Qolsys IQ Panel 2 4 and 5 - Panel Low Battery or Backup Battery Trouble

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 4 and 5 - Panel Low Battery or Backup Battery Trouble

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 4 and 5 - Panel Low Battery or Backup Battery Trouble

If your Qolsys panel reports Panel Low Battery, Backup Battery, or a similar battery trouble, the warning refers to the backup battery that powers the alarm panel during an electrical outage.

This is different from a Sensor Low Battery warning.

These instructions apply generally to:

  • Qolsys IQ Panel 2
  • Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus
  • Qolsys IQ Panel 4
  • Qolsys IQ Panel 5

Panel Battery Versus Sensor Battery

First determine exactly what the Qolsys panel is reporting.

Panel Low Battery means the problem involves the alarm panel's backup battery or its charging/power condition.

Sensor Low Battery identifies an individual wireless device such as a:

  • Door sensor
  • Window sensor
  • Motion detector
  • Glass-break detector
  • Smoke detector
  • Other wireless device

Replacing a door or window sensor battery will not correct a panel backup-battery trouble.

Was There a Recent Power Outage?

A panel low-battery warning can occur after an extended electrical outage.

During a power outage, the Qolsys panel uses its backup battery to continue operating.

As the outage continues, the battery's charge decreases.

When AC power returns, the panel should begin charging the backup battery again.

A low-battery condition may therefore remain for some time after power has been restored.

Verify AC Power First

Before assuming the backup battery has failed, determine whether the panel currently has normal AC power.

Check:

  1. Whether the building has electrical power.
  2. Whether the panel's power supply has accidentally been unplugged.
  3. Whether an appropriate breaker or GFCI has tripped.
  4. Whether the panel also displays an AC power-failure condition.

Do not work on exposed electrical wiring.

If the building has power but the Qolsys panel continues to report an AC power failure, contact CommTech Systems.

Allow the Battery to Recharge

If the panel battery was discharged during a power outage, restoring AC power does not instantly recharge it.

Leave normal AC power connected and allow the system time to recharge.

Do not repeatedly reboot the panel in an attempt to clear the low-battery message.

Do not disconnect the battery to clear the warning.

Check the Message Center

If a battery warning remains:

  1. Open the Qolsys Message Center.
  2. Read the exact alert.
  3. Determine whether it says Panel Low Battery, AC Failure, or identifies a specific sensor.
  4. Note any other trouble conditions.

More than one power-related condition can occur at the same time.

Panel Low Battery and AC Failure Together

If both AC Failure and Panel Low Battery are present, restoring normal AC power is the priority.

The backup battery cannot properly recharge while the panel remains without its normal power source.

Once AC power is restored, allow the battery time to recharge.

Panel Low Battery Returns Frequently

If the panel repeatedly reports a low backup battery even though there have been no significant power outages, the battery or charging system may require service.

Backup batteries do not last indefinitely.

Contact CommTech Systems so the battery and panel power system can be evaluated.

Panel Shuts Down During a Power Outage

If the panel shuts down shortly after AC power is lost, the backup battery may not be providing adequate runtime.

Possible causes can include:

  • Discharged battery
  • Aging battery
  • Battery connection problem
  • Charging problem
  • Panel power problem
  • Battery failure

Contact CommTech Systems.

Panel Does Not Turn Back On After Power Is Restored

If the panel remains off after normal building power returns:

  1. Verify that the property has electrical power.
  2. Verify that the panel's power source has not been unplugged.
  3. Check for an appropriate tripped breaker or GFCI.
  4. Do not open the panel or begin disconnecting batteries.

Contact CommTech Systems if the panel remains unpowered.

Do Not Replace the Panel Battery Based Only on a Sensor Alert

Before replacing anything, verify whether the message identifies the panel or a particular sensor.

For example:

Front Door Low Battery

does not indicate a problem with the Qolsys panel battery.

It indicates that the Front Door sensor is reporting a low battery.

Battery Replacement

Qolsys panel generations use different internal battery assemblies and service procedures.

Do not assume that an IQ Panel 2, IQ Panel 4, and IQ Panel 5 use the same replacement battery.

The correct replacement battery must match the exact panel model and applicable specifications.

Contact CommTech Systems if the panel backup battery requires replacement.

Do Not Install an Incorrect Battery

Do not substitute a battery based only on:

  • Physical size
  • Connector appearance
  • Voltage without confirming the complete specification
  • A battery intended for another IQ Panel generation

Using an incorrect battery can cause equipment problems and may create a safety hazard.

Do Not Disconnect the Battery to Clear the Trouble

Disconnecting and reconnecting the backup battery is not a proper method for correcting a low-battery warning.

It may also:

  • Create additional trouble conditions
  • Cause a panel tamper
  • Interrupt security operation
  • Cause the panel to shut down if AC power is unavailable

Contact CommTech Systems if battery service is required.

Swollen or Damaged Battery

If you have reason to believe the panel battery is swollen, leaking, unusually hot, damaged, or producing an unusual odor, do not continue handling the equipment.

Contact CommTech Systems for service.

Do not puncture, crush, or attempt to repair a lithium battery.

After the Battery Recharges

After normal AC power has been restored and the battery has had time to recharge:

  1. Check the Message Center.
  2. Verify that the panel low-battery warning has cleared.
  3. Check for any remaining AC or power trouble.
  4. Verify that Alarm.com shows current system status.

If the low-battery trouble remains or returns, contact CommTech Systems.

Do Not Factory Reset the Panel

A factory reset will not repair a weak or failed backup battery.

Do not factory reset an IQ Panel 2, IQ Panel 2 Plus, IQ Panel 4, or IQ Panel 5 because of a battery trouble.

When to Contact CommTech Systems

Contact CommTech Systems if:

  • Panel Low Battery remains after normal AC power has been restored.
  • The battery warning repeatedly returns.
  • The panel also reports an AC power failure.
  • The panel shuts down quickly during an electrical outage.
  • The panel does not turn back on when power returns.
  • There has been no outage that would explain the low battery.
  • The panel repeatedly reboots or loses power.
  • The backup battery needs replacement.
  • The battery appears swollen, damaged, leaking, or unusually hot.
  • You are unsure whether the warning refers to the panel or a sensor.

When requesting assistance, provide:

  • Your Qolsys panel model if known
  • The exact battery or power message displayed
  • Whether there was a recent power outage
  • Approximately how long the power was out
  • Whether normal AC power has been restored
  • Whether the panel is currently operating normally
  • Any other trouble messages displayed

Do not provide your alarm code, Master Code, Installer Code, Wi-Fi password, or Alarm.com password through the support chatbot.