Simplex ZAMs

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iwire

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Location
Massachusetts
Hey, in a bit of a jamb.

I need to instal some Simplex ZAMS to provide simple dry contacts that change state on alarm condition.

Now I have them but the instructions seem to indicate that they need a data loop, which I have in place and 24VDC aux power. Now I understand if I was powering external devices from this ZAM I would need the 24VDC but all I am doing is using the contacts on it to control another power source.

Will I still need the 24VDC just to operate the ZAM itself?

If so I hate Simplex even more than before, the other brand relay modules I use pull all their power from the data loop, no aux power needed.
 

iwire

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Massachusetts
ATROEMI, what is a ZAM?

I thought about that and figured if someone knew the answer to the question they would know what a ZAM is. :D


A ZAM is a device that is added into the data loop, they can be used to monitor things or control things.

http://www.simplexfire.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/6599/2190-0012.pdf

I have control ZAMs and that document shows they need the data loop (Mapnet) and power.

I am really hoping an old field guy will be able to say I really don't need it. If I need it I have one day to get it from the first floor up to the forth floor with an occupied floor of non-cooperative people in the way.
 

nhfire77

Senior Member
Location
NH
Iwire,

You should be all set, the 24vdc aux power to operate the ZAM is all you need if it's just contacts.

The diagram shows it can be a NAC module, as it were. That then would require a second source.

This is similar to an FCI addressable control/output module.

Hey, who doesnt hate Simplex.
 
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iwire

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Massachusetts
Iwire,

You should be all set, the 24vdc aux power to operate the ZAM is all you need if it's just contacts.

I am wondering if it does not get the 24vdc if it will send a trouble to the FACP.

I roughed 3 locations for ZAMs with just the mapnet loop, it is going to be a PITA to add 24 VDC now.
 

nhfire77

Senior Member
Location
NH
I am wondering if it does not get the 24vdc if it will send a trouble to the FACP.

I roughed 3 locations for ZAMs with just the mapnet loop, it is going to be a PITA to add 24 VDC now.

Based on the diagram for a "control" ZAM only one source of 24 vdc is needed.

If supervision was required on the output as referenced for a "signal" ZAM it would need the second source, but if you look there are different part numbers for signal class A, signal class B and control ZAM. You do have a 2190-9163 or 2190-9164 don't you???
 

nhfire77

Senior Member
Location
NH
I am confused, based on that diagram it looks to me like I need both the mapnet and 24 VDC, presently I only have the mapnet

OK, your OP made me think you had 24 vdc aux power in place.

Yep, you need aux power for that.

Sorry about the confusion, I hate simplex too.
 
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tkb

Senior Member
Location
MA
I'ts been a long time since I wired a ZAM, but I think I remember that a control ZAM needs the loop and 24v but the monitor ZAM only needs the loop.
I think it is because the loop cannot provide enough power to pull in the coils of the relays.
 

goldstar

Senior Member
Location
New Jersey
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
If so I hate Simplex even more than before, the other brand relay modules I use pull all their power from the data loop, no aux power needed.
Don't feel bad. You're not the only one that's been married to Simplex and now hates them more than ever. Anyway, if you can't pull the 24 VDC power wiring up through 4 floors you may need to install an approved aux. power supply on that floor. At least that way you can run laterally to the device. The other problem you have is that this sounds like a proprietary system and you'll have to contact your friendly Simplex technician and have him program the system to activate the module. Should cost you a few grand. I could be wrong. I've been out of that line of work for quite a few years now.
 

iwire

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Massachusetts
Don't feel bad. You're not the only one that's been married to Simplex and now hates them more than ever. Anyway, if you can't pull the 24 VDC power wiring up through 4 floors you may need to install an approved aux. power supply on that floor. At least that way you can run laterally to the device. The other problem you have is that this sounds like a proprietary system and you'll have to contact your friendly Simplex technician and have him program the system to activate the module. Should cost you a few grand. I could be wrong. I've been out of that line of work for quite a few years now.

Programmer is scheduled for tomorrow, that is why I have to move fast.
 

gadfly56

Senior Member
Location
New Jersey
Occupation
Professional Engineer, Fire & Life Safety
I'ts been a long time since I wired a ZAM, but I think I remember that a control ZAM needs the loop and 24v but the monitor ZAM only needs the loop.
I think it is because the loop cannot provide enough power to pull in the coils of the relays.

The ZAM is a Zone Adapter Module, like the Siemens HZM device. They are not "control" or "monitor" modules like the HTRI-R or HTRI-S. They are designed primarily to bring a collection of conventional smokes (also pulls and/or heats) onto the addressable panel. The aux 24VDC is necessary to provide current for the end-of-line device. It is not for use as a supplementary NAC.

You will not be able to use this device as an addressable relay.

You need something like the 4090-9118 Relay IAM.
 
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gadfly56

Senior Member
Location
New Jersey
Occupation
Professional Engineer, Fire & Life Safety
Don't feel bad. You're not the only one that's been married to Simplex and now hates them more than ever. Anyway, if you can't pull the 24 VDC power wiring up through 4 floors you may need to install an approved aux. power supply on that floor. At least that way you can run laterally to the device. The other problem you have is that this sounds like a proprietary system and you'll have to contact your friendly Simplex technician and have him program the system to activate the module. Should cost you a few grand. I could be wrong. I've been out of that line of work for quite a few years now.

It's like being Catholic but worse; not only can't you get a divorce, you can't get an anullment either :lol:.

Simplex is like the Borg, once you are assimilated there is no hope.
 

peter d

Senior Member
Location
New England
I've never worked on a Simplex system but have worked on a building with a newly installed system and they have all kinds of odd cabling and wire size requirements, IIRC.

FireLite and Notifier are the most common in my neck of the woods.
 

iwire

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Massachusetts
The ZAM is a Zone Adapter Module, like the Siemens HZM device. They are not "control" or "monitor" modules like the HTRI-R or HTRI-S. They are designed primarily to bring a collection of conventional smokes (also pulls and/or heats) onto the addressable panel. The aux 24VDC is necessary to provide current for the end-of-line device. It is not for use as a supplementary NAC.

You will not be able to use this device as an addressable relay.

You need something like the 4090-9118 Relay IAM.

I have to disagree, I have a four control ZAMs and each contains 2 sets of SPDT contacts.

Check out the top of page 4 http://www.simplexfire.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/6599/2190-0012.pdf
 
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