HCA Series Installation Manual
Page 9 of 58
V2.15
2. Controls and Indicators
2.1 Front Panel User Control Buttons
Acknowledge
This function, abbreviated "Ack" on the keypad, is used to acknowledge an off normal condition such as an
alarm or trouble condition. The acknowledge function tells the panel that building personnel or emergency
responders are aware of the alarm, trouble, or supervisory condition. Acknowledging the alarm or trouble
condition also silences the panel's sounder (PZT).
Alarm Silence
This function, abbreviated "Silence" on the keypad, is also known as "audible silence". Depending on the
configuration of the alarm system, this function will either silence the system's notification appliances
completely, or will silence only the audible alarm, with strobe lights continuing to flash. Audible silence
allows for easier communication amongst emergency responders while responding to an alarm while still
leaving the visual appliances on to indicate there is still an active alarm.
Reset
This function will reset the panel after an alarm condition. All initiating devices are reset, and the panel is
cleared of any alarm conditions. If an initiating device is still in alarm after the system is reset, such as a
smoke detector continuing to sense smoke, or a manual pull station still in an activated position, another
alarm will be initiated.
2.2 LED Indicators:
AC Power Green LED
When this indicator is lit, power is being provided to the system from the building's electrical system and
not from the backup battery. When the AC power condition is low or completely gone, the trouble indicator
comes on and the AC power indicator goes off. If the AC power indicator is lit without any other indicators
also lit, then the system is in a normal standby condition. If no LEDs are lit, there is no power source feeding
the panel.
Alarm Red LED
This Indicator is lit when an alarm condition exists in the system, initiated by smoke detectors, heat
detectors, sprinkler flow switches, manual pull stations, manual call points, or other initiating devices. Along
with the indicator on the panel, notification appliances such as horns and strobes are also activated,
signaling a need to evacuate the building occupants. In an alarm condition, the fire alarm control panel
indicates where the alarm originated. The alarm panel can be reset once the device which initiated the
alarm is reset, such as returning the handle of a manual pull station to its normal position.
Trouble Yellow LED
When on steady or flashing, it means that a trouble condition exists on the panel. Trouble conditions are
often activated by a contaminated smoke detector or an electrical problem within the system. Trouble
conditions are also activated by a zone being disabled (disconnected from the system), low power on the
backup battery, disabled notification appliance circuits, earth ground faults, shorted circuits or open circuits.
The alarm panel's sounder will activate if a trouble condition exists. In a trouble condition, the panel displays
the zone or devices causing the trouble condition. The trouble indicator goes out automatically when the
situation causing the trouble condition is rectified or restores to normal.
Silence Yellow LED
The silence signal indicates that a trouble, supervisory, and/or alarm condition has been silenced by
activating the silence key.
