NAPCO GEM-CO-MOD Carbon Monoxide Cadence Module — Installation Instructions

Installation instructions for the NAPCO GEM-CO-MOD Carbon Monoxide Cadence Module — a small board that converts the bell output signal of a residential alarm control panel to the 4-pulse audible cadence required by NFPA for carbon monoxide (CO) zones ("beep, beep, beep, beep").

Overview

The GEM-CO-MOD enables the bell output signal of the alarm system to conform to the audible cadence required by NFPA for CO zones. It's suited for residential applications and designed for 12VDC alarm system control panels.

Specifications

• Power: 12V nominal, operating voltage range 13.6-10.5VDC
• Siren Output Power: As determined by your system, maximum 2A
• Current Draw: Standby 8mA
• Field Wiring: Use 14-22 AWG
• Operating Temperature: 0°C – 49°C

Wire and Terminal Descriptions

Located at the bottom of the GEM-CO-MOD PC board, the 4 wires and 2 terminals are:

• Red Wire (AUX +): Positive auxiliary input power. Wire to the control panel "AUX PWR" positive (+) terminal.
• Black Wire (AUX –): Negative auxiliary input power. Wire to the control panel "AUX PWR" negative (–) terminal.
• Purple Wire (+BELL IN): Positive bell input. Wire to the control panel's positive (+) bell output terminal.
• Yellow Wire (TRIG –): CO active-low control panel alarm output. Program to activate upon a CO alarm.
• +BELL OUT (terminal): Wire to a listed audible sounding appliance. Note: the appliance must have an internal driver capable of a steady output, such as MG Electronics model MG 441-PDS.
• –BELL OUT (terminal): Wire to a listed audible sounding appliance with an internal driver.

Mounting

This device is designed to be connected to a UL Listed Burglary/Fire Alarm Control Panel by a qualified security professional trained in the installation and service of burglary and fire alarms, in accordance with local and national requirements. Mount the GEM-CO-MOD inside the control panel housing as follows:

1. Open the GEM-CO-MOD case by inserting a small screwdriver into the slot at the bottom of the Rear Cover and twisting.
2. Remove the Mounting Plate from the back of the Rear Cover by inserting a small screwdriver into the small opening and pushing in the Retaining Tab, then slide the Mounting Plate off.
3. Use screws to secure the Mounting Plate to the inside of the control panel housing at the indicated hole locations.
4. With the Front Cover removed, slide the GEM-CO-MOD onto the mounting plate. After wiring is completed, secure the Front Cover by placing it onto the two top tabs of the Rear Cover, then pressing the bottom of the Front Cover until it snaps on.

Wiring

The internal terminal block is intended for 14-22 AWG wires. Ensure all terminal connections are secure. Connect the Red, Black, Purple, and Yellow wires to the control panel terminals per the wiring diagram, using wiring nuts or UL listed connectors suitable for the application.

Wiring path: GEM-CO-MOD PC board (AUX +/–, +BELL IN, TRIG –) connects to the Control Panel Motherboard's AUX Power and Programmable Active Low Output terminals; the +BELL OUT/–BELL OUT terminals on the GEM-CO-MOD connect (through an EOLR) to a listed sounding appliance.

Important Wiring Methods

• For single-conductor terminal blocks, use a pigtail with a wire nut/crimp connector when terminating more than one conductor to a terminal — do not connect multiple conductors directly to one screw.
• For "barrier" type terminal blocks, use separate incoming and outgoing conductors rather than doubling up a single terminal.
• To terminate more than two conductors, or conductors of different wire sizes, use the pigtail method: use insulated wire for the pigtail and firmly secure the conductors with an appropriate wire nut or crimp connector sized for the number and gauge of conductors used.

CO Zone Programming

Program the CO zone monitored by the control panel as detailed in the installation and programming instructions for the installed alarm system.

Warranty

NAPCO warrants its products to be free from manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for thirty-six months following the date of manufacture, and will repair or replace, at its option, any product failing to operate correctly within that period, without charge to the original purchaser or user. The warranty does not apply to equipment that has been repaired by others, improperly installed, misused, abused, altered, damaged, subjected to acts of God, or on which serial numbers have been altered, defaced, or removed. NAPCO is not responsible for dismantling or reinstallation charges, and disclaims implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose beyond what's stated. NAPCO recommends the entire system be completely tested weekly, and reminds installers that despite frequent testing, alarm systems may fail to perform as expected due to tampering, disruption, or other factors — a properly installed and maintained alarm reduces risk but is not a guarantee against loss.