INTRODUCTION. Siemens FS-250

INTRODUCTION

CONTROL PANEL LIMITATIONS

This control panel may not show an alarm condition without compatible initiating devices

(smoke detectors, etc.) and notification devices (horn, lights, etc.) connected to it. Electrical ratings of the initiation and notification appliances must be compatible with the electrical ratings of the control panel and must be properly interconnected. The wiring used for interconnection must be large enough to carry the total current for all appliances without excessive voltage drop.

The control panel must be connected to a dedicated primary electrical source that has a high degree of reliability and adequate capacity for this control panel. The only means of disconnecting this power source shall be available only to authorized personnel and clearly marked "Fire Alarm Circuit Control".

The control panel must also have connected to it a battery set (24V) that has enough capacity to properly operate the system for 24 or 60 (depending on system type) hours standby and 5 minutes alarm per NFPA 72 (Chapter 1). These batteries do lose capacity with age. Batteries must be replaced when they fail to provide the control panel with the required standby and alarm power or after 4 years, whichever happens first. These batteries must be checked for performance at least two (2) times a year or more often if local requirements dictate.

Even though this control panel was made to last for the expected life of the fire alarm system, any part could fail at any time. Therefore a regular test program should be followed and documented to make sure that each part of the system is tested as in Chapter 7 of NFPA 72 or more often if dictated by local code requirements. Malfunctioning units must be replaced or repaired immediately by factory authorized service personnel.

This control panel is designed to show an alarm condition when the initiating devices connected to it detect specific conditions. These conditions may or may not represent a lifethreatening condition. Also, evacuation of a building or area unnecessarily may subject individuals to an unnecessary hazard. Therefore, it is most important that the building owner, manager, or representative promulgate, distribute, and/or post instructions describing steps to be taken when the fire alarm control panel signals an alarm condition. These instructions should be developed in cooperation and conformance with representatives of the local authority having jurisdiction.

As a backup or precautionary measure, it is strongly suggested that one of these steps should be to notify the local fire department of an abnormal condition even where the DACT option (or similar device) is included in the system.

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