Encore Firefighter FF345

Smoke Detector Takeover Module for Honeywell and 2GIG Wireless Systems

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The Encore Firefighter FF345 is a Honeywell and 2GIG compatible wireless audio module that can be used to remotely monitor your existing wired smoke detectors. Buy the FF345 here.
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Description

Note: Certain FF345 units have been known not to work with Honeywell Alarm Systems. Units with a date code of 01/2020 are known to be affected, and units with a date code of 02/2020 through 08/2020 may be affected as well. Units made prior to 01/2020 should work with Honeywell Systems as intended. Units with a date code of 09/2020 and beyond should work with Honeywell Systems, but may display an E380 Sensor Trouble Message upon the clearing of a fire or CO alarm. If an E380 Trouble does remain after your FF345 fire and/or CO alarm has been cleared, it should clear on its own after some time, or in some cases, one last disarm may be needed for it to clear. The date code can be located on the inside of the unit's cover.

The Encore Firefighter FF345 is a Honeywell and 2GIG compatible wireless audio module that can be used to remotely monitor your existing wired smoke detectors. Per building code, most homes are required to have a high voltage or battery powered smoke detector in each room. These are "conventional smoke detectors" that are wired to a discrete circuit in your electrical panel and designed for life safety. When there is smoke/fire detected the smoke detector triggers an audible alarm and that is then mirrored by all the other smokes on the premise. These are designed to save lives in the event of a fire, by getting people in the building to exit immediately. What if no one is around? Will your home or business burn down?

Traditionally, remote fire monitoring required the purchase and installation of a secondary system of smoke detectors (i.e. Honeywell 5808W3) which are programmed to a fire and/or burglary alarm system. This incurs hardware and installation expenses which can be costly. Then you can have the smoke detectors remotely monitored by a Central Station or receive automated alerts via text/email in the case of a fire alarm. On the other hand, the Encore Firefighter offers a way to use the hardware that is already in place to trip a wireless zone on your security system.

The Encore FF345 should be programmed as a "Fire - Zone Type 09." This response type is designed to trigger a fire alarm after the Firefighter hears a smoke detector once. If you are worried about false alarms you can set the response type to, "Fire with verification." This will require the sensor to be tripped twice before issuing a fire alarm event to the panel. The first generation of this product was designed to work like the 5816 on loop 2. Any sensor before Version 1.5 will enroll as loop 2. The equipment code to use for 2GIG systems if you have a first generation FF345 (the rectangular model) is "0637". If you are trying to enroll a second generation FF345 (the circular model), you should use "1058" for a smoke detection zone or "1026" for a CO detection zone.

Second generation firefighters (V1.5 or higher) enroll as loop 1 and also support CO detection. Be sure to confirm the firmware revision before programming. All round versions are second generation (V1.5+). Check date code on rectangular version to confirm version. If it is 1.5 or higher it gets programmed as loop 1. Earlier models are programmed as loop 2 and only support fire, not CO. The serial number printed on the device, assigned to loop 1, will report smoke detection. The last digit of the serial number must be changed to one digit higher and also assigned to loop 1 for CO detection. For example, an FF345 with serial number 0012345 would be programmed with this serial number and loop 1 for smoke reporting, and serial number 0012346 loop 1 on a separate zone for Carbon Monoxide reporting. If your detector only senses smoke or CO, you can simply program a zone only for the condition being monitored.

  • Version 1.0:
    • Always Rectangular
    • Uses Loop 2
    • Does not support CO Listening
  • Version 1.5+:
    • Can be rectangular or round
    • Uses Serial Number 1 (on sticker) with Loop 1 for Fire listening
    • Uses Serial Number 2 (1-digit higher than SN 1) with Loop 1 for CO listening

Placement and orientation is very important. The module must be within 6 inches of a functional device. There are two tabs along the side of unit which give the microphone line of sight directly with the smoke detector. It uses a microphone similar to a glass break detector to pick up on the sound of an activated device. The sound will cause the FF345 to transmit a signal to the Wireless Honeywell or 2GIG alarm system.

