System Sensor S1224MC User Manual

INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

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SpectrAlert Selectable Output Strobes,
Horns, and Horn/Strobes

For use with the following models:
Strobes - 12/24 volt: S1224MC, S1224MCW, S1224MCSP, S1224MCSPW, S1224MCP, S1224MCPW
Combo - 12/24 volt: P1224MC, P1224MCW, P1224MCSP, P1224MCSPW, P1224MCP, P1224MCPW
Horns - H12/24, H12/24W

Suffix “W” indicates white housing models. Suffix “SP” indicates “FUEGO” (Spanish word for “FIRE”) lettering on housing.
Suffix “P” indicates plain housing (no lettering).
The Products to which this manual applies may be covered by one or more of the
following U.S. Patent numbers: 5,914,665; 5,850,178; 5,598,139; 6,049,446; 6,133,843; 6,522,261; 6,661,337; 5,931,569; 6,793,375; 6,822,400; 6,833,783; 6,838,997

3825 Ohio Avenue, St. Charles, Illinois 60174

1-800-SENSOR2, FAX: [phone]

www.systemsensor.com

Specifications

Automatic selection for 12 or 24 volt rated operation (DC or Full-Wave Rectified)

Electrical

Horns, Strobes, and
Horn/Strobes Voltages: Regulated 12 DC/FWR and Regulated 24 DC/FWR
Operational Voltage Ranges: 12V=8-17.5 Volts; 24V=16-33 Volts
Synchronous Applications
with MDL Module: 12V=9-17.5 Volts; 24V=17-33 Volts
Operational Humidity Range: 10-93% RH (non-condensing)

NOTE: Horn units will operate on walk tests with on-time durations of .25 sec. or greater.

Flash Rate: 1 flash per second
Operating Temperature: 32° F to 120° F (0° C to 49° C)
Selectable Light Outputs: All candelas are selectable via a manual slide switch.
12/24 Volt Applications: 15 or 15/75 candela
24 Volt Application: 30, 75, 110 candela
15/75 is listed at 15 candela per UL 1971 but will provide 75 candela on axis

(straight ahead). 15, 30, 75, or 110 are rated for that candela.

Sound Output: Sound output levels are established at Underwriters Laboratories in their reverber-

ant room. Always use the sound output specified as UL Reverberant Room when

comparing products.
Listings: UL S5512 (Strobe); UL S4011 (Combo)
Note for Strobes: Do not exceed: 1) 8-17.5 or 16-33 voltage range limit; 2) maximum number of 70

strobe lights when connecting the MDL Sync module with a maximum line im-

pedance of 4 ohms per loop and; 3) maximum line impedance as required by the

fire alarm control manufacturer.

The models
P1224MCPW
the customer is a high quality strobe device.

S1224MC, S1224MCW, S1224MCSP, S1224MCSPW, S1224MCP, S1224MCPW, P1224MC, P1224MCW, P1224MCSP, P1224MCSPW, P1224MCP, and

incorporate a patented voltage booster design that has a more consistent flash bulb voltage over the range of candela selections. The benefit to

General Description

The SpectrAlert series notification appliances are designed to
meet the requirements of most agencies governing these devices,
including: NFPA, ADA, The National Fire Alarm Code, UL, ULC,
FM, CSFM, MEA. Also, check with your local Authority Having
Jurisdiction for other codes or standards that may apply.

The SpectrAlert series can be installed in systems using 12- or 24­volt panels having DC or full-wave rectified (FWR) power supplies.
The series can also be installed in systems requiring synchroniza
tion (module MDL or compatible equivalent required) or systems
that do not require synchronization (no module required).

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

Fire Alarm System Considerations

Temporal and Non-Temporal Coded Signals:

The American National Standards Institute and the National Fire
Alarm Code require that all horns used for building evacuation in

D900-28-00 1 I56-1796-011R

stalled after July 1, 1996, must produce Temporal Coded Signals.

