Tried using a 2-wire smoke detector on a Vista panel and it triggered a trouble signal

Had a job in Springfield where the client insisted on keeping their old 2-wire First Alert smokes. Connected one to a Honeywell Vista 20P, and the panel immediately showed a trouble for the zone. Turns out the panel needs a specific resistor value in the detector that this model didn't have. Learned to always check the panel's compatibility list before assuming any old smoke will work. Anyone know a good workaround for this, or is it just a straight swap to a 4-wire?

4 comments

4 Comments

jennyfisher27d ago

That Vista 20P trouble signal is such a classic headache. I ran into the EXACT same resistor issue with some old BRK models last year. The panel is just looking for that specific value to see the zone as normal. Honestly, a straight swap to a compatible 4-wire smoke was the only reliable fix I found.

stella11127d ago

Used to try and match those resistors myself. Your fix makes way more sense, gonna do the straight swap next time.

hannah92627d ago

Why even fight with old tech? Just swap it for a compatible smoke and save the headache. Those resistor issues never really go away, you'll just keep chasing trouble signals. The panel wants what it wants, and trying to trick it is a waste of time. Spend an hour now or keep going back later.

vera2922d ago

Used to believe you could make any smoke detector work with enough tinkering. After my third call back for a trouble signal on a Vista panel, I realized the resistor thing is a losing battle. Now I just swap in the right 4-wire smoke from the start. Saves everyone's time and keeps the system happy, right?