2GIG EDGE Security & Smart Home System — Installation Guide

Installation guide reference for the 2GIG EDGE™ Security & Smart Home System — a professional-installer resource covering panel features, placement, wiring, sensor programming, and common Q-code settings.

About This Guide

This guide is designed for distributors, alarm dealers, and professional installers of the 2GIG EDGE Security & Smart Home System, and is intended for use only by professional installers employed by or under contract with an authorized 2GIG alarm dealer. For 2GIG alarm dealers/distributors, visit nortekcontrol.com or 2gig.com. Technical Support (USA/Canada): 800-421-1587, or www.nortekcontrol.com/support/.

Overview & Key Features

• Face Recognition: Built-in camera recognizes faces and can arm/disarm the system, processing biometric data on-device (not sent to the cloud) for privacy.
• Bluetooth Disarm & Photo Snapshot: Disarm without touching the panel; on-board camera captures arm/disarm photos.
• Slideshow & Video Live View: Display photos/training videos on-screen; view up to 8 camera feeds (4 at a time) directly from the panel, including doorbell cameras.
• 7" Touchscreen Display with intuitive UI; Home button returns to the Arm/Disarm screen from anywhere.
• Smart Home Controls & Scenes: Automation rules, scenes, and notifications; supports Z-Wave and Z-Wave Plus (up to 232 smart home devices), fully interoperable with other Z-Wave certified products (this is a security-enabled Z-Wave Plus device capable of encrypted communication).
• Geofencing: Location-based scene activation.
• LTE (AT&T, Verizon) + WiFi Dual Path: If one communication path fails, the other remains available; faster/free updates over WiFi.
• 2-Way Voice: Central Station operators can communicate directly with users through the panel, and silently listen in after a duress report.
• 85 dB Piezo Sounder + internal speaker for voice annunciations, chimes, and notifications. CAUTION: long/repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dB can cause Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.
• 24-Hour Backup Battery to maintain operation during AC power outages.
• USB Port for firmware updates via USB thumb drive.
• Built-in WiFi Access Point for direct connection with secondary keypads, cameras, and doorbells without a local network.
• Security Codes: supports up to 100 unique codes — 1 Master User Code, 1 Duress Code, 1 Installer Code, plus 98 additional user codes.
• Duress: a programmable PIN a user can enter under coercion to silently alert the central station.
• False Alarm Reduction: conforms to ANSI/SIA CP-01-2010 and meets ETL Listed Mark residential security certification criteria.

Smart Areas™ (Partitioning)

Smart Areas is 2GIG's partitioning solution, supporting up to 4 areas so users can arm some sections of a home/building while leaving others disarmed. Zones can be assigned across Smart Areas for independent control (disabled by default; enable at the panel or remotely via Alarm.com dealer tools). Typical use cases: securing a room with a safe/valuables, restricting access for guests or rental tenants, disarming just the garage for a package delivery, or securing a pool/spa area (required in California for new pools/spas). The panel is a fully self-contained partitioning solution — no additional modules or setup required — with one-touch Global System Access and a Home button that always returns to the Arm/Disarm screen.

Internal Components

• Third Hand Hanging Strap: durable strap for installers to use as an extra hand during install/service.
• USB Port: built-in, for firmware updates.
• Piezo Sounder: internal 85 dB.
• Terminal Block: two blocks with screw terminals for electrical power (DC IN+/DC IN–), hardwire loops/wired zones (ZONE1/ZONE2), solid-state output (BELL+/BELL-), and open collector output (OCL1/OCL2).
• Backup Battery: extends service during power outages.
• Receiver Board: main receiver board.
• 2GIG EDGE Speaker: internal speaker for tones, alerts, and echo-suppressed 2-Way Voice.

Compatible Accessories

Kits & Keypads: 2GIG Control Panel Desktop Kit, 2GIG EDGE Remote Keypad, 2GIG PAD1. Antennas: 2GIG External Mount Antenna. Sensors & Peripherals: Thin Door/Window Surface Contact, Recessed Door/Window Contact, PIR Motion Detector, Glass Break Detector, Smoke/Heat/Freeze Alarm, Smoke/Heat Detector, Panic Button Remote, Carbon Monoxide Sensor, Takeover Module, Doorbell, Universal Garage Door Receiver, Tilt Sensor, Bypass Sensor, Flood Sensor, Repeater. Both 2GIG eSeries (encrypted) and unencrypted 2GIG sensors are compatible with eSeries panels including 2GIG EDGE. Smart Home Controls: Z-Wave-compatible lights, locks, thermostats, garage doors, video doorbells, and IP cameras (consult your 2GIG alarm dealer).

IMPORTANT: To keep sensors operating properly, alarm dealers/owners should test sensor batteries and wireless signals at least once a year.

Important Residential Installation Information

• Fire warning systems must comply with national codes — in the US, ANSI/NFPA 72 and ANSI/NFPA 70; in Canada, CAN/ULC-S540.
• A local alarm system permit may be required — always confirm compliance with national/regional/local laws.
• For smoke alarm use, at least one approved 2GIG-branded smoke alarm must be programmed into the panel (see dealer.2gig.com).
• Failure to follow ETL installation requirements voids the system's ETL Listed Mark.
• Storage temperature: -10°C to 60°C (14°F to 140°F). Operating temperature: 0°C to 49°C (32°F to 120°F).

Planning the Installation

Recommended Tools

2-conductor power wire, drywall saw, screwdrivers, staple gun, wire stripper.

