Cencom Gold Wiring Diagram
This is the thick wire bundle.
| Pin | Wire Color | Function | Vehicle Connection | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1 | Red | +12V Constant (Battery) | Thick constant power at ignition harness | | 2 | Red / White | +12V Constant (2nd feed) | Same as Pin 1 (for high current) | | 3 | Pink | Ignition 1 Output | Vehicle Ignition wire | | 4 | Orange | Accessory Output | Vehicle Accessory wire (radio, wipers) | | 5 | Yellow | Starter Output | Vehicle Starter wire | | 6 | Brown | Ignition 2 / Heater Output | Second ignition (or not used) | | 7 | Black | Chassis Ground | Solid metal under dash | | 8 | Blue | Brake Shutdown Input | Brake pedal switch (+12v when pressed) | | 9 | Gray | Hood Pin Input (-) | Hood pin switch (safety shutoff) | | 10 | White | Parking Light Output | Vehicle parking light wire |
[16.5V AC Transformer]
| |
AC1 AC2
| |
+--+-------+--+
| CENCOM GOLD |
| CONTROL |
+--+-------+--+
| |
[AC] [AC] (Terminals 1 & 2)
|
[AUX+] -------- (+) Power to PIR / Keypad
[AUX-] -------- (-) Common Ground
|
[Z1] ----------- Door Contact (NC) ----+
[Z2] ----------- Window Contact (NC) --+-- to [AUX-]
|
[BELL+] -------- (+) Siren (+)
[BELL-] -------- (-) Siren (-)
|
[Telephone RJ31X Jack]
Red (Tip) ---- [T] Term 9
Green (Ring) - [R] Term 10
Black (T1) --- [T1] Term 11 --- To House Phones
Yellow (R1) -- [R1] Term 12 --- To House Phones
Once all wires are seated in their connectors according to the diagram, use Whelen’s Cencom Gold Software (running on Windows with a USB-to-serial adapter) to program the "Input-to-Output" mapping. For example: If Switch 1 is pressed, then activate Outputs 1, 2, and 3 in Flash Pattern "Comet Flash."
While this article provides a detailed breakdown, it is not a substitute for the factory schematic. Wiring diagrams change by firmware revision and manufacturing date. Always cross-reference this guide with the official manual.
To find the exact Cencom Gold wiring diagram for your serial number:
This is where the magic starts. You cannot power the Cencom Gold through a cigarette lighter; it requires direct, fused battery connections.
| Pin | Wire Color | Function | Technical Note | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1 | Red (10 AWG) | Battery + (Positive) | Connect directly to the positive terminal of the vehicle battery with a 40A fuse within 6 inches of the battery. | | 2 | Black (10 AWG) | Chassis Ground | Connect to the vehicle chassis. Do not daisy-chain with other grounds. | | 3 | White or Yellow | Ignition Sense (Switched) | Connects to a fuse that is only live when the key is in "Run" or "Accessory" to automatically shut down the system. | | 4 | Orange | PA (Public Address) Speaker + | Positive lead to the 100W Whelen speaker under the hood. | | 5 | Brown | PA Speaker - | Negative lead to the speaker. | | 6 | N/A | (Reserved) | Usually for diagnostic programming. |
Critical Warning: If you reverse Pins 1 and 2, you will instantly destroy the internal circuitry of the Cencom Gold. Double-check continuity before applying power.
If you have a working CENCOM Gold brain but lost a remote:
Before touching any CENCOM Gold wiring:
This write-up is for informational purposes based on common wiring conventions. Always refer to the specific CENCOM Gold model’s installation manual for exact terminal functions and ratings.
