System Sensor S1224MCP, S1224MCSP, P1224MC, S1224MCSPW, P1224MCW Installation And Maintenance Instructions Manual

INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

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Repeats

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; 5,593,569, 6,133,843; 6,522,261

Specifications

Automatic selection for 12 or 24 volt rated operation (DC or Full-Wave Rectified)
Electrical
For Horns, Strobes, and Horn/Strobes
Voltages: Regulated 12 DC/FWR and Regulated 24 DC/FWR
Operational Voltage Ranges: 8-17.5 Volts and 16-33 Volts
Synchronous Applications
with MDL Module: 9-17.5 Volts and 17-33 Volts

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 reverberant

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 imped­ance of 4 ohms per loop and; 3) maximum line impedance as required by the fire
alarm control manufacturer.

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

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

incorporate a new patent-pending voltage booster design that has a more consistent flash bulb voltage over the range of candela selections. The

3825 Ohio Avenue, St. Charles, Illinois 60174

1-800-SENSOR2, FAX: [phone]

www.systemsensor.com

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 12­or 24-volt panels having DC or full-wave rectified (FWR)
power supplies. The series can also be installed in systems
requiring synchronization (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.

D900-28-00 1 I56-1796-008R

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 installed 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 accomplished by interrupting a steady sound in
the following manner:

Viewing Window

WARNING

Power Supply Considerations

Panels typically supply DC filtered voltage or FWR (full­wave 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

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.
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.

Example: Assume you have 10 devices on a zone and each

requires 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/

Wire Sizes

1,000 ft. x 2000 ft =3 volts drop.

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

Note: If class “A” wiring is installed, the wire length may be

up to 4 times the single wire length in this calculation.

device, it is necessary 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”).

The same number of devices using 12 AWG wire will pro-

duce only 2 volts drop. The same devices using 18 AWG

wire will produce 8 volts drop. Consult your panel manu-

facturer’s specifications, as well as SpectrAlert’s operating

voltage range to determine acceptable voltage drop.

Figure 1A: Current Draw Measurements

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% low-end or 110% high-end voltage limits.

FWR Operating

Current–Strobe

Model No.

S1224MC
Strobe

P1224MC
Horn/Strobe

H12/24 Horn 45.7 57.5 44.4 57 75

Candela
Setting

15 112 64 127 59
15/75 135 74 127 69
30 93 90
75 158 160
110 208 209
15 112 64 127 59 45.7 57.5 44.4 57 75
15/75 135 74 127 69 45.7 57.5 44.4 57 75
30 93 90 57.5 57 75
75 158 160 57.5 57 75
110 208 209 57.5 57 75

(mA RMS)

DC Operating

Current–Strobe

(mA RMS)

FWR Operating

Current–Horn

(mA RMS)

DC Operating
Current–Horn

(mA RMS)

Horn

Audibility

(dBA)12V 24V 12V 24V 12V 24V 12V 24V

Figure 1B: Selectable Horn Tones

Temporal Low Volume Electromechanical

3000 Hz Interrupted

High Volume Electromechanical

3000 Hz Interrupted

Non­Temporal

D900-28-00 2 I56-1796-008R

Low Volume Electromechanical

3000 Hz Interrupted

High Volume Electromechanical

3000 Hz Interrupted

Figure 2: Candela Selections

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

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.

When using a 12V panel, this device will yield required light output only
in the 15 or 15/75 candela setting.

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

(+)

(–)

(+)

(–)

(+)

(–)

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

FROM:
FACP, MODULE
OR PREVIOUS
DEVICE

TO NEXT

DEVICE OR

EOL

+

–

Strobe +

Strobe – Horn –

Horn +

TANDEM OPERATION

HORN/STROBE COMBO

FACTORY
INSTALLED
JUMPERS

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.

Figure 3: Horn Factory Default Setting

Low

OFF ON

Temporal

Electromech.

DIP Switch

Factory

Default

High

Non-Temporal

3000Hz

Base (rear)

WARNING

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

Note: The low volume setting of some tones must NOT be

used for public mode applications when the device

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

is powered from a 12-volt 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

Tone pattern override options using compatible panels:

The Selectable Output Horn/Strobe may be commanded
to override the horn selection. Horns and strobes may be
overridden to the patterns listed below:

1. Continuous EM

2. Temporal EM

3. Double March Time EM (240 strokes/min.)

4. March Time EM (120 strokes/min.)

5. Canadian EM (20 strokes/min.)

6. Strobe Disable

7. Strobe Enable
For complete details, refer to panel Installation Manual.

System Operation – Non-Synchronized Devices:

Figure 4a: Any combination of models powered by a

2-wire circuit:

System Operation – Synchronized Devices:

Figure 4b: 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.

D900-28-00 3 I56-1796-008R

A0111-00

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.

A0113-00

Figure 7: Horns and strobes powered independently
(horn operated on coded power supply)

NOTE: Strobes must be powered continuously for horn
operation.

A0114-00

PLASTIC SNAP LEVER

TA

B SLOT

TA

B

INSERT REMOVAL TOOL

4-INCH BACK BOX

WA

LL 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

WARNING

Figure 8: Removal of horns and strobes from mount-

2-INCH BACK BOX

WA

LL OPENING MUST

EQUAL PLATE OPENING

B

B

LOCKING RIB SLOT

LOCKING RIB

S-MP, S-MPW

ing 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

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:

A0117-00

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.

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.

A0116-00

4. Insert locking rib into slot on plate.

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

Strobe or Horn/Strobe sur face mount:

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.)

A0118-00

Please refer to insert for the Limitations of Fire Alarm Systems

The horn and/or strobe will not work without power. The horn/strobe gets its power from the
fire/security panel monitoring the alarm system. If power is cut off for any reason, the horn/strobe
will not provide the desired audio or visual warning.

The horn may not be heard. The loudness of the horn meets (or exceeds) current Underwriters
Laboratories’ standards. However, the horn may not alert a sound sleeper or one who has recently
used drugs or has been drinking alcoholic beverages. The horn may not be heard if it is placed on a
different floor from the person in hazard or if placed too far away to be heard over the ambient noise
such as traffic, air conditioners, machinery or music appliances that may prevent alert persons from
hearing the alarm. The horn may not be heard by persons who are hearing impaired.

NOTE: Strobes must be powered continuously for horn operation.

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 manu­facture. 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 com­mercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy

D900-28-00 4 I56-1796-008R

The Limitations of Horn/Strobes

The signal strobe may not be seen. The electronic visual warning signal uses an extremely reliable
xenon flash tube. It flashes at least once every second. The strobe must not be installed in direct
sunlight or areas of high light intensity (over 60 foot candles) where the visual flash might be disre­garded or not seen. The strobe may not be seen by the visually impaired.

The signal strobe may cause seizures. Individuals who have positive photoic response to visual
stimuli with seizures, such as persons with epilepsy, should avoid prolonged exposure to environ­ments in which strobe signals, including this strobe, are activated.

The signal strobe cannot operate from coded power supplies. Coded power supplies produce
interrupted power. The strobe must have an uninterrupted source of power in order to operate cor­rectly. System Sensor recommends that the horn and signal strobe always be used in combination
so that the risks from any of the above limitations are minimized.

Three-Year Limited Warranty

to: System Sensor, Returns Department, 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.

FCC Statement

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

2004 System Sensor

©