Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor (ADC-FLEX-100) - Installation Guide
Notice: Installation and maintenance servicing for this device should only be performed by qualified personnel.
Overview
The Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor enables new levels of flexibility for monitoring valuable property and assets anywhere that LTE connectivity is available. Whether used with a backyard gate or a remote storage unit, the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor empowers users to keep an eye on what matters most. It can be used with the included magnet to monitor doors, gates, and other entryways. It also comes equipped with input and output options for integrating compatible devices that lack long-range connectivity.
Important: The Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor is a monitoring device that is not intended for life safety use cases.
For a video guide about installing the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor, see Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor - Installation Videos.
For an overview Job Aid of the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor installation, see Flex IO Installation - Job Aid.
Equipment
In the box:
- Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor
- Magnet
- 4x AA 1.5V lithium batteries
- Installation guide
- 300 kΩ resistor (optional)
Recommended tools and supplies (not included):
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Zip ties (up to 3 recommended: 2 for the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor and 1 for magnet)
- #8 Phillips screws (4x)
- Paper clip (to press the sensor's diagnostic button; see Cellular signal strength)
Loop input tools and supplies (if required, not included):
- 18-22 AWG wire
- Power supply (ADC-FLEX-100-PS)
- Wire retention clip (ADC-FLEX-100-WRC)
Installation for each supported use case
This article contains general information about installing the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor. For more information about installation depending on how the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor will be used, see the specific use case installation guide.
| How will this Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor be used? | Description | Installation guide |
|---|---|---|
| Contact Sensor using built-in reed switch | Selecting Contact Sensor allows you to use the Flex and built-in reed switch to monitor if something is opened or closed. | |
| Wired Contact Sensor using wired loop input | Selecting Wired Contact Sensor allows you to wire a contact sensor to the Flex using the loop input terminal. | |
| Pull-Apart Sensor using pull-apart or Magnapull sensor | Selecting Wired Contact Sensor allows you to use the Flex with a pull-apart or Magnapull sensor. This could be used to determine if something is moved from its location. | |
| Gate control using a compatible gate controller | Selecting Gate Control & Contact Sensor or Gate Control & Wired Contact allows you to use the Flex with a compatible gate controller. This allows you to monitor and open the connected gate controller. |
For more information about use cases, see Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor - Supported Use Cases.
Install the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor
Step 1: Determine location and check signal strength 
Before installing your device, it is important to consider the following:
- Reed switch position
- Mounting options
- Input and output wiring
- DC power requirements
- Cellular signal strength
Contact (reed switch) position
Like a standard door/window contact, the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor can be installed with the accompanying magnet to detect activity at potential entryways.
To determine your installation orientation, consider the following:
- Three separate reed switch positions are available. Only one reed switch position can be active at a time. You will select the reed switch position in Step 2.
- Use the tick marks on the sides of the device for guidance:
- | = Position 1
- || = Position 2
- ||| = Position 3
- The magnet should be positioned no more than 1.25 inches from the device.
For additional information about using the sensor as a reed switch, see Using the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor as a reed switch.
Mounting options
Consider the following mounting requirements. Review Step 3: Mount the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor for diagrams and more information.
- Using screws: Holes are located in the battery compartment.
- Using zip ties: Use cutouts at the top and bottom of the device to make sure the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor is mounted flush to the install surface.
Important: A mounting tamper is located on the back of the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor. This tamper button must be fully pressed (until you hear a clicking sound) to avoid reporting a mounting tamper malfunction.
Input wiring
If Loop will also be used, it is important to consider how the wiring will be configured before mounting the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor. For more information, see:
DC power requirements
In addition to battery power, the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor can be powered with a DC converter. DC power is optional for reed switch or input installations.
- Anything from 6-15VDC is acceptable.
- Power supply should be capable of providing at least 1 A to ensure reliable operation, though the device typically draws no more than 500 mA.
- For best performance, 18-22 AWG wire should be used.
To connect DC power, remove the weatherproof gasket at the bottom of the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor and connect the power supply to G and V+ terminals. For more information, see What are the power options and requirements for an Alarm.com Flex IO™ sensor?.
Important: DC power is required for relay installations due to increased power demands.
Note: It is recommended to still install batteries for backup power to prevent damage in case of a sudden power loss. If batteries are not installed, a Low Battery trouble condition will still appear on the customer account. The Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor uses battery power in the event DC power is lost.
Cellular signal strength
- Using a screwdriver, remove the battery door and temporarily insert batteries. Leave the battery cover off. The device LED should now be active.
- Hold the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor in the desired installation location.
- Using a paper clip, push the diagnostic button for 5 seconds, then release. The device LED should now be active.
- Tip: Don't have a paper clip? You can use the optional resistor included in the box.
- Once diagnostic mode is initiated, the LED will display the cell signal strength in a continuous loop for 2 minutes based on the patterns below. It may take up to 30 seconds for the signal strength to be acquired.
