ISOLATOR INSTALLATION, INSPECTION, AND SERVICE!

ISOLATOR INSTALLATION, INSPECTION AND SERVICE

Isolator module is used on the intelligent fire alarm control panels to protect the system against wire-to-wire short circuits on the analogue addressable loop wiring. Fire Projects designer know how and where to use this isolators to get optimum performance. Some of OEM told short-circuit isolator module which is designed to electrically separate and protect vulnerable parts of the bus.

SOME DO’s AND DON’T’s

In the last twenty (or so) years, I’ve been privileged to have been able to watch the tremendous advances in technology that continues to inspire several manufacturers around the world to explore new developments in electronic life safety systems.   Unfortunately, each new advance exposes some vulnerability that must also be addressed. 

In this article, we’re going to discuss “isolators” and more specifically, the correct wiring methods for the various types of circuits you’re going to encounter, as well as the testing that must be performed, both at the system’s commissioning/Verification and on an annual basis.  We’re going to focus on the changes currently adopted by the Canadian Standard for Installation of Fire Alarm Systems (CAN/ULC-S524) as well as what’s “in the pipe” in the way of amendments.

ISOLATOR TYPES AND TERMINOLOGY

What is an isolator, and how does it work?  Let’s begin by actually answering these two questions.  An isolator is a device that is designed to limit the extent a circuit is compromised by a single “short” fault.  In North America, there are four distinct “families” of short circuit isolators.  They are:

• Data Communication Loop (DCL) Isolators – some manufacturers call them Signal Line Circuit (SLC) Isolators
• Power Buss Isolators
• Audio Buss Isolators
• Suite Signal Isolators

Most isolators are “dumb” devices comprising a simple relay in a short sensing circuit on their “out” terminals.  As long as there is resistance on the circuit, they’re “happy”.  When the resistance drops to nothing (a short), they activate to preserve the loop integrity on their “in” side.  Some manufacturers have chosen to make their isolators “smart” by employing their panel’s protocols to “communicate” with each isolator.  This has the advantage of being able to “group bypass” an entire floor area from the common control if work is being performed there, without affecting the operational status of the rest of the system.  You’ll usually find these isolators employed by companies that are engaged in providing large scale networked type fire alarm systems (for the obvious reason that it also makes testing easier).

APPLICABLE CODES AND STANDARDS

NBC 2015, VBBL 2019

The only time isolators are actually mentioned in any Canadian Building Code is in conjunction with in-suite signalling means.  This is articulated in BCBC 2018 (as adopted from NBC 2015) in Section 3.2.4.19 called Audibility of Alarm Signals and reads in sentence (8):

“Audible signal devices within a dwelling unit or a suite of residential or care occupancy shall be connected to the fire alarm system:

a) in a manner such that a single open circuit at one device will not impair the operation of other audible signal devices on that same circuit that serve the other dwelling units or suites of residential or care occupancy, or

b) on separate signal circuits that are not connected to the devices in any other dwelling unit, public corridor or suite of residential or care occupancy. (See Appendix A.)”

CAN/ULC-S524-14

The Canadian Standard for Fire Alarm Installation is where we will find reference to the installation of Data Communication Link (DCL), network data, audio buss, and power buss fault isolators.  We will be using the abbreviations “DCL” “ND”, “AB” and “PB” for the purposes of this article.  It also deals with some specific installation requirements governing the use of insuite signalling isolators.

We’ve provided links to diagrams at the bottom of this page which detail both Class “A” interconnected field devices and a Class “A” Riser interconnected to field devices in a Class “B” configuration as part of this article.  This is one area where the manufacturer’s installation instructions also fall short and may even reference practices only acceptable outside of Canada (i.e. NFPA requirements).  The essential difference between the drawings you’ll see in the official amendment to the Standard and ours centres around one additional isolator which we’re suggesting be added to the “return” side of the loop to protect this part of the riser if you are employing uni-directional isolators.  In this instance, I’m of the opinion that this qualifies as an improvement on the actual requirements of the Standard (something that’s referred to as “good engineering practice”).

