Qolsys IQ Smoke

Every home should be outfitted with smoke detectors to alert occupants during the unfortunate event of a fire. Traditional smoke detectors often have a short lifespan, and unfortunately there’s no way to know about a threat of fire if you’re away from home.

The ultra sensitive smoke sensor is “always on,” even when your alarm system is disarmed. The IQ Smoke constantly monitors indoor temperatures, and can detect a false alarm. It will also alert you if there is a fire with no smoke, such as an electrical fire. This is made possible using the device's heat detector function, which activates at 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

The IQ Smoke also has a low-temperature sensing feature that will cause the device to activate upon sensing temperatures 41°F and lower. This can be very useful for alerting an end user to a broken HVAC unit that could cause the pipes in the building to freeze. Thanks to this feature, a user will be able to take action before this occurs. For more information, please review the device's installation manual.

Whether you’re at home or away, equipping your home with IQ Smoke detectors can keep you safer, and increase your chances of faster response time from emergency responders.

Read here to learn the difference between smoke detectors and smoke alarms. Photoelectric smoke detectors work with an alarm system, and when properly maintained and tested, can last for an indefinite period and do not automatically require replacement after a certain period of time like smoke alarms and CO detectors do.

Who Benefits From IQ Smoke?

If you already use the Qolsys IQ Panel on a daily basis, or have considered upgrading the smoke detectors in your home, IQ Smoke may be the perfect option for you. If you often travel, or simply spend long hours away from home, installing IQ Smoke detectors in your home can give you a little extra comfort and security.

Do the smoke detectors in your home have a short lifespan, or act “glitchy” from time to time? Do you worry that you may not hear your smoke detector go off if a fire occurs? IQ Smoke detectors are constantly “in tune” with your environment, and you’ll be alerted, whether you’re at home or on the go.

Whether you need two or ten smoke detectors in your home, you can easily install and sync them with your IQ Panel.

IQ Smoke Specifications

The Qolsys Smoke is visibly similar to other smoke detectors on the market, and has a diameter of 5” x 2.5” high. The detector also has a regulatory listing of UL 217. Each detector comes with 3-AAA batteries, mounting devices, screws, and anchors, as well as an installation guide.

IQ Smoke detectors operate most accurately when indoor temperatures are between 40°F - 100°F (4.4°C - 37.8°C), and between 15 to 90 percent non-condensing relative humidity.

Ideal Places to Install Your IQ Smoke Device

IQ Smoke can be mounted on the ceiling or wall. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends installing your smoke detector in every bedroom, as well as in areas outside of a bedroom, such as a hallway. There should be at least one detector on each level of the home.

Smoke detectors should be placed near the bottom of a stairwell, and if you have an open ceiling (open-joisted), a detector should be installed near the bottom of the joist, not in “dead air” spaces.

Never install an IQ Smoke device where the temperature is above or below the operating temperature. Avoid installing directly above a sink, cooker, stove, or oven, and keep it at least five feet away from any cooking appliance.

To avoid faulty readings and false alarms, do not install next to a door or window, in or below a cabinet, in any place where air flow can be obstructed, or where the detector can be easily damaged, or knocked out of place.

How To Install IQ Smoke

After you’ve selected a safe and clean place to install your IQ Smoke device, it’s time to program your IQ Smoke with your IQ Panel 2. Remember, follow installing directions and recommendations to make sure your IQ Smoke works.

When you’re ready to program your IQ Smoke, select “settings,” then “advanced settings.” Next, you will be prompted to enter a code. You can enter the Dealer code (2222), or the Installer code (1111). Select “installation,” “devices,” and then “security sensors.” You can manually add the sensor, or touch “auto learn.”

After you press “auto learn” on the panel, you will insert batteries in the back of your IQ Smoke. Press the “test” button on the detector, and the IQ Panel “learns” the detector, which is added to your list (if you have more than one detector).

You have the option to customize what type of sensor type it is by selecting “smoke detector,” and you can create a custom description, such as the location of the detector, as well as distinct chimes.

After you have programmed your IQ Smoke to the IQ Panel, you can install your detector. Don’t forget to press “test” on the detector once you have it installed to make sure it works properly.

Maintenance Tips and Troubleshooting

You have now installed your IQ Smoke. Note that it’s a low-maintenance device that can last you a long time if you take the necessary steps to care for it (as you would a traditional smoke detector). Although the batteries have a 3 to 5 year lifespan, you should test your IQ Smoke once a week, if possible.

By testing your detector, you can determine that the LEDs, transmitter, and sounder are all functioning properly. Push and hold the test button for about 5 seconds. Note that this is the same kind of test you performed when you installed and programmed your IQ Smoke.

There is also a recommended heat and smoke test. For more details on the heat and smoke test, check your instruction manual, and read all of the information carefully.

Even if you install your IQ Smoke in a clean area, it’s likely to get dirty from time to time. If your detector is dirty, the LEDs will flash yellow every 8 seconds, and you will hear one chirp every 48 seconds.

The best way to prevent this from occurring is to clean your alarm on a regular basis. Simply remove it from the mounting base, and use compressed air, or a vacuum cleaner hose. You can also wipe your detector with a damp cloth. After cleaning, don’t forget to test your IQ Smoke to make sure it’s working properly.

For other troubleshooting tips, read your instruction manual. It is recommended that you keep the manual, so you can refer back to it if you have additional questions.

Note: Qolsys sensors operate at 319.5 MHz. They will not work with the 345 MHz and the 433 MHz versions of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. They are designed for the 319.5 MHz IQ Panel 2 Plus and other 319.5 MHz systems.