Firefighter Smoke Control Station (Fscs) - Simplex 4100U Application Manual

Firefighter Smoke Control Station,
Firefighter Smoke
Control Station
(FSCS)
The smoke control panel must work completely in conjunction with the fire alarm control panel.
This is because the FSCS is used by firefighters to activate and deactivate all smoke control
sequences in the event that the fire spreads and for smoke cleanup operations. All switches
override the automatic operation, in the event of a conflict with the operation. The FSCS must be
able to override any other manual or automatic control that is being used in the system, except
when those controls intended to protect against electrical overloads, provide for personal safety,
or prevent major system damage.
The design of the controls and status indications must be as simple as possible for firefighter use.
Smoke control schemes can sometimes incorporate the simultaneous use of multiple (sometimes
over a hundred) air handling units, exhaust fans, and dampers to accomplish the function.
The FSCS graphic must show all fans in excess of 2000 CFM, all dampers or groups of Variable
Air Volume (VAV) boxes, and all major ducts. The FSCS graphic must depict the direction of
airflow in the ducts. The air handling units, fans, and dampers must be grouped into "systems" or
"smoke zones." These "smoke zones" are determined by the physical layout of the building and
the smoke and fire barriers as structurally and architecturally designed, for firefighting purposes.
It may be advantageous to provide one switch for each "system" or "smoke zone." With the
appropriate units interlocked to manage smoke in the affected area, there could be potentially
hundreds of H-O-A switches. Fans require a three-position control that provides ON-AUTO-OFF
capabilities. Dampers require a three-position control that provides OPEN-AUTO-CLOSE
capabilities. The AUTO position can be removed if the piece of equipment can only be controlled
by the FSCS.
Smoke Management zones can be provided with a three-position switch, in addition to the
required switches, that provides PRESSURIZE-AUTO-EXHAUST capabilities. Status indications
are required for each system to positively indicate that a smoke control sequence has been
initiated. Fans must have a single green indicator that turns on when the fan proof sensor indicates
that the fan is running.
Dampers have three indicators:
•
Yellow: Turns ON when the damper proof sensor confirms that the damper is closed
•
Green: Turns ON when the damper proof sensor confirms that the damper is open
•
Amber: Turns ON to indicate failure.
These indicators must be OFF when the damper is between the open and closed position.
The FSCS must have a Red indicator for each smoke control zone to signal if the zone is currently
in an alarm condition.
The FSCS must have Amber/Orange indicators to annunciate equipment faults from each piece of
equipment monitored by proof sensors. If fans do not indicate running within 60 seconds, or
dampers do not reach the required position within 75 seconds, a fault indication must be
annunciated on the FSCS.
Note: Confirm actual times with local codes.
The FSCS must have a "master key-switch" to prevent unauthorized personnel from issuing
commands. When the key is inserted and turned, all controls on the FSCS are enabled. Alternate
command control may be performed by being inside a locked enclosure or other access control
means that are accepted by local authority.
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