There are currently two versions of CAN/ULC-S524-14.  One includes the Amendments published in January of 2016 as a separate insert while the other will not have an amendment.  Please ensure your Standard includes the statement:  “Including Amendment 1” on the cover.

So, let’s begin with Clause 5.7.3:

“Where a data communication link utilizing active field devices or supporting field devices serves more than one National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone, a fault within one National Building Code of Canada Required fire alarm zone shall not prevent the normal operation of other input or output field devices in another National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone, except as noted in Clause 5.7.3.4.

Note:  See also Clause 4.3.1.8 and 4.3.1.9.”

5.7.3.4 states:

“Active field devices or supporting field devices serving water flow devices, supervisory devices on sprinkler systems, or duct type smoke detectors on HVAC systems that are located within a National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone but serve other National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zones, need not be separately fault isolated from each other or the National Buiilding Code of Canada required fire alarm zone.”

5.7.3.5 states:

“A control unit or transponder or its associated data communication link that serves more than one floor area, shall be subject to the constraints of Clause 5.7.3.1.”

5.7.3.6 states:

“Data communication link style A with fault isolation modules, or data communication link style C with fault isolation modules, or an equivalent method shall be utilized to meet the requirements of Clauses 5.7.3.1, 5.7.3.4, and 5.7.3.5.  (Refer to Figure 5).”

Inbuild Isolator Brand Like: ESSER, COOPER... etc

Base Isolator Brand Like: GST, Edwards... etc

Isolator as a Separate product Brand Like: Edwards, Notifier, Morley, GST, Apollo, Ravel... etc

Section 4.3 is entitled “ELECTRICAL SUPERVISION”.

4.3.1.8 states:

“Except as permitted by Clause 4.3.1.10 or Clause 4.3.1.11, where a power buss circuit serves more than one National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone, a single fault (open circuit fault, short circuit fault or ground fault) shall not prevent the normal operation of input or output field devices in more than one National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone.

NOTE:  Refer to Appendix A (Informative) Explanatory Materials, Clause A4.3.1.8.”

4.3.1.9 states:

“Except as permitted in Clause 4.3.1.10, where an audio buss serves more than one National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone, a single fault (open circuit fault, short circuit fault, or ground fault) shall not prevent teh normal operation of input or output field devices in more than one National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone.”

4.3.1.11 states:

“Where a power buss serves supporting field devices which are located within a common National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone but serve other National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zones, the power buss segment serving these supporting devices is not required to comply with Clause 4.3.1.8.”

4.3.1.12 states:

“Class A circuit with fault isolators installed in accordance with Subsection 10.2, Fault Isolators, or an equivalent method, shall be utilized to meet the requirements of Clauses 4.3.1.9 and 4.3.1.10.

NOTE:  For Data Communication Links, refer to Subsection 5.7.3, Field Device Data Communication Link.”

Section 10.2 is entitled “FAULT ISOLATORS”

10.2.1.1 states:

“This Subsection applies to the installation of fault isolation modules as required by Subsection 5.7.3, Field Device Data Communication Link, for data communication links between field devices.  (Refer to Figures 33.1, 33.2, 33.3, and 33.4.)

Note:  Where available, data fault isolators should be located in a fire separated electrical room.”

10.2.1.2 states:

“Data fault isolators shall be utilized when entering and leaving each National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone.   See also Appendix A (Informative) Explanatory Materials, Clause A4.3.1.8.”

10.2.1.3 states:

“Data fault isolators required by Clause 10.2.1.2 are not required between field devices located within the same floor area that are monitoring mechanical equipment serving other floor areas.

NOTE:  For example, water flow devices on sprinkler systems or duct type smoke detectors on HVAC systems serving other floor areas are considered part of the same area specified in Clause 10.2.1.2 and need not be separately fault isolated from other devices within that area.”

10.2.1.4 states:

“Except as noted in Clause 10j.2.1.5, data fault isolators, shall be located in a separate enclosure and installed so as to be visible and accessible at all times.”

