An insulated sounder assembly may include: a) a sounder cup having a bottom and a sidewall; b) a piezoelectric element positioned in the bottom of the cup; c) a potting layer within the sounder cup and spaced apart from the piezoelectric element so that the potting layer contacts the cup sidewall for a distance of at least 3 mm around the entire circumference of the cup, and so that a gap exists between the piezoelectric element and the potting layer, with the gap being sufficient to allow vibration of the piezoelectric element in the sounder cup without restriction by the potting layer; and d) an electrical contact wire attached to the piezoelectric element to provide a voltage to the piezoelectric element, wherein the electrical contact wire passes through the potting layer so that at least 3 mm of bare wire is completely embedded in said potting layer.