System Sensor 2100T User Manual

INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

2100 and 2100T Photoelectronic

3825 Ohio Avenue, St. Charles, Illinois 60174

Smoke Detectors

Specifications

Diameter: 5.5 inches (140 mm)
Height (including mounting bracket): 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Weight: 5.3 oz. (150 g)
Operating Temperature Range:

Model 2100: 32° to 120°F (0° to 50°C)
Model 2100T: 32° to 100°F (0° to 39°C)

Operating Humidity Range: 10% to 93% Relative Humidity, Noncondensing
Latching Alarm: Reset by momentary power interruption
Heat Sensor (Model 2100T only): 135°F Fixed Temperature Electronic Thermistor

Electrical Ratings

System Voltage Nominal: 12 or 24 VDC

Minimum: 8.5 VDC

Maximum: 35 VDC
Maximum Ripple Voltage: 30% of nom. Voltage (peak to peak)
Start-up Capacitance: 0.02 µF maximum
Standby Current: 50 µA maximum
Alarm Ratings: 4.2 VDC minimum at 10 mA.

6.6 VDC maximum at 100 mA.
(Alarm current must be limited to 100 mA maximum by the control panel. If used, the RA400Z Remote Annunciator oper­ates within the specified detector alarm currents.)
Reset Voltage: 2.5 VDC minimum
Reset Time: 0.3 seconds maximum
Start-up Time: 30 seconds maximum (after 60 second reset)

1-800-SENSOR2, FAX: [phone]

A Division of Pittway

Before Installing

Please thoroughly read System Sensor manual I56-407,
Guide for Proper Use of System Smoke Detectors, which pro­vides detailed information on detector spacing, placement,
zoning, wiring, and special applications. Copies of this
manual are available at no charge from System Sensor.

NOTICE: This manual should be left with the owner/user
of this equipment.

IMPORTANT: This detector must be tested and maintained
regularly following NFPA 72 requirements. The detector
should be cleaned at least once a year.

General Description

Model 2100 is a 2-wire photoelectronic smoke detector that
uses a state-of-the-art optical sensing chamber. This detec­tor is designed to provide open area protection and to be
used with compatible UL-listed panels only. Model 2100T
features a restorable, built-in, fixed-temperature (135°F)
thermal detector.

Installation of these detectors is simplified by the use of a
mounting bracket and a plug-in screw terminal block that
can be prewired to the system, allowing the detector to be
easily installed or removed for cleaning. The detector’s sen­sitivity can be tested in place using the MOD400R Test
Module. An LED on the detector provides a local visual in­dication of the detector’s status. If power is applied to the
detector, and it is functioning normally in standby, the sta­tus LED blinks every ten seconds. The LED also latches on
in alarm.

Models 2100 and 2100T feature a visual indication that
maintenance is required – if the sensing chamber drifts out
of its sensitivity limits, the LED ceases to blink.

The detectors also include an output that allows an op­tional Model RA400Z Remote Annunciator to be connected.

D200-54-00 1 I56-710-05

Figure 1. Surface mounting of 2100 smoke detector
on 3-1/2-inch and 4-inch octagonal box:

A78-2563-00

Mounting

Each 2100 and 2100T detector is supplied with a mounting
bracket that permits the detector to be mounted:

1. To a single gang box, or

2. Directly to a 3-1/2 inch or 4 inch octagonal box, or

3. To a 4 inch square electrical box by using a plaster ring.

Tamper-resistance Feature

This detector includes a tamper-resistant feature that pre­vents its removal from the bracket without the use of a tool.
To make the detector tamper-resistant, remove the smaller
tab by breaking it at the scribed line on the tamper-resistant
tab on the detector mounting bracket (see Figure 2), then
install the detector. To remove the detector from the bracket
once it has been made tamper resistant, use a small screw­driver to depress the tamper-resistant tab, located in the
slot on the mounting bracket, and turn the detector coun­terclockwise.

Wiring Installation Guidelines

All wiring must be installed in compliance with the Na­tional Electrical Code, applicable local codes, and any spe­cial requirements of the local authority having jurisdiction.
Proper wire gauges should be used. The conductors used to
connect smoke detectors to control panels and accessory
devices should be color-coded to reduce the likelihood of
wiring errors. Improper connections can prevent a system

from responding properly in the event of a fire.

The screw terminal block will accept 14 – 22 gauge wire.
For best system performance, all wiring should be installed
in separate grounded conduit; do not mix fire system wir­ing in the same conduit as any other electrical wiring.
Twisted pair may be used to provide additional protection
against extraneous electrical interference.

Wire connections are made by stripping about 1/4 inch of
insulation from the end of the feed wire, inserting the wire
into the appropriate terminal, and tightening the screw to
secure the wire in place.