Signals other than those used for evacuation purposes do not have
to produce the Temporal Coded Signal. Temporal coding is accom
plished by interrupting a steady sound in the following manner:

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Power Supply Considerations

Panels typically supply DC filtered voltage or FWR (full-wave
rectified) voltage. The system design engineer must calculate the
number of units used in a zone based on the type of panel supply.
Be certain the sum of all the device currents do not exceed the
current capability of the panel. Calculations are based on using
the device current found in the subsequent charts and must be
the current specified for the type of panel power supply used.

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Wire Sizes

The designer must be sure that the last device on the circuit has
sufficient voltage to operate the device within its rated voltage.
When calculating the voltage available to the last device, it is nec
essary to consider the voltage drop due to the resistance of the
wire. The thicker the wire, the less the voltage drop. Generally, for
purposes of determining the wire size necessary for the system, it
is best to consider all of the devices as “lumped” on the end of the
supply circuit (simulates “worst case”).

Typical wire size resistance:

18 AWG solid: Approximately 8 ohms/1,000 ft.
16 AWG solid: Approximately 5 ohms/1,000 ft.
14 AWG solid: Approximately 3 ohms/1,000 ft.
12 AWG solid: Approximately 2 ohms/1,000 ft.

Example: Assume you have 10 devices on a zone and each re
quires 50 mA average and 2000 Ft. of 14 AWG wiring (total
length=outgoing +return). The voltage at the end of the loop is

0.050 amps per device x 10 devices x 3 ohms/1,000 ft. x 2000 ft
=3 volts drop.

NOTE: If class “A” wiring is installed, the wire length may be up
to 4 times the single wire length in this calculation.

The same number of devices using 12 AWG wire will produce only
2 volts drop. The same devices using 18 AWG wire will produce
8 volts drop. Consult your panel manufacturer’s specifications, as
well as SpectrAlert’s operating voltage range to determine accept
able voltage drop.

Figure 1A: Current Draw Measurements (RMS)

NOTE: All ‘S’ and ‘P’ models were only tested at the 8-17.5 and
16-33 Volt-FWR/DC limits. This does not include the 80% low­end or 110% high-end voltage limits.

Strobe Current Draw

Candela
Setting

15

15/75

30

75

110

FWR

Operating

Current

Strobe

12V 24V 12V 24V

112 64 127 59

135 74 127 69

93 90

158 160

208 209

DC

Operating

Current

Strobe

Figure 1B: Horn Sound Measurements (dBA):

Selectable Horn Tones

Temporal Low

Non­Temporal

Volume

High
Volume

Low
Volume

High
Volume

Electromechanical 67 75

3000 Hz Interr upted 68 75

Electromechanical 71 80

3000 Hz Interr upted 72 81

Electromechanical

3000 Hz Interr upted 72 79

Electromechanical 76 84

3000 Hz Interr upted 77 86

8-17.5V 16-33V

71 79

Figure 1C: Horn Current Draw Measurements (RMS):

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Selectable Horn Tones

Temporal Low

Non­Temporal

Volume

High
Volume

Low
Volume

High
Volume

NOTE: Regulated 12 VDC, max operating current 44.4 mA
Regulated 24 VDC, max operating current 57.0 mA
12 V FWR, max operating current 45.7 mA
24 V FWR, max operating current 57.5 mA

NOTE: 12VDC 2-wire horn/strobe current is shown in Figure 1D.
24VDC 2-wire horn/strobe current is shown in Figure 1E. Current
draw for other horn/strobe power supplies can be calculated by
adding the strobe current draw (Figure 1A) for chosen candela set
ting to the horn current draw (Figure 1C) for chosen setting.

Electromechanical 15 23 13 23

3000 Hz Interr upted 15 33 13 23

Electromechanical 36 53 20 44

3000 Hz Interr upted 43 57 21 40

Electromechanical

3000 Hz Interr upted 16 32 18 33

Electromechanical 38 49 46 49

3000 Hz Interr upted 44 56 42 58

DC FWR

12V 24V 12V 24V

16 37 19 29

Figure 1D: 12VDC Horn/Strobe Current Draw
Measurements (mA RMS)

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Low Volume High Volume

Candela

Setting

15 111 111 112 112

15/75 127 127 126 129

15 113 112 114 115

15/75 128 128 130 134

Electromechanical 3000 Hz Electromechanical 3000 Hz

Temporal

Non-Temporal

Figure 1E: 24VDC Horn/Strobe Current Draw
Measurements (mA RMS)

