SOS Gate SOS 14 Siren-Operated Emergency Access Sensor Technical Details
The SOS Gate SOS 14 is a siren-operated emergency access device designed to provide first responders with automatic access through compatible powered gates. The sensor listens locally for an approaching emergency vehicle siren and, when the appropriate siren pattern is detected, activates a dry-contact relay connected to the gate operator's open input.
The SOS 14 is the current replacement for the previous SOS 12. It retains the basic siren-operated emergency access function of the SOS 12 while updating the enclosure, microphone location, electronics, mounting arrangement, and wire-entry provisions.
SOS 14 Replaces the SOS 12
For customers replacing an existing SOS 12 Siren-Operated Sensor, the SOS 14 is the current replacement model. The operating concept remains the same: an emergency vehicle approaches the secured gate, activates the appropriate siren, and the SOS sensor provides an open command to the compatible gate operator.
The SOS 14 should not be treated as a physically identical SOS 12 enclosure. Before replacing an older unit, verify the existing power source, dry-contact gate input, wire routing, mounting holes, conduit arrangement, and installation location.
What the SOS 14 Does
The SOS 14 detects emergency vehicle sirens at the gate and provides a dry-contact relay output to the gate operator. It connects to the operator's normally open and common input terminals on systems designed to accept a dry-contact open command.
The SOS 14 does not supply motor power and does not directly operate the gate motor. It functions as an access-control input that tells the gate operator to open. The gate operator remains responsible for controlling gate movement and all required safety and entrapment-protection functions.
Updated SOS 14 Design
- Current replacement for the SOS 12
- Downward-facing microphone for siren detection
- Adjustable siren-detection sensitivity for different site conditions
- Updated electronic design and circuitry
- Dry-contact normally open/common gate operator connection
- NEMA 4 outdoor-rated enclosure
- Rear or bottom wire entry
- Improved 1/2-inch conduit compatibility
- Designed for clean mounting on a 4-inch post
- Configurable relay timing for momentary or extended gate-open operation
- Emergency-access sign included
Compatible Gate Operator Requirements
The SOS 14 is compatible with automatic gate operators that accept a dry-contact open command. The typical connection is made to a normally open and common gate operator input.
Compatibility should be determined by the operator control board and its available inputs, not simply by the gate operator brand. LiftMaster, Nice, Apollo, HySecurity, DoorKing, Viking, FAAC, Linear, and other operators have different control board generations and input arrangements. Verify the operator manual or control board diagram before connecting the SOS 14.
Features and Specifications
| Specification | SOS 14 |
| Brand | SOS Gate |
| Model | SOS 14 |
| Product Type | Siren-operated emergency gate access sensor |
| Replaces | SOS 12 |
| Power Input | 9-24 VDC or 9-16 VAC |
| Current Draw | 0.1 mA standby; 25 mA while triggered |
| Output Type | Dry-contact relay output |
| Relay Rating | Maximum 3A at 30 VDC, resistive load |
| Gate Operator Connection | Normally open / common |
| Compatible Operator Type | Automatic gate operators that accept a dry-contact open command |
| Dimensions | 6.99 inches H x 3.99 inches W x 1.51 inches D |
| Operating Temperature | -4 F to 140 F (-20 C to 60 C) |
| Enclosure | NEMA 4 outdoor-rated enclosure |
| Wire Entry | Rear or bottom |
| Microphone | Downward-facing siren-detection microphone |
| Mounting | Surface mount; designed to fit a 4-inch post |
| Detection Sensitivity | Adjustable |
| Relay Timing | Configurable for momentary or extended hold-open operation up to one hour |
| Manufacturer Warranty | 5 years |
SOS 14 Compared With SOS 12
| Feature | SOS 12 | SOS 14 |
| Product Generation | Previous generation | Current replacement model |
| Emergency Access Method | Siren-operated | Siren-operated |
| Microphone Arrangement | Previous enclosure design | Downward-facing microphone |
| Outdoor Enclosure | NEMA 4 | NEMA 4 |
| Wire Entry | Verify existing installation | Rear or bottom wire entry |
| Current Product Status | Replaced by SOS 14 | Current model |
Package Contents
- SOS 14 siren-operated sensor
- Emergency-access sign
- Installation guide
- Mounting hardware supplied with the packaged unit
Package contents can change with manufacturer revisions. Verify current packaging if a specific accessory or mounting component is required for the job.
