Intelligent Ionization Smoke Detector

GE 

Security 

EST Fire & Life Safety 

Intelligent Initiating Devices 

Overview 

GE Security’s Signature Series Model SIGA-IS Intelligent Ionization 

Smoke Detector gathers analog information from its smoke sensing 

element and converts it into digital signals. The detector’s on-board 

microprocessor measures and analyzes these signals. It compares 

the information to historical readings and time patterns to make 

an alarm decision. Digital filters remove signal patterns that are not 

typical of fires. Unwanted alarms are virtually eliminated. 

The microprocessor in each detector provides four additional benefits 

- Self-diagnostics and History Log, Automatic Device Mapping, 

Stand-alone Operation and Fast, Stable Communication. 

Self-diagnostics and History Log - Each Signature Series detector 

constantly runs self-checks to provide important maintenance 

information. The results of the self-check are automatically updated 

and permanently stored in the detector’s non-volatile memory 

Automatic Device Mapping - The loop controller learns where each 

device’s serial number address is installed relative to other devices 

on the circuit. The mapping feature provides supervision of each 

device’s installed location to prevent a detector from being reinstalled 

(after cleaning etc.) in a different location from where it was 

originally. 

Stand-alone Operation - A decentralized alarm decision by the 

detector is guaranteed. On-board intelligence permits the detector 

to operate in stand-alone mode. If loop controller CPU communications 

fail for more than four seconds, all devices on that circuit go 

into stand-alone mode. The circuit acts like a conventional alarm 

receiving circuit. 

Fast Stable Communication - On-board intelligence means less 

information needs to be sent between the detector and the loop 

controller. Other than regular supervisory polling response, the 

detector only needs to communicate with the loop controller when 

it has something new to report. 

Standard Features 

• Integral microprocessor 

• Non-volatile memory 

• Automatic device mapping 

• Electronic addressing 

• Environmental compensation 

• Intelligent detector 

• Wide 0.61% to 1.91%/ft. sensitivity range 

• Twenty pre-alarm sensitivity values, set in 5% increments¹ 

• Identification of dirty or defective detectors 

• Automatic day/night sensitivity adjustment 

• Twin RED/GREEN status LEDs 

• Standard, relay, fault isolator, and audible mounting bases 

• Designed and manufactured to ISO 9001 standards 

Note: Some features described here may not be supported by all control systems. 

Check your control panel’s Installation and Operation Guide for details. 

Intelligent 

Ionization 

Smoke Detector 

SIGA-IS 

S 

CHINA 

Application Notes 

Available 

Data Sheet 85001-0291 Issue 8 

Not to be used for installation purposes. Page of 4

Typical Wiring 

The detector mounting bases will accept #18 AWG (0.75mm 2 ), #16 (1.0mm 2 ), #14 AWG (1.5mm 2 ) and #12 AWG (2.5mm²) wire sizes. 

Note: Sizes #16 AWG (1.0mm 2 ) and #18 AWG (0.75mm 2 ) are preferred for ease of installation. See Signature Loop Controller catalog sheet for 

detailed wiring requirement specifications. 

Standard Detector Base, SIGA-SB, SIGA-SB4 

Term Description 

1 Not Used 

2 DATA IN/OUT (+) 

3 Not Used 

4 DATA IN (-) 

4 Remote LED (-) 

5 Remote LED (+) 

6 Not Used 

7 DATA OUT (-) 

Relay Detector Base, SIGA-RB, SIGA-RB4 


1 Normally-Open 


3 Common 

4 DATA IN (-) 

5 Not Used 

6 Normally-Closed 


CONTACT RATING 

1.0 Amp @ 30 VDC 

(Pilot Duty) 

Isolator Detector Base, SIGA-IB, SIGA-IB4 

Audible Detector Base, SIGA-AB4G 


1 Not Used 


3 DATA IN (-) 

4 Not Used 

5 Not Used 


7 Not Used 

Volume setting 

Default = High volume 

Cut for low volume 

SIG+ 

DATA- DATA- DATA+ 

SIG- OUT IN IN/OUT 

Tone setting 

Default = Temporal pattern 

Cut for steady tone 

To configure output volume 

or tone, cut the circuit board 

as shown. 

24 Vdc in 

From power supply or 

previous base 

- 

+ 

- 

+ 

24 Vdc out 

To next base or EOL relay 

Data in 

From Signature controller or 

previous device 

- 

+ 

- 

+ 

Data out 

To next Signature device 

Installation 

Signature Series detectors mount to North American 1-gang boxes, 

3-1/2 inch or 4 inch octagon boxes and to 4 inch square electrical 

boxes, 1-1/2 inches (38 mm) deep. They mount to European BESA 

and 1-gang boxes with 60.3 mm fixing centers. 

