within 100 feet of the panel because of the obstacles that are likely to be present in an indoor setting.

Please note that Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems can only support the 319.5 MHz sensors if they have the compatible 319.5 MHz daughtercard. There are also versions of the IQ Panel 2 Plus that do not have this particular daughtercard. Instead, they will have a separate daughtercard. There is a version with a daughtercard for 345 MHZ sensors (Honeywell 5800 Series and 2GIG Sensors), as well as a different version with a daughtercard for 433 MHz sensors (legacy DSC). If you are using these sensors, their respective wireless signal ranges will apply.

However, all Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems can support 915 MHz PowerG Sensors. These sensors have a maximum range of up to 2,000 feet away when used with the system. This is currently the furthest range for any security sensors in the entire industry. Additionally, a PowerG Wireless Repeater can be used to extend this potential range to a maximum distance of 4,000 feet.

The Qolsys Systems can also support Z-Wave smart home automation devices. The IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems all have their own Z-Wave Plus Controller built-in. When used with Z-Wave Plus devices, they will have a wireless range of 50 to 60 feet. They can also be used with classic Z-Wave devices, which will have a range of 30 to 40 feet. But keep in mind, Z-Wave signals can "hop" through other Z-Wave devices up to four times to their ultimate destination. Each hop will repeat the signal and extend the range. So this maximum range is actually much further if the user has a strong Z-Wave mesh network.

Meanwhile, the original IQ Panel System only has a standard Z-Wave controller, not a Z-Wave Plus controller. Although Z-Wave Plus devices can still be used with the system, they will only have the range of a classic Z-Wave device when used with that system. Keep in mind that both the IQ Panel and IQ Panel 2 Systems have a limit to the maximum number of Z-Wave devices that can be enrolled.