During the first hour after power up, the FF345 is in a Test mode. During this time, if it hears the temporal 3 sound for smoke, or the temporal 4 sound for Carbon Monoxide only once, it will signal an alarm to the control panel. After the first hour, when it goes to normal mode, it must hear at least 2 rounds of each sound before it will indicate an alarm. If the device has been powered up for more than an hour, and you need to test it, remove the batteries then replace them, and a new test hour will begin.

The unit is battery powered by a 3VDC CR123A and is designed to last up to 5 years. This device should be regularly tested. If the unit is programmed as "Fire with Verification" it will require a 30 second press and hold on the smoke detector.

**Please note: This is not a smoke or heat detector!**

*Note: The FF345 has two (2) small screws that keep the back cover secured. You must remove these screws if you ever need to open up the sensor. In order to access these screws, you must first remove the sensor from the backplate that keeps the device mounted to the wall or ceiling. The sensor should easily slide out from the backplate.

Brand: Encore 2GIG

Let us know if you run into issues.
Will do, thanks!
Try it on the 5800 setting and see if that will do the trick. It should be compatible.
OK, thanks. That is how I got the date in the first place. For some reason my FF345 isn't pairing with my Honeywell proa7plus with a protakeover module set to 1 (for 2GIG) - I've tried pairing it using the smoke serial manually as well as trying to use the learn button, but neither works.
This issue occurred in 8/2020 and earlier. You can verify your date code using this process. https://www.alarmgrid.com/faq/how-do-i-find-the-date-code-on-the-encore-ff345
Does the batch from 09/2021 have this issue?
Yes, these would work with a Lyric system.
Could I use this to reliably link my Lyric system with existing hardwired combo/smoke/heat detectors made by System Sensor? Recently moved everything else over from an old Vista panel using C2W converters, but still running that panel and having it separately monitored to avoid replacing all the detectors with wireless versions.
Does Alarmgrid currently sell the updated units that don't have the bug with Honeywell Vista panels? I wouldn't want to order and receive an older one that still has the issue.
Are you referring to the fact that the FF345 now has issues being learned into the Honeywell panels? We have reported that issue to 2GIG, but I haven't heard about a resolution from them as of this time. 2GIG, owned by Nortek Controls is the company that actually manufactures the FF345.
Did you guys fix the Honeywell bug in the firefighter module yet?
It should if the ADT System, supports 345MHz frequency. Unfortunately due to it being an ADT panel, I can not answer clearly on how to enroll it in that system.
Is there a way to enroll this device on an ADT Command system?
Hi, there is normally a sticker on the inside of the tamper cover and it should also state the version on the box.
How do you check what version you have? The article says "Check date code on rectangular version to confirm version." What should I be looking for to make sure it's v1.5?
Hi Jeff, Since you mentioned you are a monitored customer it would be best for you to email us at support@alarmgrid.com or give us a call at 888-818-7728. Thank you.
We are an Alrm Grid customer and we I recently installed the Encore FF345. We tested it and it worked as intended, after holding down the smoke detector test button for 30 seconds or so, it triggered the alram panel and Alarm Grid called. The question I have is I would prefer for it to only trigger the alarm panel and send a signal to central monitoring when the Alarm system is set to ARMED. This would avoid any false alarm due to smoke from cooking in the kitchen, etc. Is this possible? Thanks in advance.
The IQ2 will work with Honeywell when the daughter board releases. It will support wireless 5800 series products including burg and fire I believe.
Cool. Also, will this board work with Honeywell life safety products?
The Qolsys panel will be having a Honeywell daughter board released at a later date, that board will allow Honeywell sensors to work with the panel. Until then, this is not compatible.
Is the Encore Fire 345 compatible with QOLSYS panels?
Yes this is compatible and it is great to have with your system. In case of fire the Central Station would be able to alert the proper authorities.
Will this be compatible with the Lynx 7000 panel? And is it the best option for me to have an alarm triggered in the event of smoke or fire in my home? Thanks.
That's really helpful. Thank you Julia!
