Simplex 4603-9101 — a remote LCD annunciator that provides remote control and annunciation for Simplex 4100ES and 4100U fire alarm control panels through an 80-character back-lit alphanumeric display.
Information is presented in clear, descriptive English and includes point status (alarm, trouble, and similar), alarm type (smoke detector, manual station, and similar), the number of system alarms, supervisory conditions and trouble conditions, and a custom location label. Alarm, supervisory, and trouble conditions are each additionally indicated by a dedicated LED and a tone-alert sounder, with a dedicated acknowledge push-button for each category that silences the tone-alert but leaves the LED on until every condition in that category has restored to normal. Repeated operation of an acknowledge switch scrolls the display through activity in order of occurrence.
Beyond acknowledge, alarm silence, and system reset, the unit carries four programmable CONTROL switches with yellow LEDs and custom labeling pockets, typically used for manual evacuation, door holder release bypass, and elevator capture bypass. All switches are governed by an ENABLE keyswitch whose key can only be removed in the disabled position. The annunciator also supports legacy 4100, 4120, and 4020 panels and 4100/4120 Universal Transponders. The unit flush mounts on standard electrical boxes; trim is steel painted beige.
Specifications
| Function |
Remote LCD annunciator for 4100ES and 4100U fire alarm control panels; also 4100, 4120, 4020, and 4100/4120 Universal Transponders |
| Display |
Two lines of 40 characters (80 total), wide viewing angle super-twist LCD with green LED backlighting |
| Status indicators |
Six LEDs — Fire Alarm and Priority 2 Alarm (red); System Supervisory, System Trouble, Alarm Silenced (yellow); Power On (green) |
| Programmable controls |
Four CONTROL switches with yellow LEDs and custom labeling pockets |
| Operating voltage |
18 to 32 VDC, system supplied |
| Normal operating current |
110 mA (with LED backlighting on) |
| Battery standby current |
65 mA (backlighting off after 30 seconds without switch activity) |
| Alarm current |
140 mA maximum (backlighting on and tone-alert sounding) |
| Operating temperature |
32° to 120°F (0° to 49°C) |
| Operating humidity |
Up to 93% RH, non-condensing at 100°F (38°C) |
| Communications |
RUI (Remote Unit Interface) external annunciator communications signaling line circuit |
| Capacity per RUI output |
Up to 31 remote annunciators/MINIPLEX transponders per channel, including 4603-9101, 4602-9101 SCU, and 4602-9102 RCU |
| RUI data wiring |
Unshielded twisted pair, 18 AWG (0.82 mm2) for most applications |
| RUI wiring limits |
0.58 uF (580 nF) maximum capacitance between conductors; 35 ohms maximum total line resistance |
| Class B T-tap wiring distance |
Up to 10,000 ft (3048 m) total wiring; up to 2500 ft (762 m) to farthest device |
| Class X wiring distance |
Up to 2500 ft (762 m) |
| Power wiring |
18 to 12 AWG (0.82 mm2 to 3.31 mm2) for 24 VDC system power |
| Trim dimensions |
4 1/2 in. H x 11 13/16 in. W (114 mm x 300 mm) |
| Standard trim finish |
Steel, painted beige |
| Flush mounting box (by others) |
6-gang, 3 1/2 in. (89 mm) deep — Steel City GW-635-G masonry box, or six RACO 590 gangable switch boxes, or equal |
| Installation instructions |
579-979 |
| Listings |
UL, ULC Listed to Standard 864; FM, CSFM and MEA (NYC) approved (CSFM 7120-0026:0179, MEA35-93E) |
Installation notes
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Two separate wiring runs: RUI communications need one twisted pair, and 24 VDC control panel power is wired separately. The annunciator is not powered over the data pair.
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Earth ground is mandatory: a dedicated earth ground connection to the electrical box is required for ESD and EMI protection, wired per NFPA 70 Article 250.
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When shielded pair is required: use STP where wiring leaves the building (which also needs Isolated Loop Circuit Protectors at each end — 2081-9027 or 2081-9028), where wiring runs in 500 ft (152 m) or more of conduit, or where it is closely bundled with IDNet or TrueAlert addressable communications. IDNet+ bundling does not require it.
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Conduit entrance clearance: the conduit entrance must be at least 2 3/4 in. (70 mm) from the front of the box, or the assembly will not clear. Review box choice against the assembly layout before choosing the entrance location.
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Watch the resistance budget: the 35 ohm total line resistance and 0.58 uF capacitance limits, not just the footage figures, govern how far the RUI pair can run.
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Backlight behavior on battery: during battery backup the backlighting stays off until a switch is pressed, then turns off again after roughly 30 seconds. This is normal, not a fault.
Related models
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4603-9101CF — same annunciator with beige trim and a French keypad for Canada.
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4603-9111 — brushed stainless steel trim option, ordered separately, supplied with both slotted and tamper resistant screws.
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2975-9206 — matching surface mount box in ivory finish, 11 31/32 in. W x 4 5/8 in. H x 2 3/4 in. D (304 mm x 117 mm x 70 mm), for use where flush mounting is not practical.
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2081-9044 — overvoltage protector, required where annunciator communications and power wiring exits and re-enters a building.
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4606-9101 — the corresponding LCD annunciator for 4010, 4006, and 4008 panels rather than 4100ES/4100U.
Specifications taken from the Simplex data sheet "4603-9101 LCD Annunciator for 4100ES and 4100U Fire Alarm Control Panels," document S4603-0001-14 (8/2016). Manufacturer specifications are subject to change without notice.
