Considering moving from Interlogix Concord 4 to the Qolsys 16F so I can continue using my hardwired sensors, and also upgrade from the old GE keypad to the IQ4. Something that I haven’t seen answered is what to do about the wiring for the keypad. Currently it looks like the keypad gets power from the panel (via Bus A and B wires??). I’m assuming that I’ll need to run new wire for the IQ4 panel and that it can’t be powered from the 16F? And I’ll need to upgrade to a piezo siren as well, or is the Honeywell 747F compatible?
You wouldn’t power the IQ Panel 4 from the 16F. It comes with it’s own transformer. You could potentially use the existing wire but you would have to do voltage drop calculations to make sure they’re thick enough for their length. It’s easier just to power the panel with the wire it comes with at a nearby outlet.
The 16F should be able to power that siren. It’s has a 12V 500mA power output.
You might also consider using the IQ Pro instead of the 16F & IQ Panel 4. Then there wouldn’t be a wireless link between your wired sensors and the control panel. Either would work though, whichever you prefer.
Thanks for the info. I’ll take a look at the IQ Pro.
My main issue with using the transformer and wire included with the IQ Panel 4 is that I’d prefer not to run it on the outside of the wall. Since the current keypad was wired when the house was built, the wires are already hidden.
Since the current keypad was wired when the house was built, the wires are already hidden.
Yeah it is pretty common to reuse the wiring going to a keypad location as the power cable, but you’ll just need to connect the plug in Qolsys transformer to the other end of that wiring.
The IQ Panel 4 stipulates up to 98.5 feet on 18AWG cable.
Keypads usually use a 22/4 cable, 22AWG won’t support too long of a cable run, but doubling up the conductors so that you use 2 for + and 2 for - will help reduce voltage drop and support most normal length keypad runs.