Fire-Lite ACM-16ATF User manual

Annunciator Control Modules
ACM-16ATF
ACM-32AF
Instruction Manual
Document 51480
02/02/2001 Rev: A
PN 51480:A0 ECN 01-082

LimWarSm.p65 01/10/2000
An automatic fire alarm system–typically made up of
smoke detectors, heat detectors, manual pull stations,
audible warning devices, and a fire alarm control with
remote notification capability–can provide early warning
of a developing fire. Such a system, however, does not
assure protection against property damage or loss of life
resulting from a fire.
The Manufacturer recommends that smoke and/or heat
detectors be located throughout a protected premise
following the recommendations of the current edition of
the National Fire Protection Association Standard 72
(NFPA 72), manufacturer's recommendations, State and
local codes, and the recommendations contained in the
Guide for Proper Use of System Smoke Detectors, which
is made available at no charge to all installing dealers.
A study by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(an agency of the United States government) indicated
that smoke detectors may not go off in as many as 35%
of all fires. While fire alarm systems are designed to
provide early warning against fire, they do not guarantee
warning or protection against fire. A fire alarm system
maynot providetimely or adequate warning, or simply
may not function, for a variety of reasons:
Smoke detectors may not sense fire where smoke
cannot reach the detectors such as in chimneys, in or
behind walls, on roofs, or on the other side of closed
doors. Smoke detectors also may not sense a fire on
another level or floor of a building. A second-floor
detector, for example, may not sense a first-floor or
basement fire.
Particles of combustion or "smoke" from a developing
fire may not reach the sensing chambers of smoke
detectors because:
• Barriers such as closed or partially closed doors,
walls, or chimneys may inhibit particle or smoke flow.
• Smoke particles may become "cold," stratify, and not
reach the ceiling or upper walls where detectors are
located.
• Smoke particles may be blown away from detectors
by air outlets.
• Smoke detectors may be drawn into air returns before
reaching the detector.
The amount of "smoke" present may be insufficient to
alarm smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are designed
to alarm at various levels of smoke density. If such
density levels are not created by a developing fire at the
location of detectors, the detectors will not go into alarm.
Smoke detectors, even when working properly, have
sensing limitations. Detectors that have photoelectronic
sensing chambers tend to detect smoldering fires better
than flaming fires, which have little visible smoke.
Detectors that have ionizing-type sensing chambers
tend to detect fast-flaming fires better than smoldering
fires. Because fires develop in different ways and are
often unpredictable in their growth, neither type of detec-
tor is necessarily best and a given type of detector may
not provide adequate warning of a fire.
Smoke detectors cannot be expected to provide
adequate warning of fires caused by arson, children
playing with matches (especially in bedrooms), smoking
in bed, and violent explosions (caused by escaping gas,
improper storage of flammable materials, etc.).
Heat detectors do not sense particles of combustion and
alarm only when heat on their sensors increases at a
predetermined rate or reaches a predetermined level.
Rate-of-rise heat detectors may be subject to reduced
sensitivity over time. For this reason, the rate-of-rise
feature of each detector should be tested at least once
per year by a qualified fire protection specialist.
Heat
detectors are designed to protect property, not life.
IMPORTANT! Smoke detectors must be installed in
the same room as the control panel and in rooms used
by the system for the connection of alarm transmission
wiring, communications, signaling, and/or power.
If
detectors are not so located, a developing fire may dam-
age the alarm system, crippling its ability to report a fire.
Audible warning devices such as bells may not alert
people if these devices are located on the other side of
closed or partly open doors or are located on another
floor of a building. Any warning device may fail to alert
people with a disability or those who have recently con-
sumed drugs, alcohol or medication. Please note that:
•Strobes can, under certain circumstances, cause
seizures in people with conditions such as epilepsy.
•Studies have shown that certain people, even when
they hear a fire alarm signal, do not respond or
comprehend the meaning of the signal. It is the
property owner's responsibility to conduct fire drills
and other training exercise to make people aware of
fire alarm signals and instruct them on the proper
reaction to alarm signals.
•In rare instances, the sounding of a warning device
can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.
A fire alarm system will not operate without any
electrical power. If AC power fails, the system will
operate from standby batteries only for a specified time
and only if the batteries have been properly maintained
and replaced regularly.
Equipment used in the system may not be technically
compatible with the control. It is essential to use only
equipment listed for service with your control panel.
Telephone lines needed to transmit alarm signals from
a premise to a central monitoring station may be out of
service or temporarily disabled. For added protection
against telephone line failure, backup radio transmission
systems are recommended.
The most common cause of fire alarm malfunction is
inadequate maintenance. To keep the entire fire alarm
system in excellent working order, ongoing maintenance
is required per the manufacturer's recommendations,
and UL and NFPA standards. At a minimum, the
requirements of Chapter 7 of NFPA 72 shall be followed.
Environments with large amounts of dust, dirt or high air
velocity require more frequent maintenance. A mainte-
nance agreement should be arranged through the local
manufacturer's representative. Maintenance should be
scheduled monthly or as required by National and/or
local fire codes and should be performed by authorized
professional fire alarm installers only. Adequate written
records of all inspections should be kept.
While a fire alarm system may lower insurance
rates, it is not a substitute for fire insurance!
Fire Alarm System Limitations

