Experience has shown that tracing wiring faults on long circuits which are routed
through risers etc. can be difficult without knowledge of the wiring route.
It is recommended that the electrical installer is made available until basic wiring
continuity is proven. A minimum of two persons (e.g. engineer and mate) is
recommended for efficient commissioning.
9.3An Overview Of The Commissioning Procedure
The approach to be used when commissioning a fire alarm system is to check each
circuit and function in turn to ensure correct operation of the entire system. In this
way any faults may be located quickly and accurately. For network systems, each
panel should be commissioned as a stand-alone unit before it is linked into the
network for final network testing. The general procedures are as follows
:
i) Alarm circuits should be checked first. The correct operation of each
sounder should be checked for correct audibility as specified in BS5839 part
1, using the “Test Alarms” facility.
ii) Detection loops should be commissioned next. The purpose is to establish
the correct functioning of each device and checking for correct indication at
the control panel. Cause/effect is tested at this time.
iii) Commission network functionality. The procedure is to test that the panels
are communicating and configured correctly
:
1. Check that each panel displays different types of events from every
other appropriate panel. This confirms that the display events response
configuration is correct.
2. Check that each panel responds correctly to controls from every other
appropriate panel. This confirms that the control events response
configuration is correct.
3. Check each item of network cause/effect. Any event (cause) which
triggers an action (effect) on a different panel is called network
cause/effect.
WARNING: Before testing, the engineer must be aware both of the operation of all
devices fitted to the auxiliary circuits and of the consequences of their operation.
9.4Pre-Commissioning Wiring Check
NOTE: This pre-commissioning wiring check procedure should be followed to test
all wiring prior to specific commissioning of any detection, alarm and auxiliary
circuits.
1. The following assumes that the control panel has been installed in accordance
with the installation procedure and is powered with only the “Power On” LED
illuminated. Do not connect field wiring at this stage.
2. Ensure that there are no devices connected to the loop and alarm circuits but the
cables are linked through at the device locations to achieve a continuous circuit
.
3. Ensure that resistance of all cables to earth and between cores is more than 1M
Ω
.
4. Check the following
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