Testing & Maintenance 

Each detector automatically identifies when it is dirty or defective 

and causes a “dirty detector” message. The detector’s sensitivity 

measurement can also be transmitted to the loop controller. A 

sensitivity report can be printed to satisfy NFPA sensitivity measurements 

which must be conducted at the end of the first year and 

every two years thereafter. 

The user-friendly maintenance program shows the current state of 

each detector and other pertinent messages. Single detectors may 

be turned off temporarily, from the control panel. Availability of 

maintenance features is dependent on the fire alarm system used. 

Scheduled maintenance (Regular or Selected) for proper detector 

operation should be planned to meet the requirements of the Authority 

Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Refer to current NFPA 72 and ULC 

CAN/ULC 536 standards. 

Compatibility 

The SIGA-IS detectors are compatible only with GE Security’s Signature 

Loop Controller. 



Application 

Although ionization detectors have a wide range of fire sensing capabilities they are best suited for detecting slow, smoldering fires. The 

table below shows six standard test fires used to rate the sensitivity of smoke and heat detectors. The table indicates that no single sensing 

element is suited for all test fires. 

GE Security recommends that this detector be installed according to latest recognized edition of national and local fire alarm codes. 

Test Fire SIGA-IS Ion SIGA-PS Photo 

SIGA-HRS and SIGA- 

HFS Rate-of-Rise/ 

Fixed Temp. 

SIGA-PHS 

Photo Heat 3D 

SIGA-IPHS 

Ion/Photo/Heat 4D 

Open Wood optimum unsuitable optimum very suitable optimum 

Wood Pyrolysis suitable optimum unsuitable optimum optimum 

Smouldering Cotton very suitable optimum unsuitable optimum optimum 

Poly Urethane Foam very suitable very suitable suitable very suitable optimum 

n-Heptane optimum very suitable very suitable optimum optimum 

Liquid Fire without Smoke unsuitable unsuitable optimum very suitable very suitable 

Accessories 

All detector mounting bases have wiring terminals that are accessible 

from the “room-side” after mounting the base to the electrical 

box. The bases mount to North American 1-gang boxes and to 3½ 

inch or 4 inch octagon boxes, 1½ inches (38 mm) deep. They also 

mount to European BESA and 1-gang boxes with 60.3 mm fixing 

centers. The SIGA-SB4, SIGA-RB4, and SIGA-IB4 mount to North 

American 4 inch square electrical boxes in addition to the above 

boxes. They include the SIGA-TS4 Trim Skirt which is used to cover 

the “mounting ears” on the base. The SIGA-AB4G mounts to a 4” 

sqare box only. 

SIGA-AB4G 

Audible Base 

SIGA-SB 

Standard Base 

SIGA-IB 

Isolator Base 

Standard Base SIGA-SB, SIGA-SB4 - This is the basic mounting base 

for GE Security Signature Series detectors. The SIGA-LED Remote 

LED is supported by the Standard Base. 

Relay Base SIGA-RB, SIGA-RB4 - This base includes a relay. Normally 

open or closed operation is selected during installation. The 

dry contact is rated for 1 amp (pilot duty) @ 30 Vdc. The relay’s 

position is supervised to avoid accidentally jarring it out of position. 

The SIGA-RB can be operated as a control relay if programmed to 

do so at the control panel (EST3 V. 2 only). The relay base does not 

support the SIGA-LED Remote LED. 

Audible Base SIGA-AB4G - This base is designed for use where 

localized or group alarm signaling is required. When the detector 

senses an alarm condition, the audible base emits a local alarm 

signal. The optional SIGA-CRR Polarity Reversal Relay can be used 

for sounding to other audible bases on the same 24 Vdc circuit. 

Relay and Audible Bases operate as follows: 

SIGA-RB 

Relay Base 

- at system power-up or reset, the relay is de-energized 

- when a detector is installed in the base with the power on, 

the relay energizes for four seconds, then de-energizes 

- when a detector is removed from a base with the power on, 

the relay is de-energized 

SIGA-LED 

Remote LED 

- when the detector enters the alarm state, the relay is energized. 

Isolator Base SIGA-IB, SIGA-IB4 - This base includes a built-in line 

fault isolator for use on Class A circuits. A detector must be installed 

for it to operate. The isolator base does not support the SIGA-LED 

Remote LED. 

