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For years, the SOS 12 Siren-Operated Sensor has been a popular solution for providing emergency responders with fast access through automated gates. Now, that trusted product is getting an upgrade.
Introducing the SOS 14 Siren-Operated Emergency Gate Access Device, the newest generation of SOS emergency gate access technology and the direct replacement for the SOS 12. It maintains the straightforward siren-activated operation that made the previous model a trusted choice while introducing several improvements designed for easier installation and dependable outdoor performance.
Available now at All Security Equipment, the SOS 14 is an important update for gate installers, property managers, HOAs, commercial facilities, and anyone looking for a simple way to provide emergency vehicles with access through an automated gate.
What Is the SOS 14?
The SOS 14 Siren-Operated Sensor is an emergency access device that connects to a compatible automatic gate operator.
When the device recognizes an emergency vehicle’s “Yelp” siren for approximately three seconds, it sends a signal to the gate operator to open the gate. Emergency personnel can therefore gain access without stopping to enter a code, find a key, use a remote, or rely on another access credential.
The concept is simple: emergency responders already have a siren. The SOS uses that existing equipment as the means of requesting gate access.
Siren-Operated Sensor technology has been used for emergency gate access since 1992, including at residential, commercial, government, airport, and military properties.
The SOS 14 Replaces the Popular SOS 12
If you’re already familiar with the SOS 12, this is the most important change to know:
The SOS 14 is its direct replacement.
The SOS 12 has been a popular emergency gate access solution among All Security Equipment customers. Its operation is straightforward: recognize a “Yelp” siren for approximately three seconds and trigger the gate to open.
The new SOS 14 continues that same fundamental approach rather than reinventing how the system works.
What has changed is the physical design and several details surrounding detection and installation.
SOS 14 vs. SOS 12: What’s New?
Customers replacing an SOS 12 or installers familiar with the previous model will notice several updates.
1. New Downward-Facing Microphone
One of the most noticeable changes is microphone placement.
The SOS 14 moves to a downward-facing microphone designed for improved omnidirectional siren detection. The SOS 12 used a front-facing microphone as part of its design.
This updated placement is intended to improve the reliability of siren reception while keeping the sensor protected within its outdoor enclosure.
2. Improved Conduit Compatibility
Installation details matter, especially for professionals working with gate systems every day.
The SOS 14 improves 1/2-inch conduit compatibility, providing better spacing so a locknut can be used to secure the device more easily.
It’s a relatively small design change that can make a meaningful difference during installation.
3. Cleaner Installation on 4-Inch Posts
The SOS 14 is designed to mount cleanly to a 4-inch post and supports concealed rear wire entry.
It also supports both rear and bottom wire entry, giving installers additional flexibility depending on the gate and site configuration.
4. Updated Electronics and Circuitry
The new generation incorporates SOS’s latest electronic design and circuitry, which is intended to provide faster, smarter, and more accurate performance.
5. Familiar Rugged Outdoor Protection
One important feature carries over: outdoor durability.
Like the SOS 12, the SOS 14 uses a NEMA 4 enclosure. The new model is designed for outdoor installations and operates in temperatures ranging from -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C).
SOS 14 vs. SOS 12 at a Glance
|
Feature |
SOS 12 |
New SOS 14 |
|---|---|---|
|
Emergency activation |
“Yelp” siren recognition |
“Yelp” siren recognition |
|
Activation time |
Approx. 3 seconds |
Approx. 3 seconds |
|
Microphone |
Front-facing |
Downward-facing |
|
Enclosure |
NEMA 4 |
NEMA 4 |
|
Sensitivity |
Adjustable |
Adjustable |
|
Remote microphone support |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Power |
9–24 VDC / 9–16 VAC* |
9–24 VDC / 9–16 VAC |
|
Conduit installation |
1/2-inch conduit support |
Improved 1/2-inch conduit compatibility |
|
4-inch post installation |
— |
Designed for clean 4-inch post mounting |
|
Warranty |
5 years |
5 years |
|
Product status |
Previous generation |
Current replacement model |
*Published SOS 12 documentation has listed slightly different upper DC-voltage specifications over time; installers should always follow the documentation supplied with the specific unit being installed.