As you move the device, any changes in signal strength will be displayed by updates to the LED pattern. Alarm.com recommends a signal strength of 2 bars or greater.
Important: Once the cellular signal strength is sufficient, remove the batteries from the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor before adding it to a customer account.
| Signal strength | LED pattern | LED visual |
|---|---|---|
| Signal strength pending | Solid red |  |
| 0 bars | Single red LED blink every 8 seconds |  |
| 1 bar | 1 red LED blink, followed by 1 yellow LED blink |  |
| 2 bars | 1 red LED blink, followed by 2 yellow LED blinks |  |
| 3 bars | 1 red LED blink, followed by 3 yellow LED blinks |  |
| 4 bars | 1 red LED blink, followed by 4 yellow LED blinks |  |
| 5 bars | 1 red LED blink, followed by 5 yellow LED blinks |  |
| 6 bars | 1 red LED blink, followed by 6 yellow LED blinks |  |
Step 3: Mount the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor
Important: If wiring any devices into the screw terminals, it is recommended to do so before mounting the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor.
The Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor can be mounted using either screws or zip ties.
Using screws
- Screw mounting holes are located in the battery compartment. To avoid damaging the batteries, it is recommended to remove them before installing screws.
- Use two #8 Phillips screws to puncture the gasket and securely mount the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor.
- Take care not to over-torque the screws. Power tools should be avoided. If pilot holes are necessary, a drill bit size of 5/64'' is recommended.
Using zip ties
- Zip ties should have a maximum width of 0.34 inches. UV resistant zip ties are recommended.
- Use the zip tie grooves at the top and bottom of the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor to ensure a secure installation. The magnet also has a zip tie groove across the center.
Mounting tamper
A mounting tamper is located on the back of the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor. This tamper button must be fully pressed (until you hear a clicking sound) to avoid reporting a mounting tamper malfunction, as indicated by an alternating single Red and Yellow LED pattern.
Important: An active mounting tamper will drain the battery.
Step 4: Insert the batteries
Install the included batteries, close the battery compartment door, and tighten the screw securely.
Important: Make sure the battery door screw is securely tightened until the door tamper is no longer detected and then add an additional ¼ turn to the screw. This will also ensure a waterproof seal.
If this screw is not fully tightened, the LED will show a single red blink every 2 seconds. Be careful to not over-torque the screw. Power tools should be avoided.
Battery compatibility
- Lithium batteries are required for this device. Under normal conditions, battery life is expected to be 2 years.
- Any 1.5 V lithium battery should work. Alkaline batteries or any battery greater than 1.5 V (e.g., the Saft 3.6 V) should not be used.
Note: If batteries are not installed, a Low Battery trouble condition appears on the customer account.
Step 5: Confirm Communication
Confirm device communication
Activate the reed switch contact as well as any sensors wired into the device. The LED should blink yellow twice when the device is tripped. This will prompt the Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor to communicate with Alarm.com.
Check LED
The device LED may cycle through a number of patterns as the device boots up and connects to a cell tower. If the LED continues to flash after 1 minute, check to make sure that the device does not have a tamper condition (review Step 3 and Step 4).
For battery-powered installations, when the device is successfully installed the LED should be off and activate only when the device is tripped, blinking yellow twice.
For powered installations, the yellow LED should be solid, blinking twice when the device is tripped.
If the device is not communicating with Alarm.com, see Advanced Troubleshooting Using MobileTech.
For more information on LED patterns, see Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor - LED Patterns and Troubleshooting.
Post-installation checklist
- The Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor is installed flush to the mounting surface. If the mounting tamper is enabled, the tamper button on the back of the device should be pressed in.
- LED is not blinking.
- For devices with only battery power, the LED should be off.
- For devices with wired power, the LED should be solid yellow and not flashing.
- The only LED activity should occur when the device is activated (either by reed switch or wired-in device), which should result in 2 yellow blinks.
- Any Loop Input wires are securely connected.
- Device activations are being reported in the account's Event History.
Specifications
Regulatory information
Important: The Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor is a monitoring device that is not intended for life safety use cases.
FCC
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- this device may not cause harmful interference, and
- this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
ISED
This device contains licence-exempt transmitters(s)/receiver(s) that comply with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's licence-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- This device may not cause interference.
- This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Cet appareil contient des émetteurs/récepteurs exemptés de licence conformes à la norme Innovation, Sciences, et Développement économique Canada. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes:
- L'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage.
- L'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.
EU Declaration of Conformity statement
Hereby, Alarm.com Incorporated declares that the radio equipment type ADC-FLEX-100 is in compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU. The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address:
https://www.alarm.com/about/international/eu-red
Contact information
If you are experiencing difficulties with an Alarm.com Flex IO® sensor installation, contact Alarm.com your technical support and we'll be happy to assist you further.