Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Adding a siren to a Brinks security system
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JamesMHarvey
08-24-04, 02:16 PM
The siren speaker that was installed with my Brinks security alarm security in on the second level so it can't be heard in the basement.
Can I simply wire up another siren to the system (something like a ADEMCO 747 Siren)? Anything special about connecting it?
Can I simply wire up another siren to the system (something like a ADEMCO 747 Siren)? Anything special about connecting it?
MrRonFL
08-24-04, 06:59 PM
Just verify which type you have. With most systems you either have 12v powered sirens or a siren driver card with speaker(s), and a smaller number of panels have a built in driver and only need speakers.
You can't mix and match (12vdc across 8 ohm speaker= junk speaker).
Otherwise observe polarity and go for it. Most systems and driver cards will handle at least two with ease, most will take 3 or 4.
You can't mix and match (12vdc across 8 ohm speaker= junk speaker).
Otherwise observe polarity and go for it. Most systems and driver cards will handle at least two with ease, most will take 3 or 4.
SafeWatch
08-25-04, 07:59 AM
Most of the Brinks systems I've worked on (which includes the BHS-2000 line) use a speaker, NOT a siren. So, if you connect a siren (like the Ademco model) you will get nothing out of the siren.
I believe most of the Brinks systems have a built-in driver for the speaker.
I believe most of the Brinks systems have a built-in driver for the speaker.
JamesMHarvey
08-25-04, 08:43 AM
Thanks for the feedback. So, what do you suggest?
JamesMHarvey
08-25-04, 08:44 AM
BTW...I checked my existing Brinks siren and the back said 8 OHM 15W...whatever that means. :)
MrRonFL
08-25-04, 05:17 PM
It means that you have speakers. So what you need to by will be a speaker, not a 12v siren. (They are generally cheaper, actually)
this http://www.elkproducts.com/products/elk-sp35.htm is a pretty good example of what you probably want.
Again, simply run your 2 conductor wire back to your panel location, and observe the polarity for the terminals (the diagram is usually inside the panel door). It's just like adding a speaker to a stereo. Just add the new ones to the same terminals as the old speaker wire.
this http://www.elkproducts.com/products/elk-sp35.htm is a pretty good example of what you probably want.
Again, simply run your 2 conductor wire back to your panel location, and observe the polarity for the terminals (the diagram is usually inside the panel door). It's just like adding a speaker to a stereo. Just add the new ones to the same terminals as the old speaker wire.
dustindu4
03-30-09, 09:59 PM
Ok I know this thread is 5 years old but I found it in a search when I was looking for an answer to the same question before I had my system installed. I didn't want to pay them to install a strobe and a second speaker for outside the house. I had my Brinks system installed recently and I got the installation manual for the alarm panel. I got the BHS-4000B alarm box.
The manual says:
The BHS-4000B can support up to four 8-ohm speakers. when connecting the speaker, ensure that the speaker is located not more that 125 feet from the control panel and use at least 18 gauge wire.
When you want just a second speaker, wire the speakers in series. When you want 3 or 4 speakers, wire them in series-parallel.
If you want to add flashing lights or a bell or need some kind of other electrical output when the alarm goes off, you have a 9-14V output at up to 1 amp (or 1.2amp combined total with bell, keypad, and smoke detectors if you have the 40VA transformer. If you have the 25 VA transformer, you only have 1.0A combined total). Bascially I think you only have enough amperage to power one of those 150mA flashing strobe lights before you overload. If you want to draw more power than that I would suggest using a relay and some kind of external power supply.
Wire the bell/strobe as follows. On the terminal strip in the control box there are 24 screws or terminals. If you follow from left to right, and the farthest on the left is #1 and farthest right is #24. Hook the positive lead to #4 and the negative to #7 and you should be all set.
The manual says:
The BHS-4000B can support up to four 8-ohm speakers. when connecting the speaker, ensure that the speaker is located not more that 125 feet from the control panel and use at least 18 gauge wire.
When you want just a second speaker, wire the speakers in series. When you want 3 or 4 speakers, wire them in series-parallel.
If you want to add flashing lights or a bell or need some kind of other electrical output when the alarm goes off, you have a 9-14V output at up to 1 amp (or 1.2amp combined total with bell, keypad, and smoke detectors if you have the 40VA transformer. If you have the 25 VA transformer, you only have 1.0A combined total). Bascially I think you only have enough amperage to power one of those 150mA flashing strobe lights before you overload. If you want to draw more power than that I would suggest using a relay and some kind of external power supply.
Wire the bell/strobe as follows. On the terminal strip in the control box there are 24 screws or terminals. If you follow from left to right, and the farthest on the left is #1 and farthest right is #24. Hook the positive lead to #4 and the negative to #7 and you should be all set.