Thomas, the FF345 works by listening for the sound of a smoke detector or a Carbon Monoxide detector (or both) and sending a signal to the alarm panel when it hears one or the other. Smoke gives a temporal 3 sound (3 beeps, pause, 3 beeps, pause, etc.) Carbon monoxide gives temporal 4 (4 rapid beeps, pause, 4 rapid beeps, pause). Based on the description of the Kidde detector, it looks like it would probably work for CO detection, but not for Gas detection, as the audible signal it provides for explosive gas is one second on, one second off. The FF345 won' recognize this pattern, and therefore won't alert for explosive gas.
Does anyone know if this device could be paired with an explosive combustible gas detector (as a workaround for the fact that there is not such a device on the market that works with the 2GIG/Honeywell protocol)? I realize it would wouldn't be paired with the control panel exactly as an explosive gas detector but I assume it could still be set up such that it generates an alert that can be monitored. I'm thinking about trying it alongside this product: https://www.amazon.com/Kidde-KN-COEG-3-Nighthawk-Monoxide-Explosive/dp/B0002EVNJ6/ Thanks Tom
Thanks.
Yes there are specific licensed sounds for fire vs CO. The FF345 is smart enough to know the difference and report as CO or Fire.
So, this listens for a smoke alarm? Someone below said they tested their Nest smoke alarms with this and it worked fine. And detected CO verses smoke. So, they make different sounds for different situations? Is this correct? I didn't know that.
Glad to hear that you got it working. Have a great weekend!
Thank you, Sterling! I used live chat and one of the agents very patiently helped us figure out the problem. It took a lot longer than I thought it would, but he was determined to help us troubleshoot each step. I can't say enough good things about him!
Hi Robin, I apologize that we missed your original inquiry. Did you ever get the FF345 functioning with the Lyric system? If not, please let us know as we'd be happy to help.
HI Jim, Thank you for sharing your test results. We always appreciate feedback.
I did this--tested the Nest Protect using both canned CO and canned smoke with the FF345--and in both cases, the FF345 relayed the correct alarm to the panel on the second set of alarm tones. YMMV.
According to Encore's website and the documentation it's ETL listed to UL985.
is this a UL listed device
I'm trying to get this set up with a Lyric and have gone through all of the steps, but the panel isn't picking up the signal. It just shows a red battery with a line through it. Any advice?
Okay, we are glad to hear we helped. Did you see we offer no-contract monitoring services? We are experts on the L5200 system so if you are not under contract and are interested in switching, feel free to contact us at support@alarmgrid.com to find out how easy it is to switch to us.
Yes, auto learning as loop 2 should indicate it's an older unit but it depends on how you auto-enrolled the device. Testing to make sure it's working is always recommended to be sure. What alarm system do you have?
Indeed. I have not had any reports of low battery caused false alarms. The audio technically is finely tuned for the specific temporal fire tones. I would not be concerned about it. You could always test it with an old battery while the system on test mode just for your own peace of mind.
Thanks, Frank. This is all really handy information. Regarding the chirps, I was mostly concerned about false alarms. I recently upgraded my alarm system and started using Alarm Grid's monitoring, but hadn't brought fire protection into the fold. This seems like an inexpensive way of "networking" my interconnected smoke detector system to my Lyric panel.
Kidde follows the same code for temporal sounding. The brand should not matter.
It is designed to only be triggered by the code specified temporal sounds for Fire or CO. Battery chirps should not trigger an alarm nor will it be capable of reporting low battery signals to the alarm system. That will have to be manual process. The only low battery alert you will get is the FF345 itself.
Will it be triggered by low-battery chirps? Any testing done with newer Kidde interconnected detectors?
The best way to truly test smoke and CO is to use canned CO and Smoke to replicate a real alarm situation. We carry both canned CO ( https://www.alarmgrid.com/products/sdi-soloc6 ) and canned smoke ( https://www.alarmgrid.com/products/sdi-soloa4 ). Feel free to test with these to create a true smoke and CO event. Program the CO zone on your panel first. Lastly, be sure to place your system on test with the central station if you are monitored! Most central stations require fire dispatching upon receiving CO signals. There is no way to cancel them.
Honestly I didn't even know the Firefighter could detect CO tones. If that's the case and that's how it's configured, I could try configuring that. Unfortunately though I would assume that it won't actually register the Protect unless it goes into a full alarm. As you may know, during "test" on Protect, it only makes the corresponding tones once - not enough for the FF345 to register (at least not for me).
