
INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
SpectrAlert SP2C Series
Ceiling Mount Speaker/Strobes for
3825 Ohio Avenue, St. Charles, Illinois 60174
1-800-SENSOR2, FAX: 630-377-6495
www.systemsensor.com
Fire Protective Signaling Systems
For use with the following models: SP2C2415, SP2C241575, SP2C2430,
SP2C2475, SP2C2495, SP2C24115, SP2C24177
U.S. Patent Nos. 5,850,178; 5,598,139; 6,049,446; 6,057,778; D424465; 5,931,569; 6,623,143
Specifications:
Mechanical
Input Terminals: 12 to 18 AWG (3.31 to 0.82 mm
Speaker Size: 4 inches (101 mm)
Overall Dimensions: 6.8
Electrical
Maximum Supervisory
Voltage (Speaker): 50 VDC
Operational Humidity Range: 10 – 93% RH (non-condensing)
For Strobes
Voltage: Regulated 24 DC/FWR
Operational Voltage Range: 16–33 Volts
Synchronous Applications
with MDL Module: 17–33 Volts
NOTE: The SP2C Series is suitable for dry and humid environments. Not suitable for use in air handling spaces.
Note for Strobes – Do not exceed: 1) 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.
˝ diameter (173 mm)
2
Flash Rate: 1 Flash Per Second
)
Light Output: Models with 15 only in the model number are
listed at 15 candela.
Models with 1575 in the model number are
listed at 15 candela per UL 1971 but will pro
vide 75 candela on axis (straight down).
Models with 30, 75, 95, 115, 177 are 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 S4048 (Speaker/Strobe)
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NOTICE: This manual shall be left with the owner/user of this
equipment.
General Description
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has published
standards and recommended practices for the speaker/strobes
described in this manual. As a result, the installer must be famil
iar with these requirements as well as all local codes and special
requirements of the authority having jurisdiction.
The SpectrAlert SP2C series ceiling mount speaker/strobe can be
operated with distribution amplifiers having an output voltage of
either 25 volts or 70.7 volts.
The speakers operate at any one of four input power levels. The
output sound level is selected at the time of installation, but can
be changed, if necessary.
The speaker is also equipped with a capacitive input to allow for
DC supervision.
The SpectrAlert SP2C series ceiling mount strobe can be installed
in systems using 24-volt panels having DC or full-wave rectified
(FWR) power supplies. The strobes can also be installed in appli
cations requiring synchronization (MDL required) or applications
that do not require synchronization (no module required).
The SpectrAlert SP2C series ceiling mount speaker/strobes are
designed to meet the requirements of most agencies governing
these devices, including: NFPA, The National Fire Alarm Code,
UL, CSFM, MEA. Also, check with your local Authority Having
Jurisdiction for other codes or standards that may apply.
Power Supply Considerations For Strobes
Panels typically supply DC filtered voltage or FWR (fullwave rectified) voltage. The system design engineer must cal
culate 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 Table 2 and must be
the current specified for the type of panel power supply used.
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
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”).
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.
Note: If class “A” wiring is installed, the wire length may be up to
4 times the single wire length in this calculation.
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D690-02-00 1 I56-1455-009R

