How Do I Add a High Current Siren to a 2GIG Edge?

To add a high current siren to a 2GIG Edge, connect the panel's bell output terminals to an Altronix RB5 Relay module. Connect DC negative from a power supply to common of one relay. Connect NO from the same relay to the negative terminal on the siren. Connect DC positive to siren positive.

There are a number of ways a user can make this work, we're going to cover this process using what we believe to be the simplest method available using wired devices. To accomplish the addition of a high current siren, a user will need a wired siren, a relay module, we recommend using the Altronix RB5, and a power supply. Bear in mind that the power supply used will also require a Honeywell 1361-GT transformer, and its own backup battery. The Honeywell AD12612 can provide up to 1.2 Amps of current. If you need more current than that, you can choose to go with the Altronix SMP3, which when used with the Honeywell 1361-GT transformer can provide up to 2.4 Amps of current. The relays on the RB5 can handle up to 28VDC and up to 5 Amps of current passing through them before they become damaged. Remember, regardless which power supply you use, it will need its own battery, and you may want to house these items inside their own enclosure.

With the 120 mA of current provided by the bell output of the panel, there are a few piezo dynamic sirens, such as the Honeywell WAVE2PD, that can be connected to the bell output directly without the need for the relay or the power supply. However, most outdoor sirens will have a higher current requirement, and will require the more complex wiring configuration. The good news about this is that there is no additional programming necessary. When the bell output is energized, it will trigger the relay, which will switch power on for the siren. When the bell output de-energizes, either at bell timeout, or when the system is disarmed, the relay will also de-energize and the siren will power down. Before making hardware changes at the panel, be sure the account is on test with the monitoring company if the system is being monitored. This will help to avoid accidental dispatch of the authorities.

To connect a high current siren to the 2GIG Edge, follow these steps:

1. Connect the relay. Begin with everything powered down. The panel should have both AC and battery disconnected. The Altronix RB5 will connect to the panel's Bell + (positive) and Bell - (negative) terminals. The panel Bell - will connect to the Altronix RB5 NEG - terminal. The panel Bell + will connect to the RB5 POS + terminal.
   


2. Connect siren wiring. Once the transformer has been wired to the power supply, but before the transformer or the battery for the power supply have been plugged in, connect DC - (negative) from the power supply to Common (C) on either relay of the RB5. Then, connect a wire from Normally Open (NO) on the same relay to the Negative - terminal on the siren. Connect DC + (positive) from the power supply to the Positive + terminal on the siren.
   
   
   The optional 820 Ohm resistor, seen in the image above, only needs to be installed if the Altronix RB5 attempts to activate even when there is no alarm present. The siren output can be supervised for an open circuit, based on the way Q212 is programmed (Siren Supervision Time). If siren supervision is not required, then set Q212 to Disabled, and the resistor shouldn't be necessary. If you do want to supervise the siren wiring, enable Q212 for 15, 30, or 45 seconds and be prepared to add the resistor.


3. Power up. Begin by powering up the panel. Connect the backup battery first, then plug in the transformer. Once the panel boots up, connect the battery for the power supply, then plug in its transformer. Once everything has a chance to boot up, test the setup by activating an audible alarm. The easiest way to do this is by activating an audible panic, but if you don't have one of those programmed, then arm the system and open a window that has a contact attached. Windows should be programmed as perimeter zones, so they don't observe entry or exit delay. Once everything is tested successfully, you can remove the account from test with the monitoring station.