How Does the SOS 14 Work?
The SOS 14 listens for the distinct “Yelp” siren used by emergency vehicles.
Once the siren has been recognized for approximately three seconds, the unit activates its relay and sends the open command to the compatible gate operator.
The sensor connects through a dry-contact relay output, making it compatible with automatic gate operators that accept a dry-contact open command.
That means the SOS 14 can be incorporated into many existing gate systems without requiring a complete access-control infrastructure change.
Adjustable Detection for Different Installations
Not every gate installation has the same surroundings.
A residential community entrance may have very different ambient noise than a commercial property, industrial facility, parking area, or busy roadway.
For that reason, the SOS 14 provides adjustable detection sensitivity, allowing the installer to fine-tune siren detection based on site noise levels and mounting conditions.
The SOS 14 also supports an optional remote microphone extension, providing additional placement flexibility when the main unit needs to be installed farther away from the ideal siren detection location.
Configurable Gate Hold-Open Times
The SOS 14 doesn’t simply provide a single operating mode.
Depending on the installation, it can support normal gate cycling or extended hold-open settings, including:
- 5 minutes
- 15 minutes
- 1 hour
- Latched open until reset
This provides installers with more flexibility when configuring emergency access behavior for a specific property or application.
Where Can the SOS 14 Be Used?
Siren-operated emergency access can be valuable anywhere an automatic gate could otherwise delay emergency responders.
Potential applications include:
- Gated residential communities
- HOAs and apartment communities
- Commercial properties
- Industrial facilities
- Government facilities
- Airports
- Parking facilities
- Secured properties
- Private residences with automated gates
The SOS 14 can work with compatible gate operators that accept a dry-contact open command, making it a straightforward addition to many existing automatic gate systems.
Local emergency-access requirements vary, so installers and property owners should always verify applicable fire, building, gate, and local authority requirements before choosing or configuring an emergency access device.
SOS 14 Technical Specifications
The new SOS 14 offers:
- Power: 9–24 VDC or 9–16 VAC
- Standby current: 0.1 mA
- Triggered current: 25 mA
- Relay: Maximum 3A at 30 VDC, resistive load
- Dimensions: 4 x 7 x 1.5 inches
- Weight: 0.6 lb.
- Conduit knockout: One 1/2-inch conduit opening
- Wiring knockouts: Two 1/4-inch insulated-wire openings
- Enclosure: NEMA 4 outdoor-rated
- Operating temperature: -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)
- Manufacturer warranty: 5 years (All Security Equipment)
Each unit also includes the SOS 14, four mounting screws, a 4 x 5-inch emergency access sign, and installation instructions.
Already Using the SOS 12?
For existing SOS 12 customers, the transition is straightforward: the SOS 14 is now the model to look for when purchasing a new SOS siren-operated emergency access device.
The core idea that made the SOS 12 popular remains intact. Emergency responders activate their “Yelp” siren, the sensor recognizes it, and the gate receives an open command.
The SOS 14 builds on that foundation with a new microphone orientation, updated electronics, improved conduit compatibility, flexible wire entry, and a cleaner mounting design.
For installers who have specified or installed the SOS 12 in the past, the SOS 14 represents the next generation of the same emergency-access concept.
Emergency Gate Access, Updated
A secure gate should help control access without creating unnecessary obstacles during an emergency.
The new SOS 14 Siren-Operated Emergency Gate Access Device provides a simple solution by allowing approaching emergency responders to use equipment they already have, their siren, to trigger a compatible automatic gate.
And for customers who have relied on the popular SOS 12, the message is simple: the SOS 14 has arrived as its direct replacement, bringing the familiar SOS emergency access system into its next generation.
Shop the SOS 14 Siren-Operated Emergency Gate Access Device at All Security Equipment