Temporal

Low Volume High Volume

Candela

Setting

15/75 86 85 87 88

110 209 209 210 213

15/75 86 88 93 96

110 213 213 218 222

Electromechanical 3000 Hz Electromechanical 3000 Hz

15 71 70 73 75

30 99 98 100 100

75 166 166 167 170

Non-Temporal

15 74 74 79 82

30 101 101 107 110

75 167 167 173 176

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D900-28-00 2 I56-1796-011R

FROM:
FACP, MODULE
OR PREVIOUS
DEVICE

TO NEXT

DEVICE OR

EOL

+

–

Strobe +

Strobe – Horn –

Horn +

TANDEM OPERATION

HORN/STROBE COMBO

FACTORY
INSTALLED
JUMPERS

(+)

(–)

(+)

(–)

(+)

(–)

FOUR WIRE SYSTEM

COMBO MODELS

WIRED FOR INDEPENDENT

OPERATION

(HORN CAN BE TURNED OFF

AT THE PANEL WHILE STROBES

CONTINUE TO OPERATE)

E
O
L

(+)

(–)

(+)

(–)

(+)

(–)

E
O
L

S
T
R
O
B
E

C
O
M
B
O

H
O
R
N

H
O
R
N

S
T
R
O
B
E

Figure 2: Candela Selections

Viewing Window

WARNING

Low

OFF ON

Temporal

Electromech.

DIP Switch

Factory

Default

High

Non-Temporal

3000Hz

Base (rear)

HORN

(+)

(–)

(+)

(–)

E
O
L

(+)

(–)

(+)

(–)

HORN/STROBE

STROBE ONLY

TWO WIRE SYSTEM
ANY MIX OF MODELS
WIRED FOR TANDEM

OPERATION

HORN

(+)

(–)

(+)

(–)

E

O

L

(+)

(–)

(+)

(–)

HORN/STROBE

STROBE ONLY

TWO WIRE SYSTEM

ANY MIX OF MODELS
WIRED FOR TANDEM

OPERATION

HORN

SYNCHRONIZATION MODULE

MDL

(+)

(–)

(+)

(–)

E

O

L

(+)

(–)

(+)

(–)

HORN/STROBE

STROBE ONLY

TWO WIRE SYSTEM

ANY MIX OF MODELS
WIRED FOR TANDEM

OPERATION

For strobe candela selection, adjust slide switch located
on the rear of the product while watching the viewing win­dow on the side of the reflector.

Permissible Candela Settings:

A0133-00

Candela

Setting

15 OK OK

15/75 OK OK

30 OK

75 OK

110 OK

Operating Voltage

12V 24V

Check terminal polarity before wiring. For proper operation, make sure the correct wire
polarity is applied to the unit.

NOTE: SpectrAlert selectable output strobes, set at 15 and 15/75cd,
automatically work on both 12V and 24V power supplies.

NOTE: The strobe is not listed for 12V operating voltages when
set to 30, 75 or 110 candelas. Use only those settings marked as
OK in the chart above.

NOTE: The low volume setting of some tones must NOT be used
for public mode applications when the device is powered from a 12­volt panel. Refer to the Sound Output Guide on the previous page.

Temp/Non-Temp
ON=NON-Temporal, OFF=Temporal
3KHz/Electromechanical
ON=3KHz, OFF=Electromechanical

Figure 3: Horn Factory Default Setting

The factory default setting is High, Temporal 3, and Electrome­chanical tone.

A0110-00

Horn selections using 3-position DIP switch on horn/
strobe (refer to Figure 3):

NOTE: When powered from a FWR supply, the horn will be mod­ulated (turned on and off) by 120Hz causing it to sound different
than if powered by a DC supply.

High/Low Volume
ON=High Volume, OFF=Low Volume

System Operation – Non-Synchronized Devices:
Figure 4a: Any combination of models powered by a
2-wire circuit:

Figure 5: Horns and strobes powered in tandem

NOTE: Supply power must be continuous for proper operation.