LimWarSm.p65 01/10/2000
WARNING - Several different sources of power can be
connected to the fire alarm control panel.
Disconnect all
sources of power before servicing. Control unit and
associated equipment may be damaged by removing
and/or inserting cards, modules, or interconnecting
cables while the unit is energized. Do not attempt to
install, service, or operate this unit until this manual is
read and understood.
CAUTION -
System Reacceptance Test after Software
Changes.
To ensure proper system operation, this
product must be tested in accordance with NFPA 72
Chapter 7 after any programming operation or change in
site-specific software. Reacceptance testing is required
after any change, addition or deletion of system compo-
nents, or after any modification, repair or adjustment to
system hardware or wiring.
All components, circuits, system operations, or software
functions known to be affected by a change must be
100% tested. In addition, to ensure that other operations
are not inadvertently affected, at least 10% of initiating
devices that are not directly affected by the change, up
to a maximum of 50 devices, must also be tested and
proper system operation verified.
This system meets NFPA requirements for operation
at 0-49°C/32-120°F and at a relative humidity of 85%
RH (non-condensing) at 30°C/86°F. However, the
useful life of the system's standby batteries and the
electronic components may be adversely affected by
extreme temperature ranges and humidity. Therefore,
it is recommended that this system and all peripherals
be installed in an environment with a nominal room
temperature of 15-27°C/60-80°F.
Verify that wire sizes are adequate for all initiating and
indicating device loops. Most devices cannot tolerate
more than a 10% I.R. drop from the specified device
voltage.
Like all solid state electronic devices, this system may
operate erratically or can be damaged when subjected
to lightning-induced transients. Although no system is
completely immune from lightning transients and inter-
ferences, proper grounding will reduce susceptibility.
Overhead or outside aerial wiring is not recommended,
due to an increased susceptibility to nearby lightning
strikes.
Consult with the Technical Services Department
if any problems are anticipated or encountered.
Disconnect AC power and batteries prior to removing
or inserting circuit boards. Failure to do so can damage
circuits.
Remove all electronic assemblies prior to any drilling,
filing, reaming, or punching of the enclosure. When
possible, make all cable entries from the sides or rear.
Before making modifications, verify that they will not
interfere with battery, transformer, and printed circuit
board location.
Do not tighten screw terminals more than 9 in-lbs.
Over-tightening may damage threads, resulting in
reduced terminal contact pressure and difficulty with
screw terminal removal.
Though designed to last many years, system compo-
nents can fail at any time. This system contains static-
sensitive components. Always ground yourself with a
proper wrist strap before handling any circuits so that
static charges are removed from the body. Use static-
suppressive packaging to protect electronic assemblies
removed from the unit.
Follow the instructions in the installation, operating,
and programming manuals. These instructions must
be followed to avoid damage to the control panel and
associated equipment. FACP operation and reliability
depend upon proper installation by authorized personnel.
WARNING: This equipment generates, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy and if not in-
stalled and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause interference to radio commu-
nications. It has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for class A computing device pursu-
ant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which is
designed to provide reasonable protection against
such interference when operated in a commercial
environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause interference, in
which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
Canadian Requirements
This digital apparatus does not exceed the
Class A limits for radiation noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interfer-
ence Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
Le present appareil numerique n'emet pas de
bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numeriques de la
classe A prescrites dans le Reglement sur le
brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le
ministere des Communications du Canada.
FCC Warning
Adherence to the following will aid in problem-free
installation with long-term reliability:
Installation Precautions