Choosing the Panel Location

• Indoor, protected from temperature extremes; above ground and centrally located.
• Use an unswitched outlet — never connect to a switch-controlled outlet.
• Do not install below ground level — this impairs wireless range. Mount the panel as high above earth level as practical.
• Avoid locations easily viewed from doors/windows, within reach of small children, or in direct sunlight.
• The optional 2GIG Desktop Kit allows mounting on a flat surface (desk/counter) if wall mounting isn't an option — this may affect state/regional code compliance.

Placing Wireless Sensors

Wireless sensors communicate via RF and are subject to interference from other RF devices, construction materials, appliances, and electrical wiring. Minimum required signal strength is -90 dBm. Sensor signal loss through common materials: wallboard/wood studs ~90–100% of full power retained; light concrete or brick ~65–95%; concrete with steel reinforcement or metal lath/plaster ~10–70% (i.e., significant signal loss). Mount sensors at least 3 ft above a concrete slab floor, and avoid placing sensors near large metal appliances (e.g., a refrigerator) or behind large metal walls.

Wiring Terminal Block Reference

Terminal blocks accommodate up to 18 AWG wire. For hardwired contact sensors, choose Normally Open (N/O) circuits (alarm triggers when the contact is no longer in its normally-open state) or use an End-of-Line Resistor (EOLR) — a 2.2kΩ resistor (not supplied) installed at the loop location farthest from the panel — for supervised open/short circuit detection.

Connecting DC power: Locate an unswitched outlet (do not plug in yet). Route 2-conductor power wire through the backplate's wiring cutout. Wire ground-to-ground, positive-to-positive, negative-to-negative (note: grounding the panel itself is not required for proper operation). Insert positive wire into DC IN+ and negative into DC IN– terminals, tightening screws without over-tightening. Complete all wiring and secure the backplate to the panel before finally connecting power to the outlet. An alternate 3.5mm barrel connector method is also supported.

Backup Battery

Ensure the battery is seated with its label facing up and connector wire on the left; insert the wired battery pin into the PCB battery connector, then plug in the power supply. The panel can boot on battery alone (AC power not required to boot) — disconnect the battery before shipping the unit.

Battery warnings: do not misuse batteries; lithium batteries have a limited cycle life and should be replaced at end of service life; handle with care during replacement (don't drop/damage), transport old batteries in a fireproof bag, and dispose of per local regulations; keep away from children.

To replace the battery: remove the 4 back-panel screws, detach the old battery's power cable and pull the battery free (adhesive may require some force), peel the adhesive strip off the new battery, insert it, reattach the power cable, and replace the back cover.

Sensor Programming Reference (Overview)

Each wireless sensor is identified to the panel by its unique Transmission ID (TXID). Programming a sensor also requires setting its Sensor Equipment Type (what kind of device it is), Sensor Loop (which input on a multi-zone sensor is being programmed), Normal State, Transmission Delay, Voice Descriptor (the spoken/displayed name, e.g. "front door"), Sensor Reports, Sensor Supervised (whether missing check-ins trigger a trouble), and Sensor Chime behavior. Refer to the full manual's Sensor Programming Reference and Equipment Codes tables for exact per-sensor values (these vary by sensor model and are extensive).

Selected Advanced Programming Options (Q-Codes)

The 2GIG EDGE's advanced programming menu uses "Q-code" settings, organized by category:

• Q1xx — System Configuration: e.g. Q101 Change installer code, Q102 Security pin code length, Q103 Lock installer programming, Q104 Lock default programming, Q105 2-way voice, Q106 Disable siren after two-way audio, Q107 Smart Areas, Q108 Z-Wave feature, Q112 Z-Wave siren mode, Q113 Quick arming, Q114 Auto stay, Q116 Allow quick exit, Q117 Quick bypass.
• Q2xx — Timers, Delays & Counts: Q201 Exit delay (seconds), Q202/Q203 Entry delay 1/2 (seconds), Q204 Alarm cancel time (minutes), Q206 Burglary bell cutoff time, Q207 Fire bell cutoff time, Q208 Swinger shutdown count, Q210 Time to detect AC loss (minutes), Q212 Siren supervision time.
• Q3xx — Panel Configurations: Q301 Police emergency key, Q302 Fire emergency key, Q303 Emergency key, Q304 On-Board Camera, Q305 Temperature display units, Q307/Q308 Open collector #1/#2 output, Q309 Allow backlight always on.
• Q4xx — Troubles: Q401–Q403 Radio modem network failure time/trouble/reports, Q404–Q406 Broadband network failure time/trouble/reports, Q407 Trouble doesn't sound at night, Q408 RF jam causes trouble, Q409 System tamper causes trouble.
• Q5xx — Central Station (CS) Reporting: Q501 CS lack-of-usage notification time (days), Q502 Periodic test (days), Q503–Q504 Programming mode/trouble reports to CS, Q506–Q509 Manual bypass/force bypass/AC loss reports, Q515–Q517 System disarmed/armed/alarm restore reports, Q518 Smart test reports.

For exact default values, valid ranges, and full descriptions of every Q-code, refer to the complete downloadable PDF manual (Advanced Programming Reference, pages 43–55).

ANSI/SIA CP-01-2010 False Alarm Reduction

The 2GIG EDGE conforms to the Security Industry Alarm Coalition's ANSI/SIA CP-01-2010 Control Panel Standard, which includes features specifically designed to limit false alarms (e.g., swinger shutdown, cross-zoning, exit/entry delay confirmation).

Warnings

• Limitations of Alarm Products: No security system can guarantee prevention of burglary, fire, or other emergencies — professional installation and regular testing are essential, but alarm systems have inherent limitations and cannot eliminate risk entirely.
• Risk of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: The panel's siren/sounder can produce sound levels that pose a hearing-damage risk with long or repeated close exposure.

Warranty

See the Limited Warranty section of the full manual for complete terms. Copyright © 2021 Nortek Security & Control LLC.