A P P L I C A T I O N S Introduction cerning the proper application of smoke detectors used in conjunction with fire alarm systems. It outlines basic prin- ciples that should be considered in the application of early warning fire and smoke detection devices.
Industry Publications NEMA Guide for Proper Use of Smoke Detectors in Duct Applications NEMA Training Manual on Fire Alarm Systems NEMA Guide to Code Requirements for Fire Protective Signaling and Detection Systems NEMA Guide for proper Use of System Smoke Detectors Section 2 There are two basic types of How Smoke...
A P P L I C A T I O N S Photoelectric Smoke Detector Operation Smoke produced by a fire affects the intensity of a light beam passing through air. The smoke can block or obscure the beam. It can also cause the light to scatter due to reflec- tion off the smoke particles.
For more information, see NFPA 72-1999, paragraphs A-2- 3.6.1.2, A-2-3.6.1.1, A-2-3.6.1.2(a), and A-2-3.6.1.2(b). NFPA 72 requirements also dictate that alarm notification appliances (including smoke detectors with built-in sounders) produce the 3-pulse temporal pattern fire alarm evacuation signal described in ANSI S3.41. (Audible Emergency Evacuation Signals) Situations Where Other Types of Detectors May Be Used In certain circumstances where standard smoke detectors...
A P P L I C A T I O N S Class A Circuits Class A circuits also differentiate between short circuits across the loop and opens on the loop. Supervision is accomplished by monitoring the level of current passing through the installation wiring and the end-of-line resistor, which in a Class A circuit is an integral part of the fire alarm control panel.
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A manufacturer’s installation wiring drawing routes wires and shows connections in a certain manner to accommo- date supervision requirements. Any variance from the manufacturer’s drawings might cause a portion of a circuit to be unsupervised and, if an open or short circuit fault occurred, it could prevent the circuit from being able to perform its intended function without giving the required trouble indication.
A P P L I C A T I O N S Wire Nut Smoke Detector Figure 16: Pigtail Connections – Correct Wiring Method Wire Nut Smoke Detector Figure 17: Pigtail Connections – Incorrect Wiring Method Section 4 Proper Detector Applications, Placement and Spacing*...
be mounted on the wall. Wall-mounted detectors should be located not less than 4 inches nor more than 12 inches from the ceiling to the top of the detector, and at least 4 inches (10 cm) from any corner wall junction. (See Figure 18.) When air supply and/or air return ducts are present in a room or space, the detector(s) should not be placed in the...
A P P L I C A T I O N S Special Application Detectors The guidelines in this document generally apply to stan- dard open-area smoke detectors. System Sensor has a num- ber of advanced technology detectors that are optimized for specific environments and should be considered.
In other words, if a diagonal through the center of the room is no greater than the diameter of the circle, or 42.4 feet (12.8 meters), one detector can be used under ideal condi- tions. Figure 21 shows how a length of hallway can be pro- tected by only two detectors under ideal conditions.
A P P L I C A T I O N S • Alternate Detector Mounting. Mounting alternate detectors up to 3 feet (1 m) below the ceiling can increase detection of small or smoldering fires when the possibility of air stratification exists. Figure 23 illustrates such an installation.
Smoke detectors are designed Section 5 Testing, to be as maintenance free as Maintenance possible. However, dust, dirt, and other foreign matter can and Service of accumulate inside a detector’s Detectors sensing elements and change sensitivity. become either more sensitive, which may cause unwanted alarms, or less sensitive, which could reduce the amount of warning time given in case of a fire.
A P P L I C A T I O N S Section 6 Troubleshooting Techniques Statistically, as the system size and the total number of detectors increases, the total number of nuisance alarms per year tends to increase. Historical experience in a given installation or data on similar sized buildings with similar utilization patterns can provide a basis for a rough indica- tion of how many nuisance alarms are probable during a...
NFPA standards require and smoke detector manufacturers recommend that all detectors be visually inspected twice a year. Clean the detectors at least once a year, or more frequent- ly if environmental conditions warrant it. See the section on Detector Testing and Maintenance in this guide for more details.
A P P L I C A T I O N S If assistance must be sought from the installer or man- ufacturer, there will be an indication of the tests that have already been done by the owner’s personnel. These services can be provided by qualified outside organizations.
Appendix 1 Addressable Glossary of Terms Detector System smoke which, in addition to providing alarm and trouble indica- tions to a control unit, are capable of communicating a unique identification (address). Air Sampling-type Detector A sampling-type detector consists of piping or tubing distri- bution from the detector unit to the area(s) to be protected.
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A P P L I C A T I O N S product evaluation, that maintains periodic inspection of listed equipment or materials and whose listing states either that the equipment or material meets appropriate standards or has been tested and found suitable for use in a specified manner.
Appendix 2 Fire Alarm Log Customer Name: Installation Date: Inspection and Test Date: Check one Date Time Recorded By Fire S Y S T E M S E N S O R Installing Contractor: Inspection and Test Performed By: Location Trouble (Bldg, Zone, Det #) Probable Cause...
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