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Table of Contents
ACM-16ATF/ACM-32AF Manual PN 51480:A0 02/02/01 5
Table of Contents
1. Product Overview
General................................................................................................... 9
Canadian Information........................................................................10
Related Documentation ...................................................................... 10
2. Inventory
ACM-16ATF Series ............................................................................ 11
Control Modules............................................................................... 11
ACM-16ATF ............................................................................... 11
ACM-16ATCS4F (for use in Canada)......................................... 11
ACM-16ATYF............................................................................. 11
Expander Modules............................................................................ 12
AEM-16ATF................................................................................ 12
ACM-32AF Series............................................................................... 13
Control Modules............................................................................... 13
ACM-32AF ................................................................................. 13
Expander Modules............................................................................ 13
AEM-32AF .................................................................................. 13
Cabinet & Panel Hardware ............................................................... 14
Surface-Mount Backboxes ............................................................... 14
ABS-1F ............................................................................................ 14
ABS-2F ........................................................................................ 14
ABS-1TF...................................................................................... 14
Flush-mount Backboxes ................................................................... 15
ABF-1F ....................................................................................... 15
ABF-2F ........................................................................................ 15
ABF-4F ........................................................................................ 15
Semi Flush-mount Backboxes.......................................................... 16
ABF-1DF ...................................................................................16
ABF-2DF ..................................................................................... 16
Additional Hardware ........................................................................17
ABM-1 .........................................................................................17
AKS-1F ........................................................................................ 17
3. Design Considerations
Limits ................................................................................................... 19
Wire Runs............................................................................................ 19
Wiring Specifications.......................................................................... 19
Receive Only and Transmit/Receive .................................................20
Electrical Ratings................................................................................ 21
Annunciator Power Requirements....................................................21

Table of Contents
6ACM-16ATF/ACM-32AF Manual PN 51480:A0 02/02/01
4. Installation
Mounting the Backbox or Cabinet ................................................... 23
Wiring and Connecting...................................................................... 23
Connect Wiring to Backbox or Cabinet........................................... 24
When the EIA-485 shield is not in conduit: ................................ 24
When the EIA-485 shield is in conduit: ...................................... 24
EIA-485 Circuit ............................................................................... 25
24 VDC Circuit ................................................................................ 26
Installing Labels ................................................................................. 27
Setting Rotary and DIP Switches...................................................... 28
DIP Switch Settings ......................................................................... 28
Mounting Annunciators and Expanders.......................................... 29
Surface Mount Backbox (ABS Series) ............................................ 29
Flush Mount Backbox (ABF Series)................................................ 29
ABF-1F Backbox Only................................................................ 29
ABF-2F and ABF-4F Backboxes Only. ...................................... 30
Semi-Flush Mount Backbox (ABF-1DF/-2DF)............................... 31
Dress Panel (ADP-4F) ..................................................................... 31
Wiring the Expander Connections ................................................... 31
Two Position Backbox (-2 Series) ................................................... 31
Four Position Backbox (-4 Series) or Cabinet ................................. 32
ACM-16 Series/AEM-16ATF ..................................................... 32
ACM-32AF/AEM-32AF ............................................................. 32
Supervising Devices............................................................................ 33
Main Power Supply Connections...................................................... 33
Programming and Testing the Annunciators .................................. 33
5. LED and Switch Functions
ACM-16ATF ....................................................................................... 37
AEM-16ATF ....................................................................................... 39
ACM-32AF.......................................................................................... 40
AEM-32AF.......................................................................................... 41
UDACT-F and Annunciators ............................................................ 41
Appendix A: Sensiscan 200
Capabilities ......................................................................................... 43
Circuits:............................................................................................ 43
System Controls:.............................................................................. 43
Connecting EIA-485 Circuit.............................................................. 43
Providing Power to Annunciators .................................................... 44
Program Mapping .............................................................................. 45

