Connection to smoke alarms
#1
11-10-20, 06:18 PM
Connection to smoke alarms
I am in the process of installing a Honeywell Vista 21IP system. My home already has wired (AC powered) smoke alarms that communicate with each other in the case of an alarm. I have not yet studied the characteristics of the common alarm signal, but plan to interface it into the Vista. A couple of questions--Is there something special about Zone 1 that is must be used for this function. Also, has anyone tried to do this and succeeded (or failed). Any help is appreciated! I'm pretty good with electronics so constructing an interface shouldn't be an issue.
Thanks
Al
Thanks
Al
Top Answer
11-12-20, 08:10 PM
It's been a long long time since this subject has been mentioned. If I remember right, To use an external relay to hook AC or DC powered smoke alarms to a fire alarm is not a UL approved procedure. The relay that Kidde produces is (again -- if I remember right) is to activate magnetic door holders, and the like, and not for hooking "Smoke Alarms" up to fire alarm panels that use "Smoke Detectors" . There are hours and hours of discussions in various groups through the years about this.
You can do it
It can be done,
It will work.
BUT
It's not an approved procedure and if nothing else ---- if a fire were to occur with a heavy loss, and with an in depth cause inspection, an insurance company just may hang their hat on the fact ----- and not pay off.
YMMV
You can do it
It can be done,
It will work.
BUT
It's not an approved procedure and if nothing else ---- if a fire were to occur with a heavy loss, and with an in depth cause inspection, an insurance company just may hang their hat on the fact ----- and not pay off.
YMMV
#2
11-10-20, 09:29 PM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
Kidde makes an interface relay that will connect your AC/battery backup smoke detectors to an alarm panel. In the link below...... there is an instruction manual (pdf) you can download.
One issue...... this relay will not work if there is a power failure.
Your smoke detectors will continue to work independently.
Kidde SM120x relay module
Zone 1 is setup for 2 wire smoke detectors.
Any zone can be used for 4 wire smoke detectors.
If you use the Kidde relay..... it can be on any zone.
Kidde makes an interface relay that will connect your AC/battery backup smoke detectors to an alarm panel. In the link below...... there is an instruction manual (pdf) you can download.
One issue...... this relay will not work if there is a power failure.
Your smoke detectors will continue to work independently.
Kidde SM120x relay module
Zone 1 is setup for 2 wire smoke detectors.
Any zone can be used for 4 wire smoke detectors.
If you use the Kidde relay..... it can be on any zone.
#3
11-10-20, 09:57 PM
Thanks Pete! Now I know it's a feasible thing to do. For $14 I would just buy the relay, but given that my smokes do have battery backup I'd like them to raise an alarm even if the power is off and I'm away. I'll do some investigation and see If I can make a simple interface that is powered by the 12V in the alarm box. I'll let you know if I'm successful. It may be a while as my plate is pretty full now!
Cheers
Al
Cheers
Al
#4
11-10-20, 10:39 PM
Group Moderator
#5
11-11-20, 12:00 PM
Member
From the Instruction sheet:
CAUTION: The model SM120X should not be used to connect groups of alarms to a firealarm panel or to interconnect groups of fire alarms together,
The underlining is mine.
#6
11-12-20, 08:10 PM
It's been a long long time since this subject has been mentioned. If I remember right, To use an external relay to hook AC or DC powered smoke alarms to a fire alarm is not a UL approved procedure. The relay that Kidde produces is (again -- if I remember right) is to activate magnetic door holders, and the like, and not for hooking "Smoke Alarms" up to fire alarm panels that use "Smoke Detectors" . There are hours and hours of discussions in various groups through the years about this.
You can do it
It can be done,
It will work.
BUT
It's not an approved procedure and if nothing else ---- if a fire were to occur with a heavy loss, and with an in depth cause inspection, an insurance company just may hang their hat on the fact ----- and not pay off.
YMMV
You can do it
It can be done,
It will work.
BUT
It's not an approved procedure and if nothing else ---- if a fire were to occur with a heavy loss, and with an in depth cause inspection, an insurance company just may hang their hat on the fact ----- and not pay off.
YMMV
ChosunOne,
ThisOldMan
voted this post useful.
