Recently moved into my new home and there was a fairly older security system (I’m thinking at least 10+ years) in place. I believe it’s hardwired to some extent as there is another box downstairs with wires/big battery, etc. there are window sensors on just about every window in the house but whether they work or not is a question for another day. For now, I am mainly curious if the stuff that’s installed could still be utilized to save me money on equipment cost. So how can I tell if what is currently in place would work with something like powerG? If it is compatible, would I be able to use iq panel 4 or only the 2+?
Post some pics like keypad and sensors and Control box
You would be able to reuse wired sensors with the IQ Panel 4.
If using the IQ Panel 4 IQP4001, you would need a hardwired to wireless takeover module like the PowerG IQ Hardwire (8 Zones, 2 Units max) or the Qolsys Hardwire 16F (319.5Mhz) (16 Zones).
These would replace the old panel (the case with all the wires leading to it) and transmit the sensor status wirelessly to the IQ Panel 4.
I’ll be home from work in a little over an hour. Will report back then
Okay, that’s what I thought from the bit I’ve researched so far. Would be such a waste if I didn’t even consider using what is already installed. I will post pictures of the panel and control box when I get home from work to help give you guys a better idea
Ok, if your zones are all wireless then you can just reuse them with the 345Mhz version of the IQ Panel 4 found here. Honeywell 5800 Series sensors are compatible with the 345Mhz version of the panel.
Note that the standard version of the IQ Panel is 319.5 Mhz and wouldn’t work for your sensors, so use the link above.
You would not need any wired to wireless translators if you have no wired zones to take over.
As far as I can tell, im pretty sure the basement windows and the fire alarms are hardwired but it seems fairly cheap to just replace them.
Are these honeywells just as reliable as current ones despite their age?
Definitely test the system to ensure the sensors are working as intended, but it is much more cost effective to make use of existing equipment. All sensors can experience failures and wear down over time, but I wouldn’t be concerned with that up front unless testing reveals issues.
Old smoke detectors/CO detectors often need replaced. They all have an expiration date and it is unfortunately sort of common that they are not properly replaced on those older systems.
If any sensors give range issues, you can replace with PowerG versions as needed.
Thanks for all the info Jason. One last question. Is there some sort of spreadsheet that would show me compatible equipment with that version of that 345 mhz panel?
This lists all sensors for all panel types, for the 345Mhz version, look under the 345Mhz section and the PowerG section.