How do I Add an External Siren to my Lyric Gateway?

The Lyric Gateway supports the SiX Siren, Honeywell’s newest wireless siren, which uses the 2.4 GHz wireless frequency, and 128 bit AES Encryption for a robust, yet secure connection. They have a nominal range of 300 feet or more, depending on the installation environment, however, with an operating temperature range of 32 degrees to 122 degrees fahrenheit, and an operating relative humidity of 5% - 95% non-condensing, they’re not suitable for mounting outdoors. Currently, Honeywell doesn’t make an outdoor siren that is compatible with the Lyric Gateway.

It may be possible to use a Z-Wave receptacle or plug in module with a wall wart, or other power supply, and a scene/rule to activate an external siren on the Lyric Gateway, but there are some problems inherent with this. The Z-Wave module is somewhat supervised by the system, but the power supply would not be. Someone could simply unplug it, and disable the siren. Also, with this scenario, there would be no battery backup, in the event of an AC Loss, and in the event of an AC Loss, Z-Wave wouldn’t work at all. So currently, the answer to the question is, not easily, not reliably and not without more than the usual risk of failure.

Honeywell is aware of this limitation, and are no doubt working, even now, on an answer. Whether this will be greater compatibility with Z-Wave sirens, or a new SiX Series siren built for outdoors, we’ll just have to wait and see.