Installation, Operation & Maintenance Parksafe Gas Detector
Rev: 11 0421
10
Bump Test (Gas Response Check)
Gas response checks are often referred to as a ‘bump test’. Bump tests are important to make sure a device is able to
detect a release of gas as early as possible. The aim of the bump test is to make sure a detector is working at its
optimum by briefly exposing the unit to a known concentration of the target gas that usually exceeds the highest
alarm point. If the detector goes into alarm and all signals/outputs activate, then the system is working safely. If the
system fails to operate as intended in an alarm state, the gas detector must not be used until a full inspection and
service has been conducted.
A detector may visually appear in good working order, but its sensitivity can be inhibited by external factors. Dust,
humidity, temperature fluctuations, cleaning products, contaminants or sensor drift (ageing) can cause a decline in
sensitivity and eventual failure. Regular bump tests are important to make sure the detector is able to detect a release
of gas as early as possible and usually takes seconds (gas type dependant i.e. CO sensors will take over a minute). It
is often completed alongside a scheduled fire alarm test; however, the frequency should be determined following an
appropriate risk assessment by the end user. Remember, bump testing does not remove the need to have gas
detectors inspected, calibrated and serviced periodically by a competent person.
Contact your S&S Northern representative for details of suitable bump testing kits and gases. Kits usually consist of a
certified gas cylinder; flow control regulator, tube pipe and applicator cone. We recommend only using S&S Northern
calibration gas kits to ensure correct flow rates meet S&S Northern technical requirements. A bump testing gas is
usually a concentration mix that exceeds the highest alarm set-point.
See below for recommended gas concentrations for bump testing your detector.
Detector Type
Bump Test Gas
Response Time t90
CO - Carbon Monoxide
300ppm (balance in air).
<60s
NO2 – Nitrogen Dioxide
5.0ppm (balance in air)
<60s
All certified test gases supplied by S&S Northern are classified as non-flammable and non-toxic, however, they do
contain gas under pressure and may explode if heated to extreme temperatures and cause asphyxiation in high
concentrations.
Procedure
IF YOU ARE TESTING THE ACTUATION OF OUTPUTS / RELAYS, PROCEED TO STEP 2.
STEP 1.
•
Access service mode by pressing the AGS logo on the control panel main screen only. The screen will display a
service prompt. Press Yes. (Note: All alarm signals/outputs will be inhibited for fifteen (15) minutes.
•
Proceed to test detector(s). Upon completion – exit service mode by pressing the ‘Exit’ button on screen. If you
need more time, exit and re-enable service mode. The system returns to a normal state after fifteen (15) minutes
automatically if the ‘exit’ button is not pressed.
When service mode is enabled, the control panel will ignore all alarm signals/outputs!
The panel will return to a normal operational state after fifteen minutes automatically unless service mode is disabled
manually by pressing the [EXIT] button on screen!
