DSC PGP9979 PowerG Wireless Heat Detector

The DSC PGP9979 is a PowerG+ wireless heat detector designed for compatible DSC PowerSeries and Qolsys security systems. Featuring 135 F (57 C) fixed-temperature detection, rate-of-rise heat sensing, and 912-919 MHz two-way wireless communication, it provides fire-related temperature monitoring without a smoke-sensing chamber. The detector includes an 85 dBA local sounder, Test/Hush button, battery supervision, and tamper monitoring. Powered by two replaceable CR123A lithium batteries, it supports modern PowerG+ enrollment and legacy PowerG compatibility and is listed to UL 521 and ULC-S530.

DSC PGP9979 PowerG+ Wireless Fixed-Temperature and Rate-of-Rise Heat Detector

The DSC PGP9979 PowerG+ Wireless Heat Detector is a battery-powered fire detection device designed to identify elevated temperatures and rapid temperature increases within compatible residential security systems. Manufactured by DSC, a Johnson Controls brand, the PGP9979 incorporates fixed-temperature and rate-of-rise heat sensing technology to detect thermal conditions associated with developing fires. Unlike combination smoke and heat detectors, the PGP9979 monitors temperature rather than airborne smoke particles, making it particularly suitable for kitchens, garages, and other approved indoor locations where cooking vapors, dust, or environmental contaminants can cause unwanted smoke detector alarms. Its integrated PowerG+ wireless transmitter communicates alarm and supervisory conditions to a compatible security control panel without requiring hardwired signaling connections.

The PGP9979 incorporates a fixed-temperature heat sensor rated at 135 F (57 C), with a manufacturer-specified tolerance of approximately 5 F. Its rate-of-rise detection function responds to temperature increases of approximately 15 F (8.3 C) per minute when the surrounding temperature exceeds 104 F (40 C). Upon detecting a qualifying heat alarm, the device activates its internal piezoelectric sounder rated above 85 dBA at 10 feet, flashes its red alarm indicator, and transmits the event to the connected alarm control panel. The detector includes an integrated Test/Hush button for local functional testing and temporary silencing, allowing qualifying alarm conditions to be silenced for up to 10 minutes and fault chirps to be temporarily suppressed for up to 12 hours. Additional diagnostics provide visible and audible indications for low battery, sensor faults, and detector end-of-life conditions.

Designed for secure, supervised wireless operation, the DSC PGP9979 communicates over the 912-919 MHz North American PowerG frequency band and supports modern PowerG+ functionality with backward compatibility through a legacy PowerG enrollment mode. Compatible PowerG+ platforms include Qolsys IQ Panel 4, IQ4 NS, and IQ Hub running firmware 4.6.0 or later, along with IQ Pro systems running firmware 4.4.0 or later. The detector can also operate with supported PowerSeries Neo, PowerSeries Pro, and compatible Qolsys systems through legacy enrollment, subject to the control panel's wireless receiver and firmware requirements. PowerG+ system features include two-factor authentication enrollment, dealer lockdown, and battery-level reporting where supported by the host panel. A supervised wireless link monitors detector communication, while an integrated tamper switch identifies unauthorized removal from its mounting base. LED-based wireless diagnostics assist installers with confirming suitable signal strength during system commissioning.

The DSC PGP9979 uses two replaceable Panasonic 3V CR123A lithium batteries and provides a manufacturer-advertised battery life of up to six years under normal operating conditions. However, the installation manual specifies up to one year of battery life for the PGP9979 in UL-listed configurations, making the applicable installation requirements important when planning battery maintenance. The detector measures approximately 4.7 inches (120 mm) in diameter and 1.8 inches (46 mm) high, with a weight of approximately 0.46 pounds (210 grams). It is designed for dry indoor installation, with a UL operating temperature range of 40 F to 120 F (4.4 C to 48.8 C) and relative humidity from 15% to 95%, non-condensing. The manufacturer specifies a maximum UL-listed detector spacing of 50 feet by 50 feet, subject to the applicable installation requirements and ceiling configuration. Listed to UL 521 and ULC-S530, the PGP9979 has a specified detector service life of 10 years from manufacture and provides a wireless heat detection solution for compatible PowerG and PowerG+ security systems.