Table of Contents
ACM-16ATF/ACM-32AF Manual PN 51480:A0 02/02/01 7
Appendix B: Sensiscan 2000
Capabilities.......................................................................................... 47
Circuits: ............................................................................................ 47
System Controls: ..............................................................................47
Configuring for the Sensiscan 2000...................................................47
Connecting the EIA-485 Circuit........................................................48
Providing Power to Annunciators..................................................... 49
Installing Modules in the System.......................................................50
Program Mapping ..............................................................................51
Appendix C: MS-9200
Capabilities.......................................................................................... 53
Connecting the EIA-485 Circuit........................................................53
Providing Power to Annunciators..................................................... 54
Program Mapping ..............................................................................55
Appendix D: MS-9600
Capabilities.......................................................................................... 57
Connecting the EIA-485 Circuit........................................................57
Providing Power to Annunciators..................................................... 58
Program Mapping ..............................................................................59

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ACM-16ATF/ACM-32AF Manual PN 51480:A0 02/02/01 9
1. Product Overview
This manual provides instructions for connecting anACM-16ATF series and
ACM-32AF series annunciators to various Fire Alarm Control Panels. Each
appendix contains instructions that are unique to a particular FACP.
General
This series provides Fire•Lite FACPs with up to 32 remote serially connected
annunciators, each with a capacity of 64 points, for a total capacity of 2048
points. Expander modules are provided for each series.
The series provides an array of LEDs to indicate, at a remote location, the
status of circuits within the system. Individual fire alarm control panels offer
different methods of identifying annunciator points:
•Sensiscan 200 and Sensiscan 2000 - Annunciator points directly
follow the circuit arrangement of modules installed in the cabinet.
•MS-9200 and MS-9600 - Annunciator points are programmable by
group.
Common system functions such as signal silence, system reset, and local
annunciation controls (local acknowledge and lamp test) are controlled
through the annunciator's integral membrane push switches.
Communication between the control panel and the modules is accomplished
over a power-limited, two-wire serial interface employing an EIA-485
communication standard. Power for the modules is provided via a separate
power-limited power loop from the control panel which is inherently
supervised by the annunciator module (loss of power results in an
communication failure at the control panel). The module can also be powered
from a power-limited and regulated remote power supply listed for fire-
protective signaling use.

1. Product Overview Canadian Information
10 ACM-16ATF/ACM-32AF Manual PN 51480:A0 02/02/01
Canadian Information
The National Standard of Canada (CAN/ULC-S527) requires that a
dedicated display employ yellow visual indicators to indicate the status of
supervisory inputs. The Fire•Lite annunciators listed in this manual are
intended to be used for Canadian Supervisory Service in conjunction with
Fire•Lite Sensiscan 200, Sensicsan 2000, MS-9200 and MS-9600 control
units. The ACM-16ATF/AEM-16ATF and ACM-32AF/AEM-32AF
annunciators can not be employed for ULC Supervisory Service. See
Canadian Requirements for Supervisory Signal in Fire•Lite Document
50057.
Annunciator control and expander modules in the “Y” series have been
designed with yellow LEDs.
Related Documentation
Further details about products referenced in this document can be found in
the manuals for the particular fire alarm control panels and components.
Table 1 Related Documentation
Product Part
Number
Sensiscan 200 Fire Alarm Control Panel Instruction Manual 15032
Sensiscan 2000 Fire Alarm Control Panel Instruction Manual 15017
MS-9200 Fire Alarm Control Panel Instruction Manual 51003
MS-9600 Fire Alarm Control Panel Instruction Manual 51335
UDACT-F Instruction Manual 50049
APS-6RF Auxiliary Power Supply Instruction Manual 50893
FCPS-24F Field Charger/Power Supply Instruction Manual 50079
Canadian Requirements for Supervisory Signal 50057
Fire•Lite Device Compatibility Document 15384

