Kidde Commercial

6-Inch Vibrating Fire Alarm Bell, Diode Polarized, 120 VAC, Red, Indoor/Outdoor

SKU KD-438D-6N5-R

  • Fast shipping from four branches
  • 30-day returns on unopened products

The Kidde 438D-6N5-R is a 6-inch vibrating fire alarm bell built for commercial fire alarm notification. Diode polarized for supervised NAC circuits, it runs on 120 VAC at just 0.034 amps - low enough to maximize the number of devices on a single circuit without tripping current limits. Ships with the 449 weatherproof surface-mount back box for outdoor installations.

Built for the commercial installer

The alloy steel gong delivers a loud, resonant tone that cuts through ambient noise in warehouses, mechanical rooms, and stairwells. The underdome mechanism and heavy-duty cast housing hold up in demanding environments. UL Listed, FM Approved, and CSFM listed - this bell meets the approval requirements for commercial fire alarm systems across jurisdictions.

Key features

  • Diode polarized for compatibility with supervised NAC notification circuits
  • 0.034A current draw at 120 VAC - stack more devices per circuit before hitting panel limits
  • Indoor/outdoor ready with included 449 weatherproof surface-mount back box and gasket
  • Standard single-gang mounting - fits 3-1/2" or 4" octagon boxes, 4" square boxes, or the included 449 back box
  • Red finish for code-compliant fire alarm visibility
  • UL, FM, and CSFM approved for broad jurisdictional acceptance

Mounting

Each bell ships with a mounting plate that fits any standard single-gang opening. For surface-mount or weatherproof applications, use the included Cat. No. 449 back box (painted gray, includes gasket). Wall or ceiling mount.

Specifications

SKUKD-438D-6N5-R
BrandKidde Commercial
Form factor6-inch (150mm) vibrating fire alarm bell, underdome type
Power input120 VAC
Current draw0.034 A
PolarizationDiode polarized
Sound output76 dB at 10 ft
Gong materialAlloy steel
HousingHeavy duty cast, underdome type
FinishRed (gong and housing)
MountingWall or ceiling; fits standard single-gang, 3-1/2" or 4" octagon, 4" sq. box, or Cat. No. 449 back box
Included accessories449 weatherproof surface-mount back box (gray, with gasket)
EnvironmentIndoor and outdoor (with 449 back box)
ComplianceUL Listed (S218, S2202), CSFM (7136-1657:0150), MEA, FM Approved

Documents and resources

FAQs

Is the 438D-6N5-R diode polarized for supervised NAC circuits?
Yes. The 438D-6N5-R is diode polarized, making it compatible with supervised Notification Appliance Circuits (NAC). The FACP can monitor the circuit for opens and grounds while the bell remains on the loop.
How many 438D-6N5-R bells can I put on one NAC circuit?
At 0.034A draw on 120 VAC, the current load per bell is very low. Check your FACP's NAC circuit rating and divide by 0.034A to determine the maximum count. Most panels will support a large number of these bells per circuit.
Does this bell work outdoors?
Yes. The 438D-6N5-R ships with the Cat. No. 449 weatherproof surface-mount back box (gray, includes gasket) for outdoor or weather-exposed installations.
What mounting box does this bell fit?
The included mounting plate fits any standard single-gang opening: 3-1/2" or 4" octagon box, 4" square box, or the included Cat. No. 449 weatherproof surface-mount back box.
What approvals does this bell carry?
UL Listed (S218, S2202), CSFM Listed (7136-1657:0150), MEA, and FM Approved. Accepted in virtually all commercial fire alarm jurisdictions.