Connecting 4-wire smokes to Ademco V15P

Joe:

Thanks for the response! What is your first choice-----a relay?

Thanks again,

Rob

You will want to switch the low, and follow the instructions in the install manual closely. We have used this option a few times. It isn't our first choice and we won't use it for more than a few smokes. But it does work.

It's a lot easier to use 2 wire smokes...you just connect them to the fire zone put the resistor at the last smoke and program the zone...done. No power supervision relay etc...

Crash:

Agreed----but I already have 4-wire smokes that I want to use.

Thanks for the response,

Rob

So, for the experts, I have one more question------if I decide to install new 2-wire smokes instead, do they always have to be connected to Zone 1 on the Vista 15P panel? The installation instructions suggest this, but I always thought they could be installed on any zone that allows programming of a fire zone, as long as the correct polarity is observed.

Your clarification is very much appreciated!

Rob

Thanks, Nick! This is very helpful.

Regards,

Rob

I've always used Zone 1 since it's designated as the 2 wire fire zone. But, I suppose you could measure the voltage across zone 1 and compare it to the other zones...it "may" be the same since all EOLRs are the same value...if the voltage is the same you could try it.

I have used altronix low draw relay rsbn ttl? and works fine had similar deal were existing system had 4 wire smoke

Frank:

Thanks for the clarification. Zone 1 it is......

Rob

It won't work. A guy that's now a customer of mine already tried it. Screwed up his system big time (he didn't "break it", but we had to rewire it and reprogram the thing). You can program other zones as "fire", but only for four wire smokes and contact devices. Two wire smokes must be terminated to zone one.

Joe:

Thanks for the information. I'm seriously considering just using

Rob

It was worth a think-over. Usually fire zones require a diff. EOLR since the device is 12 v but noticed that the vistas all use one value resistor.

Frankly with that panel my first choice would be 2-wire smoke. Next, use a relay module, third I would go with the on-board relay.

Keep in mind that we use the onboard as a last resort because it is a new feature on these particular boards and some of the more experienced tech's prefer to wait on using new features.

In the instances we have used the feature, as far as I know there have not been any problems. Setting it up can be a bit confusing, tho...

snipped-for-privacy@hotmail.com wrote:

Zone 1 uses a false alarm feature on 2-wire smokes. On the first alarm, it doesn't dial out, it resets the detector and waits 90 secs. If it alarms again, a signal is sent.

Only if you want it to I believe.

If you do decide to use 4-wire smoke detectors, do not connect them to zone 1.