ACM-16ATF/ACM-32AF Manual PN 51480:A0 02/02/01 11
2. Inventory
ACM-16ATF Series
Control Modules
ACM-16ATF
Incorporates 16 red “point active” and 16 yellow
“trouble” LEDs, 16 momentary touch-pad switches
for controlling each point, a system trouble LED, an
On-line/Power LED, and a local piezo sounder with
a silence/acknowledge switch for audible
indication of alarm and trouble conditions at each
annunciator.
Height = 8-3/8" (21.27 cm)
Width = 4-3/8" (11.11 cm).
Note: In Canada this module must be used to
annunciate the fire alarm input points/zones only.
ACM-16ATCS4F (for use in Canada)
The ACM-16ATCS4 contains 12 red “point active”, four yellow “point
active”, and 16 yellow “trouble” LEDs, 16 momentary touch-pad switches
for controlling each point, a system trouble LED, an On-line/Power LED,
and a local piezo sounder with a silence/acknowledge switch for audible
indication of alarm and trouble conditions at each annunciator.
Note: In Canada this module must be used to annunciate supervisory and burglary
signals from associated points/zones.
ACM-16ATYF
Same as the ACM-16ATF, except that all LEDs are yellow (yellow On/Alarm
and yellow Trouble).
Note: In Canada this module must be used to annunciate supervisory and burglary
signals from associated points/zones.
Note: In Canada the color red may only be used to indicate active alarm inputs. The
color yellow may be used to indicate supervisory, burglary and trouble signals, and
the color green may be used to indicate the presence of power, or an activated
output.
ACM-16AT.cdr

2. Inventory ACM-16ATF Series
12 ACM-16ATF/ACM-32AF Manual PN 51480:A0 02/02/01
Expander Modules
AEM-16ATF
Expands the ACM-16ATF Series by 16 system points. The unit is identical
in size and in frontal appearance to the control module. One to three of these
expander modules can be supported by a control module to a maximum of
64 system points.
Note: The AEM-16ATF Series cannot be used to expand the ACM-32AF. Expander
LED colors need not match the control module LED colors for the expander to
operate.

ACM-32AF Series 2. Inventory
ACM-16ATF/ACM-32AF Manual PN 51480:A0 02/02/01 13
ACM-32AF Series
Control Modules
ACM-32AF
This control module contains 32 red “point active”
LEDs, a system “trouble” LED, an On-line/Power
LED, and a local piezo sounder with a
silence/acknowledge switch for audible indication
of alarm and trouble conditions at each annunciator.
Height = 8-3/8" (21.27 cm)
Width = 4-3/8" (11.11 cm).
Note: In Canada this module must be used to
annunciate the fire alarm input points/zones only.
Expander Modules
AEM-32AF
Expands the ACM-32AF Series by 32 system points. This unit is identical
in size and frontal appearance to the control module. One expander module
can be supported by a control module providing a maximum of 64 points.
Note: The AEM-32AF cannot be used to expand the ACM-16ATF Series control
modules.
Note: In Canada the color red may only be used to indicate active alarm inputs. The
color yellow may be used to indicate supervisory, burglary and trouble signals, and
the color green may be used to indicate the presence of power, or an activated
output.
ACM-32A.cdr

