I work at a school and the fire marshal just told us we need to have all of our strobes synchronized. We have a very old Simplex 4100 panel. The strobes are the model 4904-9137 which doesn’t have the strobing capability. I’m wondering if there is any kind of module that Simplex makes that can be added to the circuit to enable synchronization or do I need to look at just replacing all of the strobes ? Thanks
There is such a module: the 4905-9938 SmartSync Control Module, or “SCM”.
Those strobes do not have synchronization capabilities, and a sync module will not work with them. @TheCarson116 you could look more into the information you were given before making claims that are untrue.
Oh: had no idea, I just thought that the system in question had SmartSync-capable devices already (said module does sync ones that can together though). In that case OP you’d need to have all the notification appliances replaced with either selectable or SmartSync-capable versions if you wanted the strobes to all be synced together.
I would recommend contacting a Simplex rep regarding your options, but here’s my 2 cents.
There’s a synchronized flash module (4905-9914) that can synchronize those strobes. These modules just connect to the existing NACs (signal circuits) and provides a convenient way to synchronize strobes.
Alternatively, you can have the NACs running on temporal coding. In my experience, running strobes like the -9137 on a coded input can also synchronize them to an extent (haven’t tested this over long distances).
Lastly, there’s the option to just replace the old strobes with newer strobes with built-in sync capability (i.e. TrueAlerts). You could then synchronize the newer strobes with a 4009 NAC extender or by upgrading the 4100 to newer hardware (4100ES), both of these have built-in synch capabilities.
To reiterate, best to have a Simplex rep outline your options. They’ll likely tell you to upgrade, but I’m sure there’s more cost-effective approaches as outlined above.
Hope this helps!
To answer your question, you will need to replace those strobes. They are not capable of syncing (even with a module). I would suggest calling Simplex and telling them about your problem. If you want to take care of it yourself, your best bet would probably be to install some new Wheelock Strobes and a Wheelock sync module on the NAC that powers them. (Unless the panel has built in synchronization (the 4100 does not), not even new strobes will be able to synchronize without a sync module.
Thanks for the information. I will try to reach out to a Simplex rep and see what they say.
@Mike_H First of all, welcome to the forums! Gonna chime in here to state that the model number you provided (4904-9137) is for sure not syncable, regardless of if a module is put in place. In some capacity, the strobes will need to be replaced, either with new Simplex strobes, or as others mentioned, Wheelock strobes can be used as well, both options would still require a sync module or separate power supplies as the 4100 will not handle that.
State and local laws can vary a fair bit, but in general a system should only need to match code as required when it was put in as long as no significant modifications are made. If that doesn’t apply to you, then you may want to consider asking the fire marshal for details on laws/codes put in place that require sync for existing systems not capable of sync. Probably doesn’t need to be an argument or anything, just a request for documentation. Again, I’m generalizing heavily here, but worth asking for in case it turns out it’s not required. He may improperly think it’s just a programming setting, which isn’t the case here. (Quick side bar before I continue: Sync is code on modern systems for many reasons, epilepsy being one of them. This may come into heavier play for a school than a regular business.)
Finally - If this is public school, laws may require you to put out for bids on this work. The options are either going to be:
- Replace existing strobes, add sync module or power supplies to handle sync
- Replace entire system as the 4100 is long unsupported
Consider getting cost options for both of the above. If a full panel and field device swap could be in budget, even if more expensive, it may be worth the up front investment for the longevity of the system at that age. Simplex likely won’t be the cheapest option for a full swap.
Hope the above helps!
Hey Mike - welcome in.
I agree with Zach here, and while I wouldn’t necessarily push back on the AHJ regarding strobe sync, it’s important to remember it’s not the purpose of NFPA 72 to start retroactively applying current requirements to a system that was already designed, approved, and installed. See NFPA 72 section 1.4.1. However, the AHJ may say that per Section 1.4.2, that your existing situation involves a distinct hazard to life, and may choose to require retroactive application of requirements, so if it’s his opinion that he wants synchronization, better to ask for that in writing and if so, also inquire why it had been allowable for all this time up until now. Synchronization being a requirement is not a new thing, so it’s been in the code for quite a few years at this point. Why suddenly require it now?
As far as your options are concerned, my 2 cents is, the 4100 system is long past its service life, and Simplex isn’t actively producing replacement parts for it anyway. It might be better to try to justify a higher up-front cost for a new system, maybe not even a Simplex one, that has a brand new lease on life, rather than trying to patch a Ship-of-Theseus 4100 system.
Still, I’d do my due diligence in getting cost estimates for both solutions, and maybe not necessarily pigeon-hole yourself into Simplex if other providers (EST, Honeywell, etc) may offer you a better bang for your buck.
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