System Sensor i3 Series Frequently Asked Questions And Answers page 3

Q. What is meant by the i
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A. The i remote maintenance signal refers to the ability of indicating at the panel or maintenance module when a
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2-wire i detector on a loop requires cleaning, or is in a freeze trouble condition. This is intended to provide earlier
warning when a detector has either become dirty, or is in an environment where the temperature is below 41°F. The
remote maintenance signal is standard on 2-wire i
test/maintenance module, or i
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Q. Do i detectors provide a local status indication when they are in need of cleaning, or are in a freeze
trouble condition?
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A. The i remote maintenance signal is in addition to local LED status indications provided on all i
Q. What other functions are included in the 2W-MOD2 loop test/maintenance module?
A. In addition to receiving the i
• Transmits the remote maintenance signal to the panel
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• Allows 2-wire i detectors to be used on a 4-wire loop
• Initiates the EZ Walk loop test
• Provides any panel with a Style D initiating circuit
Q. Is the 2W-MOD2 module required for all installations?
A. No. Standard detection functions, including drift compensation and smoothing algorithms do not require the
2W-MOD2. The 2W-MOD2 is only required when the installation requires any of the enhanced functions provided
by the 2W-MOD2. Additionally, should the control panel be i
panel.
Q. Which control panels are i
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A. Currently, the i protocol is included in the Fire-lite MS-2 and MS-4 panels. System Sensor is actively working with
additional panel manufacturers to incorporate the i
Q. What is drift compensation and what benefit does it offer?
A. Drift compensation refers to a detector's automatic adjusting of its alarm sensitivity. This compensates for any
changes over time in the factory settings for smoke and/or fire detection. It is this compensation that reduces the
occurrence of nuisance alarms and increases the length of time between required maintenance.
Q. What are smoothing algorithms and what benefits do they offer?
A. Smoothing algorithms smooth out a detector's interpretation of quick, short duration "spikes" within the sensing
chamber. These spikes may be caused by airborne dust particles or insects inside the photoelectric sensing
chamber, or electric noise in the raw signal. Much like alarm verification on a control panel, the i
algorithms compare these signals with smoke profiles typical in an actual fire condition, to reduce the likelihood of
nuisance alarms.
Q. What color LED's are provided?
A. A red and green LED are provided, which will begin blinking within two minutes after power-up or reset. The status
of the detector will be clearly indicated as follows:
• Normal standby: Green LED blinks every 5 seconds
• Out of sensitivity: Red LED blinks every 5 seconds
• Freeze trouble: Red LED blinks every 10 seconds
• Alarm: Red LED is solid
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Q. How can the i detector's precise sensitivity reading be determined?
A. An optional sensitivity reader, model number SENS-RDR, can be used to determine precise sensitivity readings.
The SENS-RDR interprets an infrared signal from the i
per foot obscuration. The reader can be hand held at the detector or at floor level (with an extension pole). This
unique design eliminates the need for additional meters, magnets, counting LED's or connecting to the detector. An
LED and audible (chirp) indication demonstrate the reading is received. A text message then indicates whether or
not cleaning is recommended.
Q. What is the EZ walk test and how does it work?
A. The EZ walk test is a system test initiated at the 2W-MOD2 that places all compatible detectors in test mode,
allowing installers to verify the loop without pressing the test switch at each head. A button is provided on the
2W-MOD2 which, when pressed, activates the EZ walk test.
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remote maintenance signal and what benefits does it offer?
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Ready ™ control panels.
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remote maintenance signal, the 2W-MOD2 performs the following functions:
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Ready?
detectors, and is enabled through the connection to the i
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Ready, the 2W-MOD2 is automatically built into the
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protocol into their panels.
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detector and displays the sensitivity reading in percentage
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loop
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series detectors.
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's smoothing