A0112-00

Figure 6: Any combination of models powered by a
4-wire circuit to provide independent horn and strobe op­eration (remove factory installed jumpers, see Figure 8)

NOTE: Strobes must be powered continuously for horn operation.

A0111-00

System Operation – Synchronized Devices:
Figure 4b: Any combination of models powered by a
2-wire circuit:

D900-28-00 3 I56-1796-011R

A0111-00

A0113-00

PLASTIC SNAP LEVER

TAB SLOT

TAB

INSERT REMOVAL TOOL

4-INCH BACK BOX

WALL OPENING MUST

EQUAL PLATE OPENING

LOCKING RIB SLOT

LOCKING RIB

D-MP, D-MPW, D-MP-FC, D-MPW-FC

A

A

4-INCH BACK BOX

BBS, BBSW

LOCKING RIB SLOT

A

A

LOCKING RIB

2-INCH BACK BOX

WALL OPENING MUST

EQUAL PLATE OPENING

B

B

LOCKING RIB SLOT

LOCKING RIB

S-MP, S-MPW

Figure 7: Horns and strobes powered independently

FROM:
FACP, MODULE (MDL)
OR PREVIOUS
DEVICE

Break wire as shown for
supervision of connection.
DO NOT allow stripped wire
leads to extend beyond switch
housing. DO NOT loop wires.

TO NEXT

DEVICE OR

EOL

INDEPENDENT OPERATION

HORN AND STROBE

TO NEXT

DEVICE OR

EOL

STROBE +

HORN +

STROBE +

STROBE –

STROBE –

HORN –

HORN –

HORN +

FACTORY INSTALLED

JUMPER WIRES REMOVED

NOTE: STROBES MUST
BE POWERED CONTINUOUSLY
FOR HORN OPERATION.

(horn operated on coded power supply)

NOTE: Strobes must be powered continuously for horn operation.

A0114-00

Mounting Diagrams:

Screw types used for mounting:

A = 8-32 x 3⁄4 flat head
B = 6-32 x 15⁄16 pan head

Strobe or Horn/Strobe with universal mounting plate:

Figure 8: Removal of horns and strobes from
mounting plates

To remove units from mounting plates, insert Quick Click Re­moval Tool as shown to unlock snap. While pushing in Removal
Tool to release the snap, pull back on the horn/strobe. Hinge the
horn/strobe module, disengage the Locking Rib, and lift the horn/
strobe away from the mounting plate.

A0115-00

Strobe or Horn/Strobe with small footprint
mounting plate:

1. Mount plate to back box using screws B.

2. Break off four tabs from unit.

3. Complete field wiring, making sure wall opening is large enough for
terminals to fit through.

4. Insert locking rib into slot on plate.

5. Press into plate; unit will make a “click” when it has locked into place.

A0117-00

Strobe or Horn/Strobe surface mount:

1. Mount plate to back box using screws A, making sure wall
opening is equal to the plate opening.

2. Complete field wiring.

3. Insert locking rib into slot on plate.

4. Press into plate, unit will make a “click” when it has locked
into place.

1. Mount skirt to back box with screws A.

2. Complete field wiring.

3. Insert locking rib on unit into slot on skirt.

4. Press into skirt; unit will make a “click” when it has locked into place.
(NOTE: Strobe and skirt may also be mounted to a 2-inch box using

screws B instead of screws A.)

Please refer to insert for the Limitations of Fire Alarm Systems

Three-Year Limited Warranty

System Sensor warrants its enclosed horn. strobe, or horn/strobe to be free from defects in materials
and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of three years from date of manu
facture. System Sensor makes no other express warranty for this horn, strobe, or horn/strobe. 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 horn, strobe, or horn/strobe 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

SpectrAlert Strobes and Horn/Strobes have 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 when the equipment is operated in a com
mercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy

D900-28-00 4 I56-1796-011R
© 2005 System Sensor

FCC Statement

to: System Sensor, Returns Department, RA #__________, 3825 Ohio Avenue, St. Charles, IL 60174.

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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 dam
age, 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.

and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely

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to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference
at his own expense.

A0116-00

A0118-00

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