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Overview
PowerG smoke or CO detector — life-safety wireless device for IQ systems (IQ Smoke, IQ Carbon, IQ Heat).
Life-safety devices have stricter placement and testing requirements than burglary sensors. Follow NFPA/local code, use professional monitoring where required, and never substitute takeover modules for fire or CO hardwire.
At a Glance
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Detection | Smoke, CO, or heat — SKU specific |
| Wireless | PowerG encrypted |
| Life safety | Follow code; professional monitoring recommended |
What This Device Does Well
Provides reliable supervised status at the panel and Alarm.com when installed, enrolled, and range-tested correctly.
Before You Service or Replace One
- Device age — smoke/CO sensors expire; replace per label date.
- Zone type — fire vs burglary programming differs; do not bypass without authority.
- FireFighter placement — acoustic path to standalone smoke alarms.
- Monitoring — central station fire test procedures for monitored accounts.
Official Sources
Use official Qolsys install PDFs and install guides for exact wiring, enrollment, and firmware — specifications vary by SKU and region.
Installation Notes
Follow IQ smoke/CO install guide and the official resource links in this product folder for mounting, wiring, and enrollment.
Pre-install checklist
- Confirm panel model (IQ Panel 4/5/Pro/Hub) and encryption requirements.
- Verify dealer cell account and module SKU before cell install.
- Document installer code and existing zone map for takeover jobs.
- Plan antenna routing (ANT5XL) when panel location has poor cell RSSI.
- Have listed batteries and tools for sensor mounts before enrollment.
Typical install sequence
- Mount and power panel; apply firmware updates per dealer bulletin.
- Install cell module and run communication test / Alarm.com activation.
- Enroll wireless sensors via installer Learn mode; label zones.
- Include Z-Wave devices after excluding from any prior hub.
- Install IQ Card for legacy sensors or optimize PowerG placement before fringe wireless devices.
- Run walk test, user code training, and central station test if monitored.
Power and connectivity reference
| Product type | Power | Network / RF |
|---|---|---|
| IQ Panel 4/5/Pro/Hub panel | AC + backup battery | PowerG sensors; IQ Cards; Z-Wave automation |
| Wireless sensor | Battery per SKU | PowerG encrypted; IQ Card 319/345 legacy |
| Cell module | Panel-powered | LTE to dealer / Alarm.com |
| IQ Remote keypad | PowerG link | IQ Panel host |
| Z-Wave module | Mains or battery per device | Z-Wave to panel |
Source: IQ smoke/CO install guide (Qolsys official documentation).
FAQs
Why does my zone show trouble?
Most common: low battery, tamper open, out of range, or wrong sensor type for the panel receiver (PowerG vs legacy 319/345 MHz sensors).
How do I replace a sensor?
Delete old zone in installer programming, enroll replacement using Learn mode, and test walk test at final location.
Will Alarm.com show this device?
When the panel has active interactive service, enrolled zones appear in the Alarm.com app with status matching the panel.
Where is official documentation?
Primary reference: IQ smoke/CO install guide
How do I test after installation?
Use panel walk test, zone status, and (if monitored) central station test per dealer procedure.
Can I mix PowerG and 319/345 MHz legacy sensors?
PowerG needs IQ Panel/H hub; 319/345 needs IQ Card 319/345 installed transceiver hardware — they do not enroll on the standard 345 MHz receiver alone.
Why does my zone show trouble?
Most common: low battery, tamper open, out of range, or wrong sensor type for the panel receiver (PowerG vs legacy 319/345 MHz sensors).
How do I replace a sensor?
Delete old zone in installer programming, enroll replacement using Learn mode, and test walk test at final location.
Will Alarm.com show this device?
When the panel has active interactive service, enrolled zones appear in the Alarm.com app with status matching the panel.
Where is official documentation?
Primary reference: IQ smoke/CO install guide
How do I test after installation?
Use panel walk test, zone status, and (if monitored) central station test per dealer procedure.
Can I mix PowerG and 319/345 MHz legacy sensors?
PowerG needs IQ Panel/H hub; 319/345 needs IQ Card 319/345 installed transceiver hardware — they do not enroll on the standard 345 MHz receiver alone.