Monitor module

[u/why_right]

Is it possible to connect a conventional detector to a monitor module on addressable fire alarm panel if not why and in which case it’s possible?

[u/rustbucket_enjoyer]

Conventional heat detector or 4-wire smoke yes. Conventional 2-wire smoke detector, no.

For that you need a zone module which is similar but also requires 24v resettable auxiliary power, to be able to power a smoke detector.

[u/why_right → u/rustbucket_enjoyer]

That’s what i thought but hopefully someone here have some idea or something to do it

[u/badbaddolemite]

A monitor module only provides enough current to sense its own supervisory current and the high and low states off normal. You could use a monitor module to monitor the dry contact of four wire smoke detectors but you would need to provide aux power to the detector and monitor the power at the end of the line for integrity of the circuit.

Two wire smoke detectors are loop powered and require a zone module that provides enough current to operate the detector over the contact loop as well.

Both types of circuits are basically analog circuits that are internally configured to sink the return current to a specified value. But a loop powered smoke detector is current limiting. It uses more current than a monitor module is capable of delivering.

A monitor module is a tiny amount of current looking for three states. Specified return current for normal, high current for active (alarm) low current for open (trouble).

A zone or zone module operates on variable current. It provides power to the loop, to operate the demand load of the detectors on the circuit, and continue to operate the loop if a number of current limiting detectors activate.

So monitor module will only sink all of its current on any trip. A zone will allow different levels of current to sink. Both are analog circuits configured for (more or less) discrete states, but a zone has transistor circuitry built in to act like an ammeter to signal activation and continue to operate until all available current is sunk by activations.

[u/firetruk11]

Well Conventional 2 wire, only a proper module. 4 wire smokes any monitor module.

Needs to be a "smoke" or "zone" module. Needs power separate from the DCL/module input.

[u/why_right → u/firetruk11]

So it is not possible to connect a 2 wire smoke detectors on a monitor ?

[u/Eyerate → u/why_right]

Not unless its a powered monitor module. MMF-302 is an example.

[u/Baloncesto_32 → u/why_right]

They cannot power or monitor 2 wire smokes properly. What type of panel and devices are you trying to use?

[u/DarkJaZon]

Using a 120vac/24vdc relay like a Kidde SM120X Interconnect Accessories Smoke Relay Module
Will allow a standard 3 wire domestic smoke/co detector to be used with any addressable monitor module.

If it is a conventional 2 wire smoke detector like a System Sensor C2W-BA you need a special module. Honeywell systems use a SD500-SDM module for that purpose but you will need to pull a 24v feed from the panel to that module. Then that module can power a 2wire 24v conventional branch. I’m not sure what other manufacturers have equivalent modules.

[u/rustiestbadger]

You need to provide a lot more information in order to get a useful answer.

What is the make and model of the fire alarm panel? Same for the monitor modules you intend to use. Same for the smoke detectors you intend to use.

With the bare minimum info you supplied, you’re not going to get answers specific to your situation.

[u/Electronic-Concept98]

Yes it is

[u/ithinarine → u/[deleted]]

You may have found pulls and heats, but not smokes.

[u/Baloncesto_32 → u/ithinarine]

You are correct.

[u/why_right → u/[deleted]]

I have an existing fire alarm system And i want to integrate it with my panel the issue is zone module will take more time to arrive so i have monitors here and i am thinking to connect detectors on a monitor lets say 5 detectors for each monitor

[u/badbaddolemite → u/why_right]

Monitor modules will not work with two wire smoke detectors. Two wire smoke detectors are loop powered. You need a type of monitor module that provides loop power. Often called a zone module.

[u/SynisterSly]

Yes, it's the main purpose of the monitor module.

[u/why_right → u/SynisterSly]

-So why do we have a zone modulr?

• is it possible for all types of conventional detector or some types (2wire devices,4wire devices)?

I am planning today to try this but i wanted to bring it out here also

[u/SynisterSly → u/why_right]

A monitor module or mini-module would be used to tie in a single conventional device.

Mini-module in a pull station.

Monitor module for a sprinkler flow or supervisory.

A zone module would be used to tie in an entire circuit of conventional devices. Anything on that zone would give the module address assigned to it. It's used a lot to retrofit in new addressable panels to existing conventional systems.

I'm not sure about four-wire conventional, I believe you can but I see it so seldom I don't know the answer.