2. Inventory Cabinet & Panel Hardware
14 ACM-16ATF/ACM-32AF Manual PN 51480:A0 02/02/01
Cabinet & Panel Hardware
Surface-Mount Backboxes
ABS-1F
This surface mounted backbox provides for the remote
mounting of a single ACM-16ATF Series or ACM-
32AF Series annunciator in a surface-mount enclosure.
Knockouts are provided for use with 1/2" conduit. The
annunciator mounts directly to the box without a dress
plate.
Height = 8-1/2" (21.59 cm)
Width = 4-1/2" (11.43 cm)
Depth = 1-3/8" (3.49 cm).
ABS-2F
This surface mounted backbox provides for the surface mounting of an
annunciator-expander combination. Knockouts are provided for use with
1/2" conduit. The annunciator module mounts directly to the box without
a dress plate.
Height = 8-1/2" (21.59 cm)
Width = 8-15/16" (22.7 cm)
Depth = 1-3/8" (3.49 cm).
Note: The ABS-1F and ABS-2F will not support the installation of the AKS-1
Annunciator Key Switch.
ABS-1TF
The ABS-1TF is a surface mounted backbox for mounting one ACS Series
annunciator. This backbox has an increased depth that allows mounting of
the AKS-1 Annunciator Key Switch.
Height = 9-15/16" (25.24 cm)
Width = 4-5/8" (11.75 cm)
Depth = 2-1/2" (6.35 cm).
50439d2.tif

Cabinet & Panel Hardware 2. Inventory
ACM-16ATF/ACM-32AF Manual PN 51480:A0 02/02/01 15
Flush-mount Backboxes
ABF-1F
This flush mounted backbox provides
for the remote mounting of a single
annunciator module in a flush-mount
enclosure. Knockouts are provided
for use with 1/2" conduit. Includes a
trim plate, mountinghardware, and an
adhesive-backed annunciator label
for the dress plate (15824).
Height = 9-15/16" (25.24 cm)
Width = 4-5/8" (11.75 cm)
Depth = 2-1/2" (6.35 cm).
Trim Plate dimensions -
11" (27.94 cm) x 6-1/4" (15.875 cm)
ABF-2F
This flush mounted backbox provides for flushmountingof one annunciator-
expander combination. Includes a trim plate and an adhesive-backed
annunciator label for the dress plate (15824).
Height = 8-1/2" (21.59 cm), Width = 8-15/16" (22.7 cm)
Depth = 1-3/8" (3.49 cm)
Trim Plate dimensions - 11" (27.94 cm) x 10-5/8" (26.99 cm)]
ABF-4F
This flush mounted backbox provides for
the remote mounting of one to four
annunciator modules. Knockouts are
provided for use with 1/2" conduit.
Includes a trim plate and an annunciator
label.
Height = 9-15/16" (25.24 cm)
Width = 17-3/8" (44.13 cm)
Depth = 2-1/2" (6.35 cm).
Trim Plate dimensions -
11" (27.94 cm) x 19-3/8" (49.21 cm)
50439d3.tif
50439d1.tif

2. Inventory Cabinet & Panel Hardware
16 ACM-16ATF/ACM-32AF Manual PN 51480:A0 02/02/01
Semi Flush-mount Backboxes
ABF-1DF
This backbox mounts one Annunciator module
and includes an attractive smoked glass door
with keylock.
Box dimensions -
Height = 9-15/16" (25.24 cm)
Width = 4-5/8" (11.75 cm)
depth = 2-1/2" (6.35 cm).
Door dimensions -
Height = 10.713" (27.21 cm)
Width = 6" (15.24 cm)
Depth = 0.75" (1.9 cm).
ABF-2DF
Same as ABF-1DF except that two modules can be mounted.
Box dimensions -
Height = 9-15/16" (25.24 cm)
Width = 9-3/16" (23.37 cm)
Depth = 2-1/2" (6.35 cm)
Door dimensions -
Height = 10.713" (27.21 cm)
Width = 10.375" (26.35 cm)
Depth = 0.75" (1.9 cm).
ABF-1DF.cdr