10.2.1.5 states:

“Data fault isolators that are integral to a field device shall be mounted in accordance with the requirements of that field device.”

Note:  Field devices incorporating fault isolation modules complying with Clause 10.2.1.2 do not require additional dedicated data fault isolators.”

10.2.1.6 states:

“Where a fire separation is provided, data fault isolators required by Clause 10.2.1.2 shall be installed on each side of that fire separation.”

10.2.1.7 states:

“Data fault isolators installed on opposite sides of the same fire separation shall be offset horizontally to a minimum of 400 mm, and not located within the same stud space.”

10.2.1.8 states:

“Where no fire separation is provided between each National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone, a single fault isolation module shall be utilized when isolating zones within the same floor area.

Note:  This Clause would be applicable to large horizontal buildings, e.g., warehouses, shopping malls, factories, etc.”

10.2.1.9 states:

“Data fault isolators serving a single field device in an exit or vertical service space shall be installed on the floor area side.

Note:  Fault isolation modules are not required on the exit or vertical service space side.  See Figure 2.4”

10.2.1.10 states:

“Data fault isolators shall have an identifying mark or label on the cover plate or field device.  The identifier shall be visible after installation.  Where field devices incorporating fault isolation modules are used to comply with Clause 10.2.1.2, the first field device entering and the last field device leaving each National Building Code of Canada required fire alarm zone shall be marked.”

 

Maintenance of Smoke & Heat Detector

 Maintenance of Smoke & Heat Detector

Maintenance of Smoke Detector

Requirements for Maintenance of smoke detectors vary by country & OEM, the common need is for a functional maintenance and test where smoke, or simulated smoke, is introduced through the vents of the detector to the sensor.

If you have standalone smoke detector, test the alarm monthly. Replace the batteries at least once every year. Replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years. Press and hold the test button on the smoke detector. It can take a few seconds to begin, but a loud, ear-piercing siren should emanate from the smoke detector while the button is pressed. If the sound is weak or non-existent, replace your batteries. Most of Standalone detectors have either a blinking or a solid light that glows to let you know that the alarm is getting power.

Before starting the Maintenance job for 2wire / 4wire smoke detector, take the proper work permit and inform to all the respective departments / local authority. Then do force the respective logics or interlocks if any (like fire suppression systems activation etc).

§  Prior to maintenance of Smoke detector see the LED status of the Smoke Detector it should be blinking green or red. Now open Detector from Base.

§  Check the voltage of the Smoke Detector, it should be within +30 Volts DC. This can be checked at the addressable base of the detector. This step applicable if detector not responding or gives false alarm.

§  Clean the Smoke Detectors outside dust by brush and vacuum cleaner. Without open the detector from base you may do it.

§  Open Smoke Detector as per manufacturer’s published instructions and clean internal chamber through slowly brush and put air blower diagonally. Do not use any chemical or liquid for cleaning. This step applicable if detector not responding or gives false alarm.

§  Fixed smoke detector in same base. Do not alter smoke detector with another one.

§  Now Smoke Detector is healthy and it is ready for testing.

§  Apply the aerosol spray to the Smoke Detector by solo Smoke detecting gun with the help of the Solo A10/A5 aerosol bottle. Do not use any incense sticks (Agarbatti) and pray to energised smoke detector. Some of manufacturer’s allow use of Magnet to activate / energised smoke detector.

§  Keep applying aerosol spray for 10 seconds.

§  After 10 seconds LED status of the Smoke detector will change from the steady blinking red to steady red and after that alarm appears and hooter is activated on the fire alarm panel.

§  To silence the hooter press silence / acknowledge key on the Fire Alarm Panel. As per manufacturer’s published instructions.

§  After alarm appears remove Smoke detecting test gun from Smoke Detector.

§  Note down the alarm tag and descriptions from the HMI or workstation. The alarm details must match with the smoke detector tag number and installed location.

