Kidde Commercial

8" Fire Alarm Vibrating Bell, 86 dB, 120 VAC, Diode Polarized, Red, Indoor/Outdoor, Wall or Ceiling Mount

SKU KD-438D-8N5-R

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

The Kidde 438D-8N5-R is an 8-inch vibrating fire alarm bell built for commercial fire alarm systems where loud, reliable notification matters. Rated at 86 dB at 10 feet, the alloy steel gong cuts through ambient noise in commercial hallways, mechanical rooms, and industrial spaces without doubling up on signaling devices.

Built for the commercial installer

Diode polarized for supervised NAC circuit compatibility, the 438D-8N5-R runs on 120 VAC and draws just 0.034 amps. The underdome mechanism ships with a mounting plate that fits any standard single-gang opening, 3-1/2" or 4" octagon box, or 4" square box. For outdoor or weather-exposed applications, pair it with the Kidde Cat. No. 449 weatherproof surface mount back box (gray, supplied with gasket, sold separately).

FM Approved, UL listed (S218, S2202), and MEA listed (7136-1657:0150). Red finish for high-visibility fire alarm compliance.

Key features

  • 86 dB at 10 ft output from the 8" alloy steel gong - covers commercial spaces without doubling up on devices
  • 120 VAC, 0.034A draw - minimal circuit load, no additional power supply needed
  • Diode polarized for compatibility with supervised fire alarm circuits
  • Mounts on standard boxes - single-gang opening, 3-1/2" or 4" octagon, 4" sq. box, or Cat. No. 449 weatherproof box
  • Wall or ceiling mount orientation for flexible placement
  • FM Approved, UL listed - code-ready out of the box

Mounting options

The included mounting plate fits directly on surface or any standard single-gang opening. Compatible with 3-1/2" and 4" octagon boxes, 4" square boxes, and the Kidde Cat. No. 449 weatherproof surface mount wall box for exterior installations.

Specifications

SKUKD-438D-8N5-R
BrandKidde Commercial
Form factor8" (200mm) vibrating fire alarm bell, underdome type
Power input120 VAC
Current draw0.034 A
Sound output86 dB @ 10 ft
PolarizationDiode polarized
Gong materialAlloy steel
HousingHeavy duty cast housing
FinishRed
MountingStandard single-gang opening; 3-1/2" or 4" octagon, 4" sq. box, or Cat. No. 449 weatherproof box
OrientationWall or ceiling mount
ComplianceFM Approved, UL (S218, S2202), MEA (7136-1657:0150)
Weatherproof back boxCat. No. 449 (sold separately, gray, supplied with gasket)

Documents and resources

FAQs

Does this bell work on a 24 VDC NAC circuit?
No. The 438D-8N5-R operates on 120 VAC only. For 20-24 VDC fire alarm circuits, use the Kidde 439D-8AW-R instead.
What weatherproof back box fits this bell?
The Kidde Cat. No. 449 weatherproof surface mount box (gray, supplied with gasket). Sold separately.
Is this bell FM Approved?
Yes. All Kidde 438 and 439 Series fire alarm bells are FM Approved. Also UL listed (S218, S2202) and MEA listed.
What electrical boxes does this mount to?
The included mounting plate fits any standard single-gang opening: 3-1/2" or 4" octagon box, 4" square box, or the Cat. No. 449 weatherproof wall box.
How does the 8" bell compare to the 6" and 10" models?
The 8" gong (438D-8N5-R) produces 86 dB at 10 ft. The 6" model (438D-6N5-R) produces 76 dB, while the 10" model (438D-10N5-R) reaches 88 dB. All three draw the same 0.034A at 120 VAC.