Example: Assume you have 10 devices on a zone and each
25.0V
70.7V
2W
1W
1/2W
1/4W
25.0V
70.7V
2W
1W
1/2W
1/4W
CORRECT
SW1
SW1
INCORRECT
TO NEXT
STROBE OR EOL
INPUT FROM
POWER SUPPLY
INPUT FROM
AMPLIFIER
TO NEXT
SPEAKER OR EOL
STROBESPEAKER
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
1,000 ft.
×2000 ft =3 volts drop.
×10 devices×3 ohms
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.
Installation
All wiring must be installed in compliance with the National
Electrical Code (NEC) and applicable local codes as well as
special requirements of the authority having jurisdiction, using
the proper wire size. This also includes all applicable NFPA
Standards, ANSI/UL 1480, UL 1971 and NEC 760.
Figure 1. Electrical connections:
Electrical
1. Connect the speaker/strobe as shown in Figure 1. Keep in mind
that even though the speaker and strobe are a single mechani
cal unit, they are electrically independent and require separate
power sources.
NOTE: Do NOT loop electrical wiring under terminal screws.
Wires connecting the device to the control panel must
be broken at the device terminal connection in order to
maintain electrical supervision.
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Figure 2. Voltage and Power Selection:
A0102-00
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Table 1. Sound levels for each transformer
power tap:
A0101-00
NOTE: Supply power for strobe must be continuous for
proper operation.
INPUT
VOLTS
25.0 &
70.7
2 W 1 W1/2 W1/4 W
84 81 78 75
(dBA @ 10 ft.)
Table 2: Current draw of strobes
NOTE: All strobes were only tested at the 16-33 Volt-FWR/
DC limits. This does not include the 80% low end
or 110% high end voltage limits.
FWR Max. Operating
Current – Strobe
Model No.
(mA RMS)
SP2C2415 68 64
SP2C241575 77 78
SP2C2430 107 113
SP2C2475 197 205
SP2C2495 239 274
SP2C24115 298 325
SP2C24177 399 489
D690-02-00 2 I56-1455-009R
DC Max. Operatng
Current – Strobe
(mA RMS)
UL
Reverberant

2. See Figure 2 as an example of how to select a 1/4 Watt
input when a 25 volt amplifier is being used. Notice that
the header, SW1, has two shunts. One shunt is used to
select either 25 or 70.7 volts input. The other shunt is
used to select input power of 1/4, 1/2, 1 or 2 Watts. Table 1
lists the UL reverberant and anechoic output sound levels for each power tap on the SP2C series ceiling mount
speaker/strobes.
Signal levels exceeding 130% rated signal voltage can damage the speaker. Consequently, an incorrect tap connection
may cause speaker damage. This means that if a 25V tap is
selected when a 70.7V amplifier is being used, speaker damage
may result. Therefore, be sure to select the proper taps for the
amplifier voltage/input power level combination being used.
Mounting
The SP2C series ceiling mount speaker/strobe can be flush
mounted on a 4
˝ × 4˝ × 2
1
/8˝ back box. Use two 8-32 × 1
head screws to attach the speaker to the back box (See Fig. 3).
3
/4˝ pan
Figure 4: Positioning for maximum brightness
NOTE: For maximum brightness, unit must be mounted with
flash angles as shown.
A0160-00
Figure 3: Flush mount back box
A0161-01
Note: Any combination of 4˝×4˝
back box and extension ring may
not exceed a depth of 35/8˝.
FILL
PLUGS
D690-02-00 3 I56-1455-009R

Please refer to insert for the Limitations of Fire Alarm Systems
The Limitations of Ceiling Mount Speaker/Strobes
If either of the voltage select or power select shunts is not plugged into
one of the appropriate option positions, the speaker will not sound and
there will be no trouble indication at the panel. Always make sure that the
individual speakers are tested after installation per NFPA regulations.
The speaker may not be heard. The loudness of the speaker meets (or
exceeds) the current Underwriters Laboratories’ standards. However, the
speaker may not attract the attention of a sound sleeper or one who has
recently used drugs or has been drinking alcoholic beverages. The speaker
may not be heard if it is placed on a different floor from the person in haz
ard or if placed too far away to be heard over the ambient noise. Traffic,
air conditioners, machinery, or music appliances may prevent even alert
persons from hearing the alarm. The speaker may not be heard by persons
who are hearing impaired.
Three-Year Limited Warranty
System Sensor warrants its enclosed speaker 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 speaker. No agent, representative, dealer, or
employee of the Company has the authority to increase or alter the obli
gations 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
speaker 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 defec
tive units postage prepaid to: System Sensor, Returns Department, RA
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 disre
garded or not seen. The strobe may not be seen by the visually impaired.
The signal strobe may cause seizures. Individuals who have positive
photic response to visual stimuli with seizures, such as persons with epi
lepsy, should avoid prolonged exposure to environments in which strobe
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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 combina
tion so that the risks from any of the above limitations are minimized.
#__________, 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
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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 consequen
tial damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
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This Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state.
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FCC Statement
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the lim
its for a Class A 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
D690-02-00 4 I56-1455-009R
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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.
2005 System Sensor
©