System Sensor smoke detectors are marked with a compat­ibility identifier located as the last digit of a five digit code
stamped on the back of the product. Connect detectors only
to compatible control units as indicated in System Sensor’s
compatibility chart which contains a current list of UL
listed compatible control units and detectors. A copy of this
list is available from System Sensor upon request.

Installation

WARNING

Remove power from the control unit or initiating-device cir­cuits before installing detectors.

1. Wire the plug-in screw terminal block per Figure 3 and
plug the terminal block into the detector.

2. Align the arrows on the detector with the arrows on the
mounting bracket.

3. Turn the detector clockwise in the mounting bracket un­til it clicks into place.

4. After all detectors have been installed, apply power to
the control unit or initiating-device circuits.

5. Test the detector as described in the following para­graph.

6. Reset the detector at the system control panel.

7. Notify the proper authorities the system is in operation.

Figure 2. 2100 and 2100T smoke detector mounting bracket:

TAMPER RESISTANT TAB

TAMPER SLOT
(DEPRESS TAB TO
REMOVE DETECTOR)

T

N

I

A

P

T

O

N

O

D

ALIGNMENT
ARROWS

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(CUT OFF SMALL TAB TO
ACTIVATE TAMPER-RESIST
FEATURE)

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Figure 3. Wiring diagram for the 2100 and 2100T detector:

+

INITIATING

LOOP

–

+
+

–
–

UL LISTED

COMPATIBLE

CONTROL

PANEL

+
–

RA400Z

REMOTE

ANNUNCIATOR

+

LED

–

OPTIONAL CLASS A WIRING

CAUTION

Dust covers are an effective way to limit the entry of dust
into smoke detector sensing chambers. However, they may
not completely prevent airborne dust particles from enter­ing the detector. Therefore, System Sensor recommends the
removal of detectors before beginning construction or other
dust producing activity. Be sure to remove dust covers from
any sensors that were left in place during construction as
part of returning the system to service.

Testing

NOTE: Before testing, notify the proper authorities that

the smoke detector system is undergoing mainte­nance and will temporarily be out of service. Dis­able the zone or system undergoing maintenance

to prevent unwanted alarms.
Detectors must be tested after installation and following
periodic maintenance. Test the 2100 as follows:
A. Test Switch

1. A recessed test switch is located on the detector hous­ing (See Figure 4).

2. Push and hold the recessed test switch with a 0.1 inch
maximum diameter tool such as an allen wrench or
small screwdriver.

3. The detector’s LED should light within 5 seconds.

EOL RESISTOR
SPECIFIED BY
PANEL
MANUFACTURER

+
+

–
–

+
–

RA400Z

REMOTE

ANNUNCIATOR

+

LED

–

B. Test Module (System Sensor Model No. MOD400R).

The MOD400R test module can be used with a DMM or
analog voltmeter to check the detector sensitivity as de­scribed in the test module’s manual.

C. Smoke Entry Test

Hold a smoldering punk stick or cotton wick at the side
of the detector and gently blow smoke through the de­tector until the unit alarms.

D. Direct Heat Method (Model 2100T only – Hair dryer of

1000-1500 watts).
Direct the heat toward either of the side thermistors.
Hold the heat source about 12 inches from the detector
in order to avoid damage to the plastic. The detector will
reset only after it has had sufficient time to cool and the

power source has been momentarily interrupted.
Both smoke and heat detection testing are recommended
for verifying system protection capability.

A detector that fails to activate with any of the above tests
should first be cleaned as outlined in the MAINTENANCE
section which follows. If the detector still fails to activate, it
should be returned for repair.

Notify the proper authorities the system is back on line.

A78-2331-01

Figure 4. Top and side views showing position of test switch:

LED

T

N

I

A

P

T

O

N

O

D

PUSH RECESSED 

TEST MODULE
SOCKET

RECESSED TEST
SWITCH

D200-54-00 3 I56-710-05

SWITCH WITH A

0.1" MAX. DIAMETER TOOL

Maintenance

NOTE: Before removing the detector, notify the proper

authorities that the smoke detector system is un­dergoing maintenance and will temporarily be out
of service. Disable the zone or system undergoing
maintenance to prevent unwanted alarms.

NOTE: (Model 2100T only) Before removing the detector

cover, note the position of the thermistors. Make
sure the thermistors are not bent over when the
housing is replaced.

6. Replace the housing by aligning the three triangular slots
on the base with their counterparts on the housing. Gen­tly press the housing until it locks in place. Check to
make sure that the thermistors are in the upright posi­tion (2100T).

