What are the power options and requirements for an Alarm.com Flex IO sensor?

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The Alarm.com Flex IO^®sensor can use battery or DC power.

Note: The Alarm.com Flex IO^®sensor cannot supply power to loop input devices. These devices must have their own independent power source (if required).

Battery power

For battery power, the Alarm.com Flex IO^®sensor uses 4 1.5V AA Lithium batteries. These batteries are included in the box.

When operating on installed batteries only, the Alarm.com Flex IO^®sensor device will only be awake when there is activity on the built-in reed switch sensor or an installed loop input sensor. The Alarm.com Flex IO^®sensor will only communicate sensor status updates one-way to the Alarm.com cloud, and will not receive any commands.

Note: If batteries are not installed, a Low Battery trouble condition appears on the customer account.

DC power

In addition to battery power, the Alarm.com Flex IO^®sensor can be powered with a DC converter.

When operating on DC power, the Alarm.com Flex IO^®sensor device will remain awake. The Alarm.com Flex IO^®sensor will communicate sensor status to the Alarm.com cloud, and will also be able to receive commands.

In the event of DC power loss (or potentially if DC power does not meet requirements) the Alarm.com Flex IO^®sensor will fall back to battery operation and will report sensor status, but not receive commands.

DC power is required for gate control installations due to increased power demands. DC power is optional for reed switch or input installations.

Anything from 6-15VDC is acceptable.
A minimum of 1 Amperage is required.
For best performance, 18-22 AWG wire should be used.

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.

To connect to DC power:

Remove the weatherproof gasket at the bottom of the Alarm.com Flex IO^®sensor to access the screw terminals.
Connect the DC power supply to G and V+ terminals.
Puncture the corresponding holes in the terminal waterproofing gasket for the input loop. You can use a screwdriver, a paper clip, or anything else handy.
Thread wires through the newly created holes (from the outside-facing side of the gasket inward) before securing them to the terminal block. This allows you to maintain the Alarm.com Flex IO^®sensor's weatherproof seal.
Remove the battery door and use a Phillips head screwdriver to secure the wires to the terminal block.
Replace the weatherproof gasket once you have successfully completed the wiring.