Kidde Commercial

Genesis High Fidelity 520 Hz Ceiling Speaker-Strobe - White, ALERT Marking, 70V Multi-Candela High Cd Amber Lens, Mass Notification

SKU KD-GCHFWA-S7VMAH

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The Kidde Genesis GCHF Series ceiling speaker-strobe delivers high fidelity 520 Hz audio output on a 70V audio circuit, meeting NFPA 72 requirements for newly constructed commercial sleeping areas. The amber lens with ALERT marking visually separates mass notification from fire alarm signaling - ideal for hotels, dormitories, hospitals, and mixed-use facilities that need both systems on the same floor.

Built for the commercial installer

This unit mounts flush to any standard North American 4" square electrical box (2-1/8" deep) with no extension ring or trim plate required. The shallow 1" profile sits discreetly on the ceiling while leaving ample room behind the device for wire. Selectable wattage (1/4, 1/2, 1, or 2W) and strobe output (82, 100, 130, or 155 cd) are configured by switches accessible without removing the device. Settings remain visible through indicator windows after the cover closes.

Key features

  • 520 Hz High Fidelity output: UL 464 listed for low frequency signaling in commercial sleeping areas per NFPA 72
  • Field-selectable strobe output: 82, 100, 130, or 155 cd (amber lens) - configure without removing the device
  • Selectable wattage taps: 1/4, 1/2, 1, or 2W operation on 70 VRMS - fine-tune output vs. system overhead
  • Low-profile design: 30% slimmer than comparable signals at just 1" deep
  • ALERT marking: clearly differentiates mass notification from fire alarm where both systems coexist
  • UL/ULC listed for ceiling or wall mount - UL 464, UL 1480, UL 1638, UL 1971, ULC-S541, ADA compliant

System compatibility

Synchronization meets or exceeds UL 1971 requirements. Compatible synchronization sources include GSA-CC1S, GSA-MCC1S, SIGA-CC2A, GSA-MCC2A, EG1M-RM, and VS Series panels. Requires approved audio hardware and factory-supplied 520 Hz tone for sleeping area applications.

Specifications

SKUKD-GCHFWA-S7VMAH
BrandKidde Commercial
Form factorCeiling-mount speaker-strobe, flush profile
Speaker voltage70 VRMS
Wattage taps1/4, 1/2, 1, 2W (field selectable)
Sound output90.8 dBA at 10 ft (UL 1480, 70V, 2W, High Fidelity)
Speaker frequency response400-4,000 Hz
High fidelity frequency520 Hz
Strobe output82, 100, 130, 155 cd (amber, high cd, field selectable)
Strobe operating voltage16-33 VDC (24 VDC nominal) or 16-33 VFWR
Flash rate1 flash per second (default)
Lens colorAmber
Housing colorWhite
Text markingALERT
Mounting4" square electrical box, 2-1/8" deep, or 960A-4RF round flush box
Wire connections#18 to #12 AWG
Dimensions6.8" dia x 1.0" deep (8.3" dia with trim ring)
Operating temp32°F to 120°F (0°C to 49°C)
Operating humidity0-93% RH, non-condensing
Supervisory voltage30V max
ComplianceUL 464, UL 1480, UL 1638, UL 1971, ULC-S541, ADA, CSFM
Synchronization sourcesGSA-CC1S, GSA-MCC1S, SIGA-CC2A, GSA-MCC2A, EG1M-RM, MIRBPS6A, MIRBPS10A, APS6A, APS10A, VS Series

Documents and resources

FAQs

Does this meet NFPA 72 requirements for 520 Hz signaling in sleeping areas?
Yes. The GCHF Series is UL 464 listed for low frequency signaling. It must be paired with approved audio hardware and a factory-supplied 520 Hz tone to meet the sleeping area requirement.
What candela output options are available?
This model has a high cd amber lens with four field-selectable settings: 82, 100, 130, and 155 cd. Settings are changed via switches accessible without removing the device from the backbox.
Can this mount on a wall instead of a ceiling?
Yes. The Genesis GCHF Series is UL/ULC listed for both ceiling and wall applications. Candela ratings are listed separately for ceiling and wall orientations in the spec sheet.
What synchronization modules work with this device?
Compatible sources include the GSA-CC1S, GSA-MCC1S, SIGA-CC2A, GSA-MCC2A, EG1M-RM, MIRBPS6A, MIRBPS10A, APS6A, APS10A, and VS Series panels. Synchronization meets or exceeds UL 1971 requirements.
What's the difference between ALERT and FIRE marked Genesis models?
ALERT marking with amber lens is for mass notification where visual differentiation from fire alarm is required. FIRE marking with clear or red lens is for life safety. Facilities often deploy both side by side.
What wattage taps are available and how do they affect sound output?
Four field-selectable taps: 1/4W, 1/2W, 1W, and 2W. At 2W on 70V, the GCHF produces 90.8 dBA at 10 ft (UL 1480). Lower wattage taps reduce output while freeing capacity on the audio riser.