by Ann Withanee — April 22, 2011—Fire-Lite Alarms by Honeywell has modernized two of its best-selling addressable fire alarm control panels with installer-requested features to reduce installation/maintenance time and enhance the systems’ capabilities and life span, according to Honeywell.
Version 3 of the MS-9200UDLS and MS-9050UD panels support more notification and ancillary devices while allowing for longer wire runs using virtually any style of wire. Simplified system programming, more robust surge protection, color-coded diagnostic lights and removable chassis can reduce installation time and service calls.
An extensive hardware and software redesign in both the MS-9200UDLS and MS-9050UD fire alarm control panels has created higher-capacity, easier-to-install systems. With fire alarm voice evacuation becoming more prevalent in the U.S. market, the number of speakers and strobes required has increased dramatically, creating a need for higher-capacity systems. An optional NAC (notification appliance circuit) expander module can double the MS-9200UDLS’ Class A circuits to four. On both panels, the addition of a second annunciator circuit, commonly used to tie in remote annunciators, printers and more, allows for double the number of ancillary devices and double wire lengths which can be run in different directions using nearly any type of wire.
A quick-remove chassis on the MS-9200UDLS and MS-9050UD allows electronics to be taken out of the backbox during the initial construction phase. Once the backbox is mounted to the wall and wire is pulled, the electronics can be quickly replaced with just two bolts. The new chassis are also backward compatible with older Fire-Lite Alarms panels’ backboxes, making for easier system replacements and upgrades.
To reduce service calls and increase protection against electric shock damage to a system, Fire-Lite Alarms redesigned hardware components to offer more robust surge protection. New color-coded LED lights indicate status of the panel’s operations and when necessary, where service on the system is needed.
The MS-9200UDLS and MS-9050UD have both earned seismic certification per IBC (International Building Code) requirements for use in “essential facilities” in specific geographic regions that require seismic-certified fire alarm systems.
More comprehensive information on Fire-Lite Alarms’ MS-9200UDLS and MS-9050UD fire alarm control panels, including data sheets, listings and battery calculators, is available on the Honeywell Fire-Lite Web site.