The isolator operates as follows: 

- a short on the line causes all isolators to open within 23 msec 

- at 10 msec intervals, beginning on one side of the Class A 

circuit nearest the loop controller, the isolators close to 

provide the next isolator down the line with power 

- if the isolator next to the short closes, it reopens within 10 msec. 

The process repeats beginning on the other side of the loop controller. 

Remote LED SIGA-LED - The remote LED connects to the SIGA-SB 

or SIGA-SB4 Standard Base only. It features a North American size 

1-gang plastic faceplate with a white finish and red alarm LED. 

SIGA-TS4 Trim Skirt - Supplied with 4 inch bases, it can also be 

ordered separately to use with the other bases to help hide surface 

imperfections not covered by the smaller bases. 

Warnings & Cautions 

This detector will not operate without electrical power. As fires frequently 

cause power interruption, we suggest you discuss further 

safeguards with your fire protection specialist. 

This detector will NOT sense fires that start in areas where smoke 

cannot reach the detector. Smoke from fires in walls, roofs, or on the 

opposite side of closed doors may not reach the detector. 

This detector can be operated in environments where brief air velocity 

gusts of up to 300 ft per minute (1.52 m/s) are allowed. 



GE 

Security 

U.S. 

T 888-378-2329 

F 866-503-3996 

Canada 

T 519 376 2430 

F 519 376 7258 

Asia 

T 852 2907 8108 

F 852 2142 5063 

Australia 

T 61 3 9259 4700 

F 61 3 9259 4799 

Europe 

T 32 2 725 11 20 

F 32 2 721 86 13 

Latin America 

T 305 593 4301 

F 305 593 4300 

www.gesecurity.com 

© 2006 General Electric Company 

All Rights Reserved 

Signature Series is a Trademark 

of GE Security. 

Specifications 

Sensing Element Ionization - 1.0 µC Americium 241 

Air Velocity Range 

0 to 75 ft/min (0 to 0.38 m/s), (See Warnings and Cautions) 

Storage and Operating Operating Temp: 32ºF to 120ºF (0ºC to 49ºC) 

Environment 

Storage Temp: -4ºF to 140ºF (-20ºC to 60ºC) 

Humidity: 0 to 93% RH, Non-Condensing 

Altitude: 6,000 ft (1,828 m) maximum 

Sensitivity Range 

ULI / ULC - 0.61% to 1.91% obscuration/foot 

User Selected Alarm 

Most Sensitive: 0.7%/ft.; More Sensitive: 1.0% /ft. Normal: 1.2% /ft. 

Sensitivity Settings 

Less Sensitive: 1.4% /ft.; Least Sensitive: 1.6% /ft. 

Pre-alarm Sensitivity 

5% increments, allowing up to 20 pre-alarm settings 

Operating Voltage 

15.2 to 19.95 Vdc (19 Vdc nominal) 

Operating Current 

Quiescent: 45µA @ 19 V; Alarm: 45µA @ 19 V Emergency Standalone 

Alarm Mode: 18mA Pulse Current: 100 µA (100 msec) During 

Communication: 9 mA maximum 

Construction & Finish High Impact Engineering Polymer - White 

Compatible Mounting Bases SIGA-SB Standard Base, SIGA-RB Relay Base, SIGA-IB Isolator Base, 

SIGA-AB4, SIGA-AB4G Audible Bases 

LED Operation 

On-board Green LED - Flashes when polled On-board Red LED 

- Flashes when in alarm Both LEDs - Glow steady when in alarm 

(stand-alone) Compatible Remote Red LED SIGA-LED Flashes when 

in alarm 

Compatibility 

Use With: SIGNATURE Loop Controller 

Address Requirements Uses one Device Address 

UL Listed Spacing 

30 ft 

Agency Listings 

UL, ULC, MEA, CSFM 

Ordering Information 

Catalog Description 

Ship Wt. 

Number 

lbs (kg) 

SIGA-IS Intelligent Ionization Detector - UL/ULC Listed 0.5 (.23) 

Accessories 

SIGA-SB Detector Mounting Base - Standard 

SIGA-SB4 4 inch Detector Mounting Base c/w SIGA-TS4 Trim Skirt 

SIGA-RB Detector Mounting Base w/Relay 

0.2 (.09) 

SIGA-RB4 4 inch Detector Mounting Base w/Relay c/w SIGA-TS4 Trim Skirt 

SIGA-IB Detector Mounting Base w/Fault Isolator 

SIGA-IB4 4 inch Detector Mounting Base w/Fault Isolator 

and SIGA-TS4 Trim Skirt 

0.1 (.04) 

SIGA-AB4G Audible (Sounder) Base 0.1 (.04)

Intelligent Ionization Smoke Detector

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