Did you program a separate zone for CO protection using one digit higher than the last digit of the serial number? Just confirming that you are aware that it requires a separately programmed zone on the alarm panel. For example, serial number is 123-4567 for smoke and 123-4568 for CO. Both use loop 1.
Ah, good to know. Thanks again for providing the feedback.
It definitely works for fire/smoke detection.. unfortunately I have not been able to test the CO without poisoning myself. The FF345 is smart enough to disregard the Protect's "test" beeps and only triggers during a full alarm.
Does the FF345 work for both the CO and fire alarm from the Nest device?
2nd Generation Nest Protect.
Thanks for confirming Travis. What Nest product are you using with your FF345?
By the way I know this is a late post, but the Firefighter FF345 does indeed work with Nest Protect.
I am purchasing a 6160RF and I am going to install it that way. I have learned how to program it, and I am very confident that I am able to do so. (It's not really that hard, just a bit intimidating for beginners).
This sensor works by listening for the noise an interconnected smoke detector would make and would need to be integrated into the system as a zone. The ADT Pulse is just an internet module for an alarm control panel so it depends on what actual system you have. You could always ask ADT to confirm compatibility if you are currently active with them.
I am sure this is a dumb question, and I don't know much about alarm systems... But I do know that I don't want to spend a lot of money to replace all the detectors in the house to get the same fire monitoring this can do. Does this work with ADT Pulse (the netgear gateway), or would I have to do something else?
Yes, in theory, it sounds like it would work but we haven't tested it with a Nest ourselves. It is compatible with the Lyric system though.
I know you answered this already for someone else - I personally have Nest Protect v2 throughout my home and would like to keep them - they [of course] do use Temporal-Three so while I understand you can't guarantee it's compatibility, logically, it *should* work, correct? Do you further know if this Firefighter component is compatible with the Lyric system?
Yes, it's supervised for tamper and low battery just like regular Honeywell 5800 sensors.
When you program the FireFighter FF345 with a Honeywell system, is is supervised? Will the panel monitor and alert for a low battery or if it is tampered with? Thanks- Eric
If you program the zone as a fire zone, it will automatically be on in all modes so the only way to do that is to set it up like a door or window (Perimeter Zone Type) zone and then make sure the central station has the zone mapped as fire alarm but that type of setup would not be recommended as that isn't how the FF345 is designed to be used.
I want to put this next to the smoke detector near the Kitchen. When food smokes this detector can go off. Normal Fire protection is on 24 hours/day. I would like this fire protection active ONLY when the system is armed (Away,Stay, Night). We would not be cooking then so it is unlikely to generate a false alarm. Is this possible? I do have a Heat Only detector for this location as it is where the panel is located. I would like to protect the panel from a smoldering fire with the existing smoke detector, but only when the alarm is on. Possible?
We don't support Nest so we wouldn't know.
Does it work with Nest Protect 2?
It is awesome to hear you've had success with it. It is definitely now on my list of add ons for my security system. Thank you for your response.
The FF345 has been the most reliable of this type of listening device. It is specifically designed for interconnected smokes and seems to handle this situation very well. I have tested with numerous customers and have yet to come across a situation where it is not working. The key is installing it close enough to one of the smokes. The details are linked in the guide on the bottom right of this page.
How realiable is this device. I have done research on several devices with this similar concept. One of the main flaws has been that these devices are not able to handle multiple smoke alarms going off at the same time. In other words they are great at isolating and detecting one single smoke detector going off but for interconnected smokes it means all X number of smokes going off simultaneously. Do you guys have first hand experience in seeing this work well in the scenario I am describing above? I am on the fence with this device, it sounds promising but so did devices like the Leeo. Thanks for info.
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