1 2 5 3 0 / 1 2 5 4 0 O W N E R ' S M A N U A L
P/N 447203 Issue I
I-1
I. INTRODUCTION
CONTROL UNIT LIMITATIONS
This control unit 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 unit 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 unit must be connected to a dedicated primary electrical source that has a high degree of
reliability and adequate capacity for this control unit. The only means of disconnecting this power source
shall be available only to authorized personnel and clearly marked "Fire Alarm Circuit Control".
The control unit 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 unit 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.
Fire alarm control units cannot last forever. Even though this control unit 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.
NOTE: This control unit 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 life-threatening 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 unit 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.