§  Confirm the smoke detector activation status from the respective graphics page. You have to visually identify the colour change signals of the respective smoke detector on the graphics.

§  Reset the alarm of the Smoke detector from Fire Alarm Panel.

§  The Detector LED status will change from steady red to blinking red.

§  Smoke Detector is now working normally.

§  Repeat the above procedure for all the remaining smoke detectors.

§  Normalize the forced interlocks or logics if any.

§  Close the work permit.

Note: The mentioned voltages or LED colors sequence may change as per the vendor or model of the smoke detectors. Solo Smoke Aerosols is approved all over the world, its Non-toxic & Silicone free. Solo smoke aerosols (used with the Solo 330/332 dispensers) deliver smoke particles to the detector under test replicating the conditions of smoke from a fire. Our range of smoke aerosols has recently increased to allow continued use of our Solo 330/332 dispensers in full compliance with latest regulations.

Unique Formula Identifier (UFI), is a 16 character alphanumeric code which will soon be required to appear on the labelling of all products classified as hazardous by the ECHA. UFI codes will become mandatory on relevant products across Europe from January 2021.

Maintenance is required to be performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s published instructions, with an emphasis on cleaning. Cleaning should be in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and as frequently as the ambient conditions of the placement area demand. For example, the manufacturer of a smoke detector could recommend annual cleaning, but ambient conditions might dictate cleaning be conducted at 3-month intervals. Areas subject to accumulations of dust and dirt that require more frequent cleaning include elevator hoistways and machine rooms, HVAC ducts, and boiler rooms. Recommended at list 10% of total Smoke detector test as per above procedure if your Fire Detection System age is 1 – 5years. After 5 year recommended at list 25% of total Smoke detector test as per above procedure. In above snap we observe some Service person open Edwards SIGA PS detector and clean in front of washbasin. This is not recommended by Edwards. Actual process describe in second snap. SSA Integrate are doing lots of Edwards Product Maintenance and confirm you that SIGA-PS, SIGA-PHS detectors are upgraded to SIGA-PD and SIGA-PHD respectively and can be used along with our former model in the same loop as well.

One of the main concerns regarding NFPA 72 is testing frequency for sensitivity, or rather, is smoke detector sensitivity testing required? The simplest answer is that testing must be performed annually. However, frequency also depends on the dates and results of the latest test. Further, sensitivity testing will be required unless it’s monitored on a continuous basis on the fire panel and an alert goes out when sensitivity is not within the required range.

Also, the frequency will depend on the type of detectors and the capabilities of the fire alarm control panel.

It may even be possible to avoid costly sensitivity tests on each detector. To quote NFPA 72-2016 14.4.3.2-17 (h) (4), “Smoke detector/control unit arrangement whereby the detector causes a signal at the control unit when its sensitivity is outside its listed sensitivity range” is accepted as a means of ensuring that each smoke detector is working properly.

If you have a newer panel, it likely has this capability, but you can confirm this with the alarm contractor, and also determine its capabilities. Some newer systems may also be able to save sensitivity readings from fire panel software after the annual testing. That way, you have a record of the sensitivity at any particular time.

Required frequency will depend on the time and the results of two consecutive tests. Thus, smoke detector sensitivity should be inspected within a year after it is installed, then inspected each alternate year after that. After a second test that shows the device is within the appropriate sensitivity range, then the length of time between tests may be extended to a maximum of five years.

Maintenance of Heat Detector

Heat detector can be defined as an element or device that detects changes in heat or fire. If any heat (change in heat that exceeds the limits of heat sensor ratings) is sensed by the heat sensor, the heat sensor generates a signal for alerting or activating a security or protection system to extinguish or avoid the fire accidents. There are different types of heat sensors, which are classified based on different criteria such as the amount of heat withstanding capacity, nature of heat sensing capacity, and so on. Furthermore, the heat sensors are classified into different types that include analog heat sensors and digital heat sensors.

