Potter Bells PBA-AC & PDC-DC
The Symbol of Protection
Features
- Listed for indoor and outdoor use.
- Outdoor use requires BBK-1 or HC-BB weatherproof back box.
- Indoor use mounts directly to standard 4" electrical box.
- Low current draw.
- High dB output.
- AC and DC models available.
- DC models are motor driven, polarized, and have built-in transient protection for supervised alarm circuits.
- Available in 6", 8", and 10" sizes.
Description
These vibrating type bells are designed for use as fire or general signaling devices. They offer low power consumption and high decibel ratings. The unit mounts on a standard 4" (101mm) square electrical box for indoor use or on a model BBK-1 or HC-BB weatherproof backbox for outdoor applications. The weatherproof backbox model is BBK-1 or HC-BB (Stock No. 1500001).
Notes
- Minimum dB ratings are calculated from integrated sound pressure measurements made at Underwriters Laboratories as specified in UL Standard 464. UL temperature range is -30°F to 150°F (-34°C to 66°C).
- Typical dB ratings are calculated from measurements made with a conventional sound level meter and are indicative of output levels in an actual installation.
- ULc listing only applies to PDC-DC bells.
Technical Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6" (150mm), 8" (200mm), and 10" (250mm) |
| Enclosure | Cover: Steel, Finish: Red Powder Coat. Base: non-corrosive composite material. All parts have corrosion resistant finishes. Model BBK-1 or HC-BB weatherproof backbox (optional). |
| Voltages Available | 24VAC, 120VAC, 12VDC (10.2 to 15.6V) Polarized, 24VDC (20.4 to 31.2V) Polarized |
| Environmental Limitations | Indoor or outdoor use (See Note 1). Temperature range: -40°F to 150°F (-40°C to 66°C). Outdoor use requires a weatherproof backbox. |
| Termination | AC Bells: 4 No. 18 AWG stranded wires. DC Bells: 18 AWG stranded wire. |
| Service Use | NFPA 13, 72, local AHJ. |
*Specifications subject to change without notice.
Model Specifications
| Size (inches/mm) | Voltage | Model Number | Stock Number | Current (Max.) | Typical dB at 10 ft. (3m) | Minimum dB at 10 ft. (3m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6" (150) | 12VDC | PDC-6-12 | 1750500 | 200mA | 96 | 76 |
| 8" (200) | 12VDC | PDC-8-12 | 1750502 | 200mA | 96 | 77 |
| 10" (250) | 12VDC | PDC-10-12 | 1750504 | 200mA | 96 | 78 |
| 6" (150) | 24VDC | PDC-6-24 | 1750501 | 20mA | 95 | 77 |
| 8" (200) | 24VDC | PDC-8-24 | 1750503 | 20mA | 83 | 79 |
| 10" (250) | 24VDC | PDC-10-24 | 1750505 | 20mA | 85 | 80 |
| 6" (150) | 24VAC | PBA246 | 1806024* | .17A | 91 | 78 |
| 8" (200) | 24VAC | PBA248 | 1808024* | .17A | 94 | 77 |
| 10" (250) | 24VAC | PBA2410 | 1810024* | .17A | 94 | 78 |
| 6" (150) | 120VAC | PBA1206 | 1806120* | .05A | 92 | 83 |
| 8" (200) | 120VAC | PBA1208 | 1808120* | .05A | 99 | 84 |
| 10" (250) | 120VAC | PBA12010 | 1810120* | .05A | 99 | 86 |
All DC bells are polarized and have built-in transient protection. * Does not have ULc listing.
Installation
The bell shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13, 72, or local AHJ. The top of the device shall be no less than 90" AFF and not less than 6" below the ceiling.
- Remove the gong.
- Connect wiring (see Fig. 3).
- Mount bell mechanism to backbox (bell mechanism must be mounted with the striker pointing down).
- Reinstall the gong (ensure the gong positioning pin, in the mechanism housing, is in the hole in the gong).
- Test all bells for proper operation and observe that they can be heard where required (bells must be heard in all areas as designated by the authority having jurisdiction).
Failure to install striker down will prevent bell from ringing.
Diagrams and Dimensions
Bell Dimensions (Fig 1)
The bells are available in three sizes: 6 inches (150mm), 8 inches (200mm), and 10 inches (250mm) in diameter. The depth of the bell mechanism housing is approximately 2 11/16 inches (68mm).
Weatherproof Backbox Dimensions (Fig 2)
The optional weatherproof backbox (Model BBK-1 or HC-BB) has dimensions of approximately 5 3/4 inches (146mm) in height, 5 inches (127mm) in width, and 3 3/8 inches (86mm) in depth. It also features a mounting bracket with a depth of 1 5/8 inches (41mm) and a width of 3 3/8 inches (86mm).
Wiring Rear View (Fig 3)
DC Bells (Observe Polarity)
For DC bells, connect the wire from the control panel or preceding bell labeled RED (IN) to the RED (IN) terminal and the wire labeled BLACK (IN) to the BLACK (IN) terminal. For connection to the next bell or end-of-line resistor, connect the RED (OUT) wire to the RED (OUT) terminal and the BLACK (OUT) wire to the BLACK (OUT) terminal. Observe polarity for ringing DC bells: RED wires are positive (+), and BLACK wires are negative (-). An EOL resistor is supplied by the fire alarm control panel.
Caution: When electrical supervision is required, use IN and OUT leads as shown.
AC Bells
For AC bells, connect the wire from the control panel or preceding bell labeled WHITE (IN) to the WHITE (IN) terminal and the wire labeled BLACK (IN) to the BLACK (IN) terminal. For connection to the next bell, connect the WHITE (OUT) wire to the WHITE (OUT) terminal and the BLACK (OUT) wire to the BLACK (OUT) terminal. When using AC bells, terminate each extra wire separately after the last bell. An end-of-line resistor is not required on AC bells.
Caution: When electrical supervision is required, use IN and OUT leads as shown.
Safety Warnings
WARNING: Installation must be performed by qualified personnel and in accordance with all national and local codes and ordinances.
WARNING: Shock hazard. Disconnect power source before servicing. Serious injury or death could result.
WARNING: Risk of explosion. Not for use in hazardous locations. Serious injury or death could result.
WARNING: In outdoor or wet installations, the bell must be mounted with a weatherproof backbox (BBK-1 or HC-BB). Standard electrical boxes will not provide a weatherproof enclosure. If the bell and/or assembly is exposed to moisture, it may fail or create an electrical hazard.