Powering Up: A Guide to the Whelen CenCom Gold Wiring Diagram Whelen CenCom Gold
is a legacy powerhouse in the world of emergency vehicle light and siren control. While it has been succeeded by newer models like the CenCom Core and Sapphire, many "Gold" units are still in active service or being repurposed for secondary response vehicles. Utility Communications cencom gold wiring diagram
Getting the wiring right is the difference between a seamless upfit and a short-circuited nightmare. Here is a breakdown of the essential wiring and connection points for the CenCom Gold system. 1. Core System Components
Before you strip any wires, ensure you have the primary components required for a complete install: Amplifier/Relay Module (ARM): The "brain" box where all high-current connections happen. Control Head: The user interface with backlighted push buttons. Connection Cables:
An 8-conductor, 22-gauge cable connects the control head to the ARM, while heavier power and I/O cables handle the lighting and sirens. Utility Communications 2. Primary Power Connections
Powering the ARM requires high-current capacity to manage multiple lightheads and a siren. Main Power (J12): Look for the Anderson-style connector with Red and Black Red Wires (10 AWG): Route two 10 AWG wires to a circuit fused at 40 Amps each Black Wires (10 AWG):
Connect these directly to the vehicle's chassis ground, ideally near the battery. Ferno Norden Denmark 3. Siren and Speaker Wiring The CenCom Gold can operate one or two 100-watt speakers. Utility Communications Speaker Leads: Typically uses Orange and Brown Connection: Connect the Brown wire to the negative (Black) speaker lead. 1/4" microphone port is located on the front of the ARM for easy access. 4. Input/Output (I/O) Logic
The ARM features field-serviceable external fuses and multiple output ports for customization: Utility Communications Outputs 1-8: High-current outputs for lightbars and auxiliary LEDs. Logic Inputs:
Used for "Park-Kill" (automatically silencing sirens when the vehicle is in park) and "Horn Ring Transfer". Traffic Advisor:
Specific units include a dedicated plug for controlling rear-facing traffic arrows. Quick Troubleshooting Tips Check Your Fuses:
If a specific light isn't working, check the external fuses on the ARM before tearing into the wiring. Grounding is Key:
Modern emergency vehicles are sensitive to electrical noise; always ensure a clean, bare-metal ground for your 10 AWG black wires. Software Matters:
The CenCom Gold is programmed via a PC. You will need the legacy Whelen CenCom Gold Software
to map your physical wires to specific buttons on the control head. Whelen Engineering Connection Type Typical Wire Color Max Current/Fuse Main Power In Red (10 AWG) 40 Amps (x2) System Ground Black (10 AWG) Chassis Ground Siren Speaker Orange / Brown Aux Out (Fuses 4-8) 10 Amps Max each Do you need the pinout definitions This is the thick wire bundle
for a specific connector (like the 12-pin or 9-pin plugs) to finish your installation? AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more Software Downloads - Whelen Engineering
Whelen CenCom Gold is a legacy siren and light control system that uses a single Amplifier/Relay Module (ARM) to manage vehicle emergency components. Wiring this system requires connecting several specialized plugs to the ARM, which serves as the central hub for power, inputs, and outputs. Key Wiring Connections
The system uses several distinct connectors for different functions: Main Power
: Uses a heavy-duty, two-position Molex® power connector to handle high current for the entire system. High-Current Outputs
: Features a 4-position slide switch on the control head that typically manages one 40-amp and two 20-amp outputs. Siren Output
: A 2-pin connector that handles one or two 100-watt speakers. Accessory Inputs
: A 12-pin connector for various vehicle logical inputs (e.g., horn ring, brakes). Programmable Outputs
: A 9-pin connector for 10-amp fused outputs typically used for secondary lighting like grille lights or scene lights. Ferno Norden Denmark Core Component Overview Control Head
: Connects via a specific extension cable to the ARM. It includes 18 programmable backlit push buttons and a 4-position slide switch. Microphone
: Standard unidirectional microphone plugs directly into a 1/4" port on the front of the ARM. Programming Port
: A USB port located on the ARM allows for "drag and drop" configuration via Windows-style software without needing the control head connected.
For official diagrams, you can search for the specific model number (e.g., Whelen Install Guides page Once all wires are seated in their connectors
. Specialized parts like replacement plugs or complete wiring kits are often available through retailers like 911 Emergency Supply Brooks Government Surplus programming the slide switch? Install Guides - Whelen Engineering Whelen Install Guides - Whelen Engineering. Whelen Engineering Whelen CenCom Gold Siren and Light Control System CCSRN2
If you're looking for a Whelen CenCom Gold wiring diagram, you're likely working with one of the most reliable legacy siren and light control systems in the emergency vehicle industry. While the CenCom Gold
has been largely replaced by newer models like the CenCom Core, its robust Amplifier/Relay Module (ARM) design remains a staple for many departments. Key Wiring Components
The CenCom Gold system is centralized around the ARM, which houses all external fuses and primary connections.
Main Power (J12): Requires heavy-duty 10 AWG red and black wires. Each red wire should be fused at 40 Amps for a combined 80-amp capacity.
Control Head (J21): Unlike standard phone-style cables, the Gold uses a heavy-duty 22-gauge, 8-conductor cable to link the head to the ARM.
Siren Speakers: Capable of driving one or two 100-watt speakers.
Outputs: Features 6 high-current outputs (totaling 60 Amps), 16 low-current outputs, and a 10-amp dry contact relay.
Inputs: Includes 12 digital and 4 analog inputs, plus an ignition sense wire to wake the system. Pro Installation Tips
Grounding: Always connect the main ground wire directly to the negative (-) battery post to ensure a clean electrical connection and avoid siren interference.
Programming: Configurations are handled via "drag and drop" software. If you're missing the original install guides, official PDFs are typically hosted on the Whelen Support page.
Legacy Support: If you're missing specific plugs or pins, search for Whelen Connector Kits from specialized retailers, as these custom AMP-style connectors can be hard to source elsewhere.
Are you planning a fresh installation from scratch, or are you troubleshooting a specific output on an existing CenCom Gold setup? Install Guides - Whelen Engineering Whelen Install Guides - Whelen Engineering. Whelen Engineering Whelen Cencom Gold wiring options?