What Is Two-Way Voice on the IQ Panel 5 Security System?

Two-Way Voice on the Qolsys IQ Panel 5 opens a live audio connection between your home and your monitoring station through the built-in microphone and speakers when a Police, Fire, or Emergency alarm triggers. Monitoring agents hear activity inside the home and speak directly to occupants.

How Two-Way Voice Works

The Qolsys IQ Panel 5 (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE) has a MEMs microphone located on the top of the panel and Two-Way Voice speakers on the bottom. When an alarm event is triggered, the panel automatically contacts your monitoring station using its dual-path LTE and WIFI connection. Once the monitoring station answers, the microphone and speakers activate automatically so the agent can communicate with anyone in the room.

The connection is established without any action required from you. The panel uses both LTE cellular and WIFI simultaneously for the most reliable connection to the monitoring center. If your monitoring plan includes Two-Way Voice service, the feature activates with no additional setup.

What Triggers Two-Way Voice

Two-Way Voice activates in three alarm scenarios on the IQ Panel 5. First, when the system is armed and a security sensor trips, sounding the intrusion siren, the panel simultaneously activates Two-Way Voice to connect with the monitoring station. Second, when a smoke detector or carbon monoxide sensor triggers a Fire alarm, the Two-Way Voice microphone and speaker activate after the fire siren sounds. Third, when you press an IQ Pendant or trigger the Emergency panic button on the panel, the Two-Way Voice connection is made along with the emergency siren.

You can also trigger a Police or Emergency panic manually at any time by touching the panic icon in the bottom right corner of the home screen, even when the system is not armed. The panel displays Police, Fire, and Emergency options for manual panic. A Silent Alarm option is also available at the bottom of the panic screen if you need to send an emergency signal without sounding the siren.

Two-Way Voice and Monitoring Plans

Two-Way Voice requires a monitoring plan that includes the feature. Alarm Grid offers several monitoring tiers to fit different needs. Self monitoring plans provide notifications and remote access through the Alarm.com app but do not include central station dispatch or Two-Way Voice. Cellular alarm monitoring and full monitoring plans include central station services, professional dispatch, and Two-Way Voice capability when your monitoring provider supports it. Check with Alarm Grid to confirm which plan includes Two-Way Voice for the IQ Panel 5.

The IQ Panel 5 supports PowerG sensors natively for reliable wireless coverage throughout your home. These sensors communicate at 915 MHz with two-way encrypted transmission, ensuring the alarm signals that trigger Two-Way Voice are delivered reliably to the panel.

Preventing False Alarms

Because Two-Way Voice connects directly to a live monitoring agent, false alarms are a serious concern. When a false alarm triggers, disarm the system immediately by touching the screen and entering your user code (default Master Code: 1234). If your system is monitored, be ready to provide your verbal passcode to the monitoring agent when they contact you. If you cannot provide the correct verbal passcode, authorities may be dispatched.

To reduce false alarms, make sure all household members have a valid user code, set up appropriate entry and exit delays on doors used most frequently, and test the system regularly. You can also use the Alarm.com app for alternative arming and disarming to minimize accidental triggers. Visit the Alarm Grid website to learn more about getting the most from your IQ Panel 5.

Two-Way Voice on the Qolsys IQ Panel 5 gives you a direct line to professional monitoring agents during any emergency event. For help with Two-Way Voice or other configurations on your IQ Panel 5, 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.