Description
The Siemens ZR-MC-R Strobe P/N 500-636169 is a red, wall-mounted multi-candela visual notification appliance from the Siemens Z Series. It is designed to provide visible fire alarm notification using a field-selectable strobe with 15, 30, 75, or 110 candela settings. Siemens identifies part number 500-636169 specifically as the ZR-MC-R Z Series Multi-Candela Wall Strobe, Red.
The ZR-MC-R operates from 16–33 VDC or VFWR notification appliance circuits and flashes at approximately one flash per second across its listed operating voltage range. It uses the Siemens Z Series snap-on mounting system, allowing the base to be installed and wired before the strobe appliance itself is attached.
Product Functions
- Provides visual fire alarm notification
- Red wall-mount housing
- FIRE-marked configuration
- Provides four field-selectable candela settings
- Supports 15 candela output
- Supports 30 candela output
- Supports 75 candela output
- Supports 110 candela output
- Operates from 16–33 VDC
- Supports unfiltered full-wave-rectified voltage
- Provides approximately one flash per second
- Uses polarized NAC connections
- Supports standard reverse-polarity circuit supervision
- Supports Siemens strobe synchronization
- Uses a separate snap-on mounting base
- Allows circuit wiring to be tested before the appliance is installed
- Provides automatic circuit trouble indication if the appliance is removed from a supervised base
- Designed for indoor wall-mount applications
- UL, ULC, FM, and CSFM listed/approved as documented by Siemens
Multi-Candela Visual Notification
The ZR-MC-R provides four selectable visual intensities:
- 15 cd
- 30 cd
- 75 cd
- 110 cd
The selected candela determines the intensity of the visual flash and should be chosen according to the approved fire alarm design, mounting location, room size, viewing distance, applicable codes, and required visual coverage.
Because higher candela settings generally require more notification circuit current, the selected setting must also be considered when calculating NAC loading and voltage drop.
Strobe Operation
The ZR-MC-R uses a xenon flashtube enclosed behind a durable lens assembly to provide visual emergency notification.
Siemens specifies:
Flash Rate: 1 flash per second
Operating Voltage: 16–33 VDC / VFWR
Visual Output: 15 / 30 / 75 / 110 cd
The strobe is intended for connection to a compatible supervised fire alarm Notification Appliance Circuit.
Wall-Mount Configuration
The ZR-MC-R is specifically a wall-mount strobe.
Siemens distinguishes the ZR Series configurations as follows:
- ZR-MC-R – Multi-candela wall strobe, red
- ZR-MC-W – Multi-candela wall strobe, white
- ZR-HMC-R – High multi-candela wall strobe, red
- ZR-MC-CR – Multi-candela ceiling strobe, red
- ZR-MC-CW – Multi-candela ceiling strobe, white
This model should therefore be used in wall applications rather than substituted for the corresponding ceiling version.
Snap-On Mounting Base
A key feature of the Siemens Z Series is its snap-on mounting base.
The separate base can be installed and fully wired before the notification appliance is attached. This allows electricians and fire alarm technicians to test circuit continuity during construction while protecting the actual strobe from dust, paint, and physical damage.
After construction is complete, the ZR-MC-R snaps directly onto the prewired base.
Mounting Base Accessory
The compatible red Z Series mounting base is:
ZB-R — P/N 500-636193
Siemens describes the ZB-R accessory package as including:
- Mounting base
- Disposable dust cover
- Mounting screws
- Installation sheet
The same basic Z Series mounting platform is used across compatible horns, strobes, and horn/strobes, allowing more consistent installation and easier appliance replacement.
Siemens Synchronization
The ZR-MC-R supports Siemens strobe synchronization when used with compatible control equipment.
Documented compatible synchronization sources include Siemens equipment such as:
- DSC synchronization modules
- Compatible Siemens addressable fire alarm control panels
- FireFinder XLS systems
- MXL systems
- PAD-series NAC extenders with compatible synchronization capability
Synchronization allows multiple compatible visual appliances to flash together where required by the fire alarm design.
Polarized NAC Operation
The ZR-MC-R uses polarized inputs for connection to compatible fire alarm Notification Appliance Circuits.
