- Description
- Specifications
160-Character LCD Remote Annunciator with Full System Control, RS-485 Communication, and Support for Up to 31 Annunciators on PFC-6000 Fire Alarm Panels
The Potter RA-6500 is a 160-character LCD remote fire alarm annunciator that provides full system monitoring and control for PFC-6000 Series addressable fire alarm panels from up to 31 remote locations throughout a building. The 4x40 LCD display delivers detailed text messaging for alarm, supervisory, trouble, and system status conditions, while dedicated LED indicators for power, alarm, supervisory, trouble, and silenced states give operators instant visual confirmation of system condition at a glance. The RA-6500 communicates with the main panel over RS-485 with wire runs up to 6,500 feet.
The RA-6500 is part of the Potter PFC-6000 Series ecosystem and features a Potter locking mechanism that secures keypad access to authorized personnel. The durable sheet metal enclosure mounts to a single gang or 4-inch square electrical box, drawing just 20mA in standby and 25mA in alarm for minimal impact on the panel power supply. The unit accepts 14 to 22 AWG wire and operates across a temperature range of 32 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity tolerance to 93% non-condensing.
Where the RA-6500 Fits
- Multi-story commercial buildings and corporate campuses where up to 31 annunciators can be distributed across lobbies, security desks, mechanical rooms, and fire command centers, the 6,500-foot wire run covers the largest floor plates and campus layouts, and the 160-character LCD provides enough detail to identify specific devices and zones during an alarm event
- Hospitals, universities, and institutional campuses where dedicated LED indicators for power, alarm, supervisory, trouble, and silenced states give first responders immediate condition identification from across the room, the Potter locking mechanism restricts keypad access to authorized personnel, and full panel control capability eliminates the need to walk to the main panel location during emergency operations
- Industrial complexes and warehouse facilities where the sheet metal enclosure handles the rigors of mechanical rooms and maintenance areas, 14 to 22 AWG wiring flexibility accommodates existing cable infrastructure, and the 20mA standby current allows multiple annunciators on the RS-485 bus without overloading the panel power supply
What the RA-6500 Delivers
- 160-Character LCD with LED Indicators: 4x40 backlit LCD display provides detailed text messaging for alarm, supervisory, trouble, and system status conditions. Dedicated LED indicators for power, alarm, supervisory, trouble, and silenced states for instant visual status identification.
- Full Remote System Control: All panel operations accessible from up to 31 remote annunciator locations on a single RS-485 bus. Potter locking mechanism secures keypad access to authorized personnel only.
- RS-485 Communication: Wire runs up to 6,500 feet between annunciator and PFC-6000 panel. Accepts 14 to 22 AWG wire. 20mA standby current and 25mA alarm current for minimal power supply impact across multiple annunciators.
- PFC-6000 Compatible Mounting: Durable sheet metal enclosure mounts to single gang or 4-inch square electrical box. 10 x 7-7/8 x 1-5/8 inches. Operating range 32 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, 10 to 93% humidity non-condensing.
What Is a Fire Alarm Annunciator
A fire alarm annunciator is a remote display and control unit that connects to a fire alarm control panel to provide system status information and operator access from a location other than the main panel. Building codes often require annunciators at building entrances, fire command centers, and security desks so that first responders and building staff can immediately see the system condition and take action without walking to the main fire alarm panel. The RA-6500 serves this role for Potter PFC-6000 Series panels, providing a 160-character LCD display with full system control and support for up to 31 annunciator locations on a single RS-485 bus with wire runs up to 6,500 feet.
