Installation & Operation Manual Merlin GDP2X
GDP2X - IOM Iss: 7 03-21
11
General Maintenance
Cleaning
Keep your system in good working order - follow these basic principles;
Remove any dust/debris from the outer enclosures regularly using a slightly damp cloth.
Never use detergents or solvents to clean your devices.
Never spray air fresheners, hair spray, paint or other aerosols near the devices.
Never paint devices. Paint will seal vents and interfere with the safety equipment.
Concentrations of alcohol found in many products may damage, deteriorate or affect the gas sensing elements
such as; wine; deodorants; stain removers and thinners. Other gases and substances to avoid are; corrosives
(i.e. chlorine & hydrogen chloride); alkali metals; basic or acidic compounds; silicones; tetraethyl lead;
halogens and halogenated compounds!
Manual Circuit Simulation Test
When the detector test button on a circuit board is pressed and held, the detector will simulate an
open circuit to ensure configured systems, outputs, alarms, indications and other external devices
operate as intended in response to gas. When the test button is released – the test sequence will
terminate and return to normal operation.
Access to the interior of the detector, when carrying out any work, must be conducted by a competent person!
This test does not check the gas-sensing element itself!
Bump Test (Gas Response Check)
What is a Bump Test?
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.
Why is it important?
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.
How often?
Regular bump tests are important to make sure the detector is able to detect a release of gas as early as possible, this
usually takes seconds (gas type dependant i.e. CO sensors will take over a minute) and is often completed alongside
a scheduled fire alarm test. 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.