Cabinet & Panel Hardware 2. Inventory
ACM-16ATF/ACM-32AF Manual PN 51480:A0 02/02/01 17
Additional Hardware
ABM-1
The Annunciator Blank Module is a two-sided dress plate identical in
appearance to the front panel of the ACM-16ATF module on one side, and
the front panel of the ACM-32AF module on the other side. The blank
module covers unused module positions in the annunciator backbox or dress
panel.
Height = 8-3/8" (21.27 cm), Width = 4-3/8" (11.11 cm).
AKS-1F
The Annunciator Key Switch provides access security for the control
switches on the ACM-16ATF Series. The key switch kit includes a key and
hardware for mounting to the trim plate of a flush-mount type annunciator
enclosure. Also included is an adhesive-backed Annunciator Label for use
with the key switch/dress plate assembly.
Note: The AKS-1F can only be employed with a flush-mount type backbox.

2. Inventory Cabinet & Panel Hardware
18 ACM-16ATF/ACM-32AF Manual PN 51480:A0 02/02/01
NOTES

ACM-16ATF/ACM-32AF Manual PN 51480:A0 02/02/01 19
3. Design Considerations
Limits
The standard Fire•Lite EIA-485 circuit can drive up to 32 annunciators or
expanders. The number of annunciators that can engage in two-way
communication is dependent on the number of addresses available with a
given fire alarm control panel. The actual number of annunciator/expander
modules that can be powered in a particular system depends on the current
available from the control panel’s power supply.
Note: Refer to the instruction manual of the particular Fire Alarm Control Panel for
more details.
Wire Runs
Communication between the control panel and the annunciator occurs over
a power-limited 2-wire EIA-485 serial interface. This communication is
supervised by the fire alarm control panel. Each annunciator/expander
module also requires a filtered 24 VDC power connection. This power
circuit is inherently supervised; loss of power registers as a communication
failure at the control panel.
Figure 1 Wire Run Diagram
Wiring Specifications
The EIA-485 circuit cannot be T-Tapped; it must be wired in a continuous
fashion. The maximum wiring distance is 6,000 feet at 16 AWG. The wiring
size must be a 12 AWG to 18 AWG twisted shielded pair cable having a
characteristic impedance of 120 ohms, +/- 20%. Limit the total wire
resistance to 100 ohms on the EIA-485 circuit, and 10 ohms on the
annunciator power circuit. Do not run cable adjacent to, or in the same
conduit as, 120 volts AC service, “noisy” electrical circuits that arepowering
mechanical bells or horns, audio circuits above 25 volts RMS, motor control
circuits, or SCR power circuits.
Fire Alarm Control Panel Annunciator
ACS Power
Filtered & Power-limited
ACSf-wirerun.cdr
EIA-485 Circuit
(two-wire)
Power-limited & Supervised

3. Design Considerations Receive Only and Transmit/Receive
20 ACM-16ATF/ACM-32AF Manual PN 51480:A0 02/02/01
Receive Only and Transmit/Receive
For redundant annunciation of system points, annunciators can be
configured as “Receive Only” annunciators. Receive Only annunciators
must be set to the same address as the annunciators they duplicate. Receive
Only annunciators intercept information being transmitted to a
“Receive/Transmit” annunciator for duplication at an intermediate display
location. When configured for Receive Only operation, they cannot be used
to send information to the system, and as a result are not supervised by the
control panel. They cannot perform remote functions such as Acknowledge,
Silence, or Reset. Control switches on Receive Only annunciators can be
used only for local functions, such as Lamp Test. Wiring to Receive Only
annunciators may be supervised by installing the modules “upstream” of
fully supervised, Receive/Transmit annunciators along the EIA-485 line.
Annunciators that are configured to serve as full function annunciators can
both receive status information as well as transmit commands to the control
panel. This allows the annunciator to remotely execute functions of the
control panel in addition to displaying the status of the system.
Figure 2 Receive/Transmit Annunciator Diagram
Fire Alarm
Control Panel Annunciator Expander
Two-wire
EIA-485
Circuit
“Receive Only” Annunciator set to
address “X” and installed upstream.
Full Function “Receive/Transmit”
Annunciator set to address “X”.
Annunciator Expander
ACSf-RTannun.cdr