How Do I Connect a High Current Siren to a DSC PG9WLSHW8?

Connect the bell terminals from the DSC PG9WLSHW8 to an Altronix RB5 or an Altronix RBSNTTL. Connect negative from the power supply to negative of the siren. Connect positive of the power supply to Common of the relay being used, and connect Normally Open of the relay to Siren Positive.

The above paragraph is an over simplification. The way that each of these two relays connect to the module and the siren is quite different. Given the choice, Alarm Grid recommends using the Altronix RB5, as the wiring using that relay is more straightforward. It's also the least expensive of the two, and has a higher contact rating. However, if you already have an Altronix RBSNTTL, there's no reason to buy another relay as long as the specs for the RBSNTTL are adequate. We can make it work. We'll cover the wiring connections for each of these relays below, starting with the RB5.

The DSC PG9WLSHW8 is a wired to wireless converter module that harnesses the range and bi-directional capabilities of PowerG technology. In addition to converting existing wired zones to PowerG wireless, with each module converting up to eight (8) zones, the module also allows the use of 2-wire smoke detectors, a siren output with up to 700 mA of current available, three (3) programmable outputs in addition to the smoke reset, and a Corbus connection that can support additional wired devices such as keypads. The DSC PG8WLSHW8 is a similar module, sold only in Europe.

Connecting A High Current Siren Using The Altronix RB5

In cases where 700 mA is not enough current to power the siren or sirens being used, then the siren output on the PG9WLSHW8 can be used to trigger a relay with a power supply connected. The siren output activates the relay, and the relay switches power on and off for the higher current siren(s). The Altronix RB5 draws only 120mA of current and has a contact rating of 5A/220VAC or 28VDC with DPDT contacts (2.5A contact rating per relay). The RB5 will be used in conjunction with a power supply. Any 12VDC power supply can be used as long as it provides enough current for the siren or sirens being used (and as long as the current being used doesn't exceed 5A for both relays, or 2.5A for one). The power supply requires its own transformer and backup battery.

Alarm Grid offers the Honeywell AD12612, which can supply up to 1.2A of current at 12VDC. It uses the Honeywell 1361-GT transformer and the UltraTech IM-1250F1 4.5Ah battery for backup. If 1.2A isn't enough current, we also offer the Altronix SMP3. This power supply offers up to 2.5A of current, and has a selectable output of 6VDC, 12VDC, or 24VDC. To achieve the full 2.5A output, you must use a transformer with a 16VAC / 55.2VA rating. The Honeywell 1361-GT (16.5VAC / 40VA) transformer can be used, and it will supply 2.4A of current at 12VDC. The SMP3 will also require its own backup battery, and the UltraTech IM-1250F1 can be used.

To use the Altronix RB5, make the connections shown below:

• Connect PG9WLSHW8 Bell Negative to RB5 NEG -
• Connect PG9WLSHW Bell Positive to RB5 POS +
• Connect AD12612 DC - Output to Siren Negative
• Connect AD12612 DC + Output to RB5 C (Common)
• Connect RB5 NO (Normally Open) to Siren Positive
• Connect the proper transformer wires from the transformer to the power supply. Shown is the AD12612 and the 1361-GT. Be sure to connect a backup battery to the power supply as well.

Connecting a High Current Siren Using the Altronix RBSNTTL

As mentioned earlier, we recommend using the Altronix RB5 for this configuration because the wiring for it is a little less complicated. However, if you happen to already have an Altronix RBSNTTL and you'd like to use it, you certainly can. One very important note, you need the bell output on the DSC PG9WLSHW8 to only trigger the relay in this case, rather than power it.

The actual power to drive the relay and make it change state comes from a separate source. The RBSNTTL draws 45mA of current. Its contact rating is 2A/120VAC/28VDC, which means technically it only supports up to 1A being passed through each of its two relays. For this reason, be sure to properly calculate the current draw for the sirens when they are active. If the total is more than 1A, but less than 2A, you may be able to divide the sirens and use both of the relays. If not, then an RB5 or other more robust relay is recommended. As the current draw for the RBSNTTL is so low, we recommend using AUX1: Power from the PG9WLSHW8 when powering the RBSNTTL.

To use the Altronix RBSNTTL, make the connections shown below:

• Connect PG9WLSHW8 Bell Negative to RBSNTTL TRG -
• Connect PG9WLSHW Bell Positive to RBSNTTL TRG +
• Connect PG9WLSHW AUX 1 + to RBSNTTL POS +
• Connect PG9WLSHW AUX 1 - to RBSNTTL NEG -
• Connect AD12612 DC - Output to Siren Negative
• Connect AD12612 DC + Output to RBSNTTL C (Common)
• Connect RBSNTTL NO (Normally Open) to Siren Positive
• Connect the proper transformer wires from the transformer to the power supply. Shown is the AD12612 and the 1361-GT. Be sure to connect a backup battery to the power supply as well.