I am considering the purchase of a Qolsys Panel 2 Plus, along with the IQ Hardware 16 panel for connecting to the existing 16 hardwired zones. I would prefer to use the existing in-wall hardwire power wires to power the Panel 2 Plus, rather than run the included wire down to the nearest wall socket abd plug in the blocky transformer.The existing 18 gauge power wires terminate down in the basement at where the current control box lives.
It is my understanding that the Qolsys unit comes with a 1A 5.5V transformer and 25 feet of wire (don’t know what gauge). My preferred location for placement of the Qolsys Panel 2 Plus has an approximately 35 feet of wire run to where the 18 gauge wires in the basement terminate. Given the voltage drop for the increased length of wire, what is appropriate Voltage output for a transformer to be used to ensure delivery of 5.5V at the panel. I’m sure this is straight math, but I don’t know how to do it off the top of my head. I’m guessing a commonly available 6V transformer would work fine, but what do I know?
The newest revisions (revision E or later) of the IQ Panel 2+ support up to 7vDC transformer, which would allow up to roughly 100 feet of 18AWG.
The newest IQ Remote, the 9104, includes a 7vDC transformer, and I believe that is the case with new IQ Panel 2+ panels as well. I will double check that to be certain and confirm here.
If one is needed, the part number for the Qolsys 7vDC transformer is QR0051-840
That’s excellent news! I got the 5.5V info from a Qolsys training video on YouTube; they must have updated the transformer since that video was made.
Now, in never-believe-the-homeowner news, I actually looked closely at the wiring rather than just glancing at it and it turns out I have a bundle of four wires (red, green, white and black) in a gray sheath and each individual wire is 22 gauge, not 18 as I had previously guessed.
The longest run of 22 gauge wire would be to the main Qolsys Panel at 31 feet. Using a handy-dandy Internet voltage drop calculation, with the 7 Volt transfer would end up delivering 6 Volts to the panel.
The short run to the secondary panel would be 18 feet, and 6.42 would be delivered.
Would 6 Volts to the main panel and 6.42 Volts to the secondary panel be OK?
With a 7vDC transformer yes you should be fine at 30ish feet. The panel needs between 5vDC and 7vDC. 22AWG should be the smallest cable you would use for power though. If a smaller gauge is present for a location, be sure to double up on the conductors or run new cable.
Definitely a four-wire, 22 gauge bundle. I like the idea of doubling up the wires for positive and negative; that should thoroughly eliminate any problems with resistance.