7. Reinstall the detector.

8. Notify the proper authorities that the system is back in
operation.

Figure 5. Removal of cover and screen for cleaning:

1. Remove detector housing by gently prying the four hous­ing tabs on the bottom of the base with a small-bladed
screwdriver and pull the housing from the base. Use cau-

REMOVABLE
HOUSING

tion to avoid damaging the thermistors (2100T only).

2. Vacuum the screen carefully without removing it.

3. Remove the screen assembly by pulling it straight out
(see Figure 5).

REMOVABLE
SCREEN

4. Clean the sensing chamber by vacuuming or blowing out
dust and particles.

5. Replace the screen by orienting it so that the arrow on
the top aligns with the arrow on the printed circuit
board. Carefully press the screen assembly onto the
sensing chamber, making sure it fits tightly.

WARNING

The Limitations of Property Protection Smoke Detectors

This smoke detector is designed to activate and initiate emergency ac­tion, but will do so only when it is used in conjunction with an authorized
fire alarm system. This detector must be installed in accordance with
NFPA standard 72.
Smoke detectors will not work without power. AC or DC powered
smoke detectors will not work if the power supply is cut off.

Smoke detectors will not sense fires which start where smoke does not
reach the detectors. Smoldering fires typically do not generate a lot of

heat which is needed to drive the smoke up to the ceiling where the
smoke detector is usually located. For this reason, there may be large de­lays in detecting a smoldering fire with either an ionization type detector
or a photoelectric type detector. Either one of them may alarm only after
flaming has initiated which will generate the heat needed to drive the
smoke to the ceiling.
Smoke from fires in chimneys, in walls, on roofs or on the other side of a
closed door(s) may not reach the smoke detector and alarm it. A detector
cannot detect a fire developing on another level of a building quickly or at
all. For these reasons, detectors shall be located on every level and in

every bedroom within a building.
Smoke detectors have sensing limitations, too. Ionization detectors and

photoelectric detectors are required to pass fire tests of the flaming and
smoldering type. This is to ensure that both can detect a wide range of

Three-Year Limited Warranty

System Sensor warrants its enclosed smoke detector to be free from de­fects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for a
period of three years from date of manufacture. System Sensor makes no
other express warranty for this smoke detector. No agent, representative,
dealer, or employee of the Company has the authority to increase or alter
the obligations or limitations of this Warranty. The Company’s obligation
of this Warranty shall be limited to the repair or replacement of any part of
the smoke detector which is found to be defective in materials or work­manship under normal use and service during the three year period com­mencing with the date of manufacture. After phoning System Sensor’s toll
free number 800-SENSOR2 (736-7672) for a Return Authorization number,
send defective units postage prepaid to: System Sensor, Repair Depart-

D200-54-00 4 I56-710-05

types of fires. Ionization detectors offer a broad range of fire sensing capa­bility but they are somewhat better at detecting fast flaming fires than
slow smoldering fires. Photoelectric detectors sense smoldering fires better
than flaming fires which have little, if any, visible smoke. Because fires de­velop in different ways and are often unpredictable in their growth, nei­ther type of detector is always best, and a given detector may not always
provide early warning of a specific type of fire.
In general, detectors cannot be expected to provide warnings for fires re­sulting from inadequate fire protection practices, violent explosions, es­caping gases which ignite, improper storage of flammable liquids like
cleaning solvents which ignite, other similar safety hazards, arson, smok­ing in bed, children playing with matches or lighters, etc. Smoke detectors
used in high air velocity conditions may have a delay in alarm due to dilu­tion of smoke densities created by frequent and rapid air exchanges. Addi­tionally, high air velocity environments may create increased dust
contamination, demanding more frequent maintenance.
Smoke detectors cannot last forever. Smoke detectors contain electronic
parts. Even though smoke detectors are made to last over 10 years, any
part can fail at any time. Therefore, smoke detectors shall be replaced after
being in service for 10 years. The smoke detector system that this detector
is used in must be tested regularly per NFPA 72. This smoke detector
should be cleaned regularly per NFPA 72 or at least once a year.

ment, RA #__________, 3825 Ohio Avenue, St. Charles, IL 60174. Please
include a note describing the malfunction and suspected cause of failure.
The Company shall not be obligated to repair or replace units which are
found to be defective because of damage, unreasonable use, modifica­tions, or alterations occurring after the date of manufacture. In no case
shall the Company be liable for any consequential or incidental damages
for breach of this or any other Warranty, expressed or implied whatsoever,
even if the loss or damage is caused by the Company’s negligence or fault.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or conse­quential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to
you. This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have
other rights which vary from state to state.

SENSING 
CHAMBER

BASE

A78-2565-00

© System Sensor 1996