Kidde Commercial

Evolve Series 24-Zone LED Annunciator Expander

SKU KD-EVOLVE-24L

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

The EVOLVE-24L adds 24 zones of alarm and trouble indication to any Kidde R-Series remote annunciator on the RS-485 data riser. Wire the included expander cable to the parent annunciator, set the DIP switch address, and the expander pulls zone data from the FACP automatically - no separate programming or configuration required.

Built for the commercial fire installer

Each EVOLVE-24L provides 24 pairs of LEDs (Active + Trouble) that extend zone visibility beyond the base annunciator's capacity. Up to two expanders can chain off a single R-Series annunciator, adding up to 48 zones of annunciation to a single remote location. Compatible with Kidde FX64, FX1000, VS1, VS4, EVOLVE, and VM fire alarm control panels. UL, ULC, and FM listed.

Key features

  • 24 zone pairs (Active + Trouble): extends annunciator coverage without additional panel programming
  • Zero programming required: set the DIP switch address and the unit auto-enrolls on the RS-485 riser
  • Chain up to two expanders per R-Series annunciator for 48 additional zones
  • Standard 4-inch box mounting with included mounting ring, or surface mount in RA-ENC2/RA-ENC3 enclosures
  • Low standby draw (12 mA) keeps total system current budget in check
  • UL, ULC, and FM listed for commercial fire alarm applications

System requirements

The EVOLVE-24L connects to a Kidde R-Series annunciator (K-RLCD-2, K-RLCD-C-2, K-RLED-C-2, or equivalent) via the included expander cable. Power (24 VDC) and RS-485 data pass through from the parent annunciator. No separate power supply is needed unless the total annunciator circuit exceeds the FACP's capacity.

Specifications

SKUKD-EVOLVE-24L
BrandKidde Commercial
Form factor24-pair LED zone expander module
CommunicationRS-485, Class B/DCLB, Redundant Class B/DCLB, or Class A/DCLA
Power input24 VDC continuous (from FACP or listed power supply)
Standby current12 mA at 24 VDC
Alarm current35 mA at 24 VDC
Baud rate9600 to 115,200 baud
Zone capacity24 Active + 24 Trouble LED pairs
Data wiring18-14 AWG twisted pair, 6 twists/ft min, 4,000 ft max run
Dimensions5-5/8 x 8-1/2 x 1-1/2 in. (14.3 x 21.4 x 3.8 cm)
MountingStandard 4-inch square electrical box or listed enclosure
Operating temp32 to 120°F (0 to 49°C)
Operating humidity0 to 93% RH, noncondensing at 90°F (32°C)
ComplianceUL, ULC, FM
CompatibilityKidde FX64, FX1000, VS1, VS4, EVOLVE, and VM panels

Documents and resources

FAQs

How many expanders can connect to one R-Series annunciator?
Up to two EVOLVE-24L expanders per annunciator, adding up to 48 zones of alarm and trouble indication at a single remote location.
What fire alarm panels is the EVOLVE-24L compatible with?
Compatible with Kidde FX64, FX1000, VS1, VS4, EVOLVE, and VM fire alarm control panels.
Does the EVOLVE-24L require separate programming?
No. Set the DIP switch network address (S1-S5) and the expander auto-receives zone data from the FACP via the RS-485 data riser. No panel programming changes required.
Can the EVOLVE-24L be surface mounted in an enclosure?
Yes. Mounts on a standard 4-inch square electrical box with the included mounting ring, or in an RA-ENC2 (two-position) or RA-ENC3 (three-position) locking steel enclosure.
What wiring connects the expander to the annunciator?
The EVOLVE-24L connects via the included expander cable. Power (24 VDC) and RS-485 data pass through from the parent annunciator. No separate home run to the FACP is needed.