Heat detector can sense the heat (change in heat according to the features of heat detector used). But, a circuit is to be designed for activating an alarm system to indicate fire or heat change and for alerting the security or protection system. Heat detector circuit can be designed using heat sensor.

These heat detectors are mainly classified into two types based on their operation and they are “rate of rise heat detectors” and “fixed temperature heat detectors”. Above snap of Heat Detector from AUTRONICA. The most important point is “SelfVerify” function ensures the highest grade of reliability. All Autronica units comprising this function are automatically tested with a calibrated test once every 24 hours.

Before starting the job, take the proper work permit and inform to all the respective departments. Then do force the respective logics or interlocks if any (like fire suppression systems activation etc)

§  Prior to testing of Heat detector see the LED status of the Heat Detector it should be blinking green or red.

§  Open heat detector from Base. This step applicable if detector not responding or gives false alarm.

§  Check the voltage of the Heat Detector, it is within +30 Volts DC. This can be checked by the addressable base of the detector. This step applicable if detector not responding or gives false alarm.

§  Clean Heat detector body and thermistor stick through cotton cloth. Do not put pressure on thermistor stick or heat element stick. This step applicable if detector not responding or gives false alarm.

§  Fixed Heat detector in same base. Do not alter with another one.

§  Now Heat Detector is healthy and it is ready for testing.

§  Clean the Heat Detector’s outside dust by cotton cloth and air blower.

§  Apply the heat to the Heat Detector by solo heat-detecting gun.

§  Keep applying heat for 10 seconds.

§  After 10 seconds LED status of the Heat detector is changing from steady blinking red to steady red and after that alarm appears and the hooter is activated on the fire alarm panel.

§  To silence the hooter press the acknowledge key to the Fire Alarm Panel.

§  After the alarm appears remove the heat-detecting test gun from Heat Detector.

§  Note down the alarm tag and descriptions from the HMI or Graphic workstation. The alarm details must match with the heat detector tag number and installed location.

§  Confirm the heat detector activation status from the respective graphics page. You have to visually identify the colour change signals of the respective heat detector on the graphics.

§  Reset the alarm of the Heat detector from the Fire Alarm Panel.

§  The detector LED status is changing from steady red to blinking red.

§  Heat Detector is now working normally.

§  Repeat the above procedure for all the remaining Heat Detectors.

§  Normalize the forced interlocks or logics if any.

§  Close the work permit.

Note: The mentioned voltages, terminals, circuit module names may change as per the vendor or model of the Heat Detector. Available in both 110 / 120 and 220 / 240 volt versions the Solo 423 and 424 are the professionals’ choice where cables and leads are acceptable. Unconstrained by energy availability they provide the quickest of test times and are, perhaps, most suitable for the highest temperature detectors.

Maintenance is required to be performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s published instructions, with an emphasis on cleaning. Cleaning should be in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and as frequently as the ambient conditions of the placement area demand. For example, the manufacturer of a smoke detector could recommend annual cleaning, but ambient conditions might dictate cleaning be conducted at 3-month intervals. Areas subject to accumulations of dust and dirt that require more frequent cleaning include elevator hoistways and machine rooms, HVAC ducts, and boiler rooms. Recommended at list 20% of total heat detector test as per above procedure if your Fire Detection System age is 1 – 5years. After 5 year recommended at list 40% of total heat detector test as per above procedure. SSA Integrate is provide Maintenance service for AUTRONICA Fire Product.

The system owner is responsible for maintaining records retained for 1 year thereafter. The records shall be on a medium that will survive the retention period. Paper or electronic media shall be permitted. The owner is to be provided with and maintain a copy of the site-specific software so that it is available to determine how the system is programmed and to reprogram the system if the program in the control unit is corrupted or deleted.

This type of Maintenance Scope will increase Maintenance commercial value. Some of Maintenance Company quote low and do not doing this way. Always prefer certified person or Authorised Company to maintain properly of your Fire Detection & Alarm System. Do avoid utilised your friends for life safety product Maintenance. SSA Integrate will help you neutrally to get proper decision for your Fire Detection System.