Installation and Mounting Notes
The manufacturer specifies surface mounting in an outdoor location with the microphone/sound opening unobstructed and positioned toward the roadway approach. The enclosure is designed to fit on a 4-inch post and supports rear or bottom wire entry.
The mounting location is important. Avoid locations where structures, landscaping, machinery noise, or other obstructions could interfere with siren detection. Detection sensitivity should be adjusted and the completed installation should be function-tested according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Important Gate Operator Compatibility Warning
The SOS 14 requires a compatible gate operator input. It provides a dry-contact relay command and is intended to connect to a normally open/common input that causes the operator to open the gate.
Do not connect the SOS 14 directly to a gate motor, high-voltage motor circuit, safety-device circuit, photo-eye input, safety-edge input, or other terminal that is not specifically intended to receive the required dry-contact open command.
If the correct gate operator input, voltage, wiring, or emergency-access configuration is unclear, have the installation completed or verified by a qualified gate or access-control technician.
Emergency Access and Safety Advisory
The SOS 14 is an emergency-access input device and does not replace the gate operator's required entrapment-protection devices, monitored photo eyes, safety edges, emergency controls, or other UL 325 safety equipment. Never bypass required gate safety devices to install an emergency access sensor.
Emergency-access requirements can vary by municipality, fire authority, property type, and jurisdiction. Confirm local fire, building, and emergency-access requirements with the authority having jurisdiction before relying on any single access method.
Before Ordering Checklist
- Replacing an SOS 12? The SOS 14 is the current replacement model.
- Confirm the gate operator has a dry-contact open input.
- Identify the correct normally open and common terminals.
- Verify an available 9-24 VDC or 9-16 VAC power source.
- Check the existing SOS 12 mounting location and hole arrangement if performing a replacement.
- Check conduit and wire-entry requirements.
- Make sure the microphone opening can face the roadway approach without obstruction.
- Verify applicable local emergency-access requirements.
Product Questions and Answers
Does the SOS Gate SOS 14 replace the SOS 12?
Yes. The SOS 14 is the current replacement for the previous SOS 12 Siren-Operated Sensor. Existing SOS 12 installations should still be checked for power, wiring, mounting, conduit, and gate operator input compatibility before replacement.
What type of gate operator works with the SOS 14?
The SOS 14 is designed for automatic gate operators that accept a dry-contact open command. It typically connects to the operator's normally open and common input terminals.
Does the SOS 14 power the gate motor directly?
No. The SOS 14 provides a dry-contact command signal to the gate operator. It does not drive or supply power directly to the gate motor.
What power does the SOS 14 require?
The SOS 14 operates from 9-24 VDC or 9-16 VAC. Verify the available power source and operator wiring before installation.
Can I install an SOS 14 anywhere on the gate operator?
No. The unit should be surface mounted where its microphone opening remains unobstructed and faces the roadway approach. The SOS 14 is designed to fit on a 4-inch post and supports rear or bottom wire entry.
Is the SOS 14 weather resistant for outdoor gate installations?
Yes. The SOS 14 uses a NEMA 4 outdoor-rated enclosure and has a specified operating temperature range of -4 F to 140 F (-20 C to 60 C).
Can the SOS 14 hold the gate open after it detects a siren?
Yes. The SOS 14 provides configurable relay timing that can be set for momentary operation or extended gate hold-open operation for up to one hour, depending on the required installation configuration.
What should I check before replacing an SOS 12 with an SOS 14?
Verify the existing power source, normally open/common gate input, wiring, mounting location, conduit arrangement, wire entry, and available space. The SOS 14 replaces the SOS 12 functionally but uses an updated physical design.
