When a fire alarm technician gets a call about a failed notification appliance, the most common replacement needed is a horn strobe — and for commercial buildings across North America, that usually means a System Sensor SpectrAlert Advance. This guide covers everything you need to know about selecting, ordering, and installing the right SpectrAlert Advance replacement for your system.
Understanding the SpectrAlert Advance Series
The System Sensor SpectrAlert Advance is the successor to the widely-used SpectrAlert Classic, offering improved energy efficiency, broader candela options, and compliance with the latest ADA/NFPA 72 requirements. The series is available in multiple configurations to cover virtually any commercial notification appliance application.
P Series — Wall-Mount Horn Strobes
The P series (e.g., P2RLED, P2WL, P2RL) are wall-mount combination horn/strobe units. These are the workhorses of commercial corridor installations. Available in red and white housing, with sync outputs for multi-device installations. The P2RLED (wall, red, LED strobe) and P2WL (wall, white, LED) are among the most commonly replaced models in the field.
PC Series — Ceiling-Mount Horn Strobes
The PC series (e.g., PC2RLED, PC2WL) are ceiling-mount versions of the P series. Use these in open areas where wall-mount placement isn’t practical — large retail floors, warehouses, or open-plan offices. Ceiling-mount strobes typically require higher candela ratings due to the wider area they must cover.
W Series — Wall Strobes (No Horn)
The W series are visual-only wall strobes with no audible output. These are used in supplemental notification zones, sleeping areas where audible devices are already provided, or any ADA-compliant installation requiring visible alarm only. Common models include the SWLED (LED wall strobe, white) and equivalent red-housing versions.
WP Series — Wall Plate Strobes
The WP series are wall plate–style strobes, typically used as add-on visual notification in areas that already have audible coverage. They mount to a standard electrical box and blend with interior aesthetics better than full-size horn strobe units.
Candela Selection Guide
Selecting the correct candela (cd) output is critical for ADA and NFPA 72 compliance. The SpectrAlert Advance is available in the following ratings:
- 15 cd — Small private offices, individual rooms, restrooms
- 15/75 cd — Selectable via field jumper; most versatile option for field replacement
- 110 cd — Large open areas, corridors over 50 feet
- 177 cd — Warehouse, auditorium, or any space requiring maximum coverage
For replacement purposes, always match or exceed the original candela rating. If unsure, the 15/75 cd selectable model is a safe choice for most office and corridor applications.
Panel Compatibility
SpectrAlert Advance devices operate on standard 12V or 24V DC notification circuits. They are compatible with virtually all major fire alarm control panels including Notifier, Simplex, Edwards/EST, Siemens, Gamewell-FCI, Bosch, and Mircom. Always verify your NAC output voltage before ordering. Most modern commercial installations run 24VDC notification circuits.
Sync Protocols
System Sensor uses its own synchronization protocol (compatible with Wheelock and Gentex panels) to sync strobe flashes across multiple devices on the same circuit. This is required by NFPA 72 when multiple visible devices are within the same field of view. The SpectrAlert Advance includes a built-in sync module or can be used with an external System Sensor MDL3/MDLP3 sync module.
How to Order the Right Replacement
When replacing a failed SpectrAlert device, note the following from the original unit:
- Model number (on the label, front face, or listed on the original submittals)
- Wall or ceiling mount
- Red or white housing
- Candela rating
- Voltage (12V or 24V)
Browse our full inventory of System Sensor SpectrAlert Advance notification appliances at Life Safety Consultants. We stock the most commonly replaced models and can cross-reference any part number. Call us at 1-888-557-0558 or email sales@lifesafetycom.com for expert assistance.
