Kidde Commercial

Genesis GC Series High Fidelity 520 Hz Ceiling Speaker-Strobe, White, ALERT Marking, 70V Multi-Candela, Amber Lens

SKU KD-GCHFWA-S7VMA

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The Genesis GC Series GCHFWA-S7VMA is a high fidelity ceiling speaker-strobe built for mass notification and emergency communication systems. The 520 Hz low-frequency output meets NFPA 72 requirements for sleeping room applications in hotels, dormitories, and residential occupancies - one device covers both audible and visual alerting without running separate speaker and strobe circuits to the same location.

Built for the commercial fire alarm installer

This ceiling-mount speaker-strobe flushes into a standard North American 4-inch square electrical box (2-1/8" deep) with no extension ring required. The Genesis GC profile runs 30% slimmer than comparable signals, keeping the finished look clean on suspended ceilings and drywall alike. Field-selectable wattage taps (1/4W, 1/2W, 1W, 2W) and multi-candela strobe output (13, 26, 65, or 82 cd with amber lens) let you dial in the right combination for the space without pulling the device off the ceiling. Settings stay visible through small windows on the front after the cover is closed.

UL 1971-listed signaling device, UL 1638-listed visual signaling appliance, and UL 1480-listed life safety speaker. Meets ULC-S541. CSFM listed. Speaker-strobes comply with ADA Code of Federal Regulation Chapter 28 Part 36. White housing with red ALERT marking and amber lens provides clear visual separation from standard fire alarm signals.

Key features

  • 520 Hz high fidelity output: meets NFPA 72 for sleeping room alerting in hotels, dorms, and residential occupancies
  • Field-selectable candela and wattage: 13/26/65/82 cd amber strobe and 1/4W to 2W speaker taps, adjustable without removing the device
  • Low-profile ceiling mount: 30% slimmer than comparable signals, flush to standard 4" square box with no extension ring
  • 70V speaker circuit: supports long wire runs on existing 12-18 AWG wiring
  • Mass notification ready: ALERT marking and amber lens differentiate from fire alarm signals per NFPA 72 Chapter 24
  • Precision strobe synchronization: meets UL synchronization requirements with compatible Genesis sync sources

System requirements

Connects to a listed FACP with a supervised 70V speaker circuit and a separate NAC for the strobe (16-33 VDC). Compatible synchronization sources include the GSA-CC1S, SIGA-CC2A, GSA-MCC2A, EG1M-RM, and VS Series panels. Indoor use only (32-120F operating range).

Specifications

SKUKD-GCHFWA-S7VMA
BrandKidde Commercial
Form factorLow-profile ceiling-mount speaker-strobe
Speaker voltage70 VRMS
Speaker wattage taps1/4W, 1/2W, 1W, 2W (field selectable)
Speaker frequency520 Hz high fidelity
Speaker response400-4,000 Hz
Strobe output13, 26, 65, or 82 cd (field selectable, amber lens)
Strobe operating voltage16-33 VDC (24 VDC nominal)
Strobe flash rate1 flash per second
Housing colorWhite
Lens colorAmber, optical grade polycarbonate
Text markingALERT (red)
Operating temp32-120°F (0-49°C)
Operating humidity0-93% noncondensing
MountingStandard 4" square electrical box, 2-1/8" deep, or 960A-4RF round flush box
Wire gauge#18-#12 AWG (0.75-2.5 mm²), screw terminals
Supervisory voltage30V max
Dimensions6.8" dia (face), 8.3" dia (overall)
ComplianceUL 1971, UL 1638, UL 1480, UL 464, ULC-S541, CSFM, ADA
Synchronization sourcesGSA-CC1S, SIGA-CC2A, GSA-MCC2A, EG1M-RM, MIRBPS6A, MIRBPS10A, APS6A, APS10A, VS Series

Documents and resources

FAQs

Does this meet NFPA 72 sleeping room requirements?
Yes. The 520 Hz high fidelity output meets NFPA 72 sleeping room requirements for hotels, dormitories, and residential occupancies. Low-frequency tones wake sleeping occupants more effectively than standard 3 kHz signals.
What candela settings are available?
Four field-selectable settings: 13, 26, 65, or 82 cd with the amber lens. Settings are adjusted via a switch accessible through the front of the device - no need to remove it from the ceiling to change candela output.
Can I change the speaker wattage without removing the device?
Yes. Wattage taps (1/4W, 1/2W, 1W, 2W) are field-selectable and the current setting is visible through a small window on the front of the unit after the cover is closed.
What electrical box does this require?
Standard North American 4-inch square electrical box, minimum 2-1/8" deep. Also compatible with the Kidde 960A-4RF round flush box. No extension ring required.
Is this compatible with my fire alarm panel?
Requires a listed FACP with 70V supervised speaker output and a separate NAC (16-33 VDC) for the strobe. Compatible sync sources: GSA-CC1S, SIGA-CC2A, GSA-MCC2A, EG1M-RM, and VS Series panels.
What is the difference between ALERT and FIRE markings?
ALERT with amber lens = mass notification per NFPA 72 Ch. 24, for emergencies beyond fire (severe weather, active threat, chemical release). FIRE with clear/red lens = fire alarm only. Distinct visuals help occupants identify the emergency type.