Simplex 4098-5601 — a conventional photoelectric smoke detector for Simplex two-wire and four-wire initiating device circuit (IDC) bases, listed to UL 268 Edition 7.
Each detector carries an onboard microprocessor that evaluates activity in its photoelectric light-scattering chamber and makes an intelligent alarm decision based on light-scattering history rather than a single instantaneous threshold. The same processing provides sensitivity drift compensation: data from the chamber is monitored continuously to produce a shifting reference point, which filters out the gradual effects of dust, dirt, and component aging. The result is that the detector holds its sensitivity far longer than a conventional detector that simply becomes over-sensitive as it fouls, and when accumulation approaches the limit of compensation the detector reports that condition through its status LED.
The housing uses a concentric baffle design that directs flow into the chamber to improve smoke capture, with air intake louvers that are minimally visible from normal viewing positions when ceiling mounted. A magnetically operated functional test initiates an alarm, verifies performance, and reports general sensitivity status through counted LED pulses, so detectors can be sorted into normal versus needing cleaning or service during routine maintenance. The detector is supplied without a base; a compatible base is ordered separately.
Specifications
| Detector type |
Photoelectric (Photo), conventional, for two-wire and four-wire IDC bases |
| Operating voltage, two wire |
10.5 to 33 VDC |
| Rated voltage, four wire |
15 to 32 VDC |
| Input ripple voltage |
25% maximum |
| Maximum alarm current |
64 mA at 30 V, 33 mA at 20 V, 14.5 mA at 12 V |
| Surge current |
Less than 200 uA |
| Standby current |
Less than 70 uA |
| Ambient operating temperature |
32°F to 100.4°F (0°C to 38°C) |
| Storage temperature |
-22°F to 158°F |
| Humidity range |
10% to 95% RH, non-condensing |
| Air velocity range |
0 to 2000 FPM |
| Height |
42 mm (1 5/8 in.); 53 mm (2 1/8 in.) with base |
| Material |
All plastic parts flame retardant ABS or PC-ABS |
| Mounting position |
On or close to the ceiling, out of direct sunlight; indoor application only |
| Compatible bases |
4098-5207, 4098-5261, 4098-5680, and 4098-5682 |
| Status LED |
Pulses approximately every 4 seconds when normal; steady on in alarm |
| Spacing guide |
30 ft (9.1 m) on smooth ceilings, per NFPA 72 |
| Listings |
UL 268 Edition 7 (the 4098-5603 is the ULC listed equivalent) |
Installation notes
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Confirm the base before ordering: the data sheet lists the 4098-5601 as compatible with bases 4098-5207, 4098-5261, 4098-5680, and 4098-5682. When swapping a detector into an existing installation, verify the base in place is one of these rather than assuming the head simply drops in.
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This is a conventional detector: it connects to two-wire or four-wire initiating device circuits. It is not an addressable device and does not communicate on IDNet or MAPNET II.
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Four-wire circuits need an end-of-line relay: a 24 VDC end-of-line relay (2098-9735 plate mounted or 2098-9739 encapsulated) is required for four-wire circuits using the 4098-5682 base, one per circuit.
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Relay base wiring caution: the 4098-5680 two-wire relay base must be connected as the only device on the IDC to ensure relay operation.
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Adapter plate for surface boxes: the 4098-9799 6 in. adapter plate is required to mount a 5 in. base to surface mounted 4 in. square or octagonal boxes and to 4 in. square flush boxes.
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Read the magnetic test carefully: four flashes every two seconds followed by alarm means the detector is within 10% of its drift compensation limit; four flashes every two seconds without going into alarm means the detector has reached the compensation limit or a sensor is faulty and is at risk of false alarm. Replace a dirty photo detector rather than cleaning it in place.
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Temperature stability matters: ambient temperature fluctuations must stay below 6°F/min (3.3°C/min).
Related models
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4098-5603 — the same photoelectric detector, ULC listed instead of UL listed.
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4098-5602 — photoelectric-heat combination detector, adding a 135°F (57.2°C) fixed-temperature thermistor element to the same photoelectric chamber. The 4098-5604 is its ULC listed equivalent.
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4098-5611 — heat detector only, 135°F (57.2°C) fixed temperature, 50 ft maximum UL spacing.
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4098-5610 — heat detector, 135°F (57.2°C) fixed temperature plus rate-of-rise at 20°F/min (11°C/min), active only above 90°F (32°C).
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4098-5612 / 4098-5613 — 200°F (93.3°C) heat detectors, fixed temperature and fixed-plus-rate-of-rise respectively, for higher ambient locations.
Specifications taken from the Simplex data sheet "Conventional Smoke and Heat Detectors — Photo-Heat, Photo, and Heat Detectors for Two-Wire and Four-Wire Bases," document S4098-0059 Rev. 2 (10/2024). Manufacturer specifications are subject to change without notice.
