15073 OWNER’S MANUAL
447179 Issue 1 Rev. A
iii
CONTROL UNIT LIMITATIONS
This control unit will 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 initiating 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 by all appliances without excessive voltage drop.
This 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.”
This control unit must also have connected to it, a battery set (24V) that has enough capacity to properly
operate the system for 4, 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 per year or more
often if local requirements dictate it.
Fire alarm control units cannot last forever. Even though this control unit was made to last for the
expected life of the Fire Alarm Systems, 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 per Chapter 7
of NFPA 72 or more often if dictated by local code requirements. Units that have malfunctioned 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 (i.e.,
burnt toast may not be a life threatening condition but may cause an initiating device to indicate an alarm
condition). Also, evacuation of a building or area may unnecessarily subject individuals to an
unnecessary hazard. Therefore, it is most important that 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 city tie option (or similar device) is
included in the system.
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