This supports normal reverse-polarity supervision methods used by fire alarm control equipment.
Correct polarity must be maintained during installation for proper operation and circuit supervision.
Electrical Specifications
Part Number: 500-636169
Model: ZR-MC-R
Nominal System Voltage: 24 VDC
Operating Voltage Range: 16–33 VDC / VFWR
Candela Settings: 15 / 30 / 75 / 110 cd
Flash Rate: 1 flash per second
Circuit Type: Polarized Notification Appliance Circuit
Synchronization: Siemens compatible sync protocol
Strobe Technology: Xenon
The exact current draw varies according to the selected candela setting and should be taken from the applicable Siemens installation documentation when calculating NAC loading.
Physical Specifications
Housing Color: Red
Lens: Clear
Marking: FIRE
Mounting: Wall
Approximate Dimensions: 4.85 × 4.85 × 1.56 in
Approximate Weight: 0.4 lb
The low-profile square design allows the appliance to maintain a consistent appearance with other Siemens Z Series horns, strobes, and horn/strobes.
Environmental Specifications
Operating Temperature: 32°F to 120°F / 0°C to 49°C
Maximum Relative Humidity: Approximately 93% RH
Environment: Indoor
The ZR-MC-R is not the weatherproof version of the Siemens strobe family. Outdoor or wet-location installations require an appropriately listed weatherproof appliance.
Installation Information
Typical ZR-MC-R installation includes:
- Installing the compatible Z Series mounting base
- Connecting notification appliance circuit wiring to the base
- Maintaining correct circuit polarity
- Testing field wiring continuity
- Using the disposable base cover during construction
- Selecting the required candela output
- Removing the protective cover when construction is complete
- Snapping the ZR-MC-R onto the mounting base
- Securing the appliance with the supplied locking screw where required
- Verifying operating voltage
- Confirming Siemens synchronization where required
- Performing a functional strobe test
The snap-on base design allows circuit installation and testing to be completed before the notification appliance itself is exposed to construction conditions.
Testing & Maintenance
Testing should confirm:
- Proper strobe activation
- Correct selected candela
- One-flash-per-second operation
- Proper Siemens synchronization where configured
- Correct NAC polarity
- Correct operating voltage
- Proper circuit supervision
- Correct trouble indication if the appliance is removed
- Secure snap-on mounting
- Proper locking screw installation where used
- Clear FIRE marking
- Clean and unobstructed strobe lens
- Correct system restoration following testing
The appliance should also be inspected for physical damage, contamination, paint, loose mounting, or other conditions that could reduce visual notification performance.
Product Identification
- Manufacturer: Siemens
- Model: ZR-MC-R
- Part Number: 500-636169
- Series: Z Series / ZR Series
- Product Type: Multi-Candela Wall Strobe
- Primary Function: Visual Fire Alarm Notification
- Housing Color: Red
- Marking: FIRE
- Lens: Clear
- Mounting: Wall
- Candela: 15 / 30 / 75 / 110 cd
- Nominal Voltage: 24 VDC
- Operating Voltage: 16–33 VDC / VFWR
- Flash Rate: 1 Hz
- Strobe Technology: Xenon
- Polarity: Polarized
- Synchronization: Siemens compatible
- Mounting Base: ZB-R / P/N 500-636193
- Operating Temperature: 32°F–120°F / 0°C–49°C
- Maximum Humidity: Approximately 93% RH
- Environment: Indoor
- Listings / Approvals: UL / ULC / FM / CSFM
Protection & Applications
Suitable for:
- Commercial Fire Alarm Systems
- Visual Fire Alarm Notification
- 24 VDC Notification Appliance Circuits
- Siemens Fire Alarm Systems
- Siemens Synchronized Strobe Systems
- Wall-Mount Visual Notification
- Office Buildings
- Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
- Schools and Universities
- Hotels
- Government Buildings
- High-Rise Buildings
- Apartment Buildings
- Retail Facilities
- Industrial Facilities
- Warehouses
- Institutional Buildings
- Commercial Life-Safety Systems





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