Smoke Alarm User Manual

Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual
Issue 1 Page 6-1
February 2001
6SYSTEM COMMISSIONING
6.1 Introduction
This chapter covers the inspection and testing required for the High Sensitivity Smoke Detector (HSSD)
system after completion of the installation.
NOTE
Prior to commissioning the system, ensure that all alarms and trouble circuits are disconnected
or the Detector is isolated. This will prevent the signalling of alarms or troubles to ancillary
equipment.
6.2 System Checkout
When the installation has been completed, it is advisable to carry out an inspection to ensure that all
mechanical connectors are in order (sampling pipe network, wiring connected, etc.) as it is quite common
for installations to be carried out by different contractors at different times. In particular, the Detector
should be inspected to ensure that the lid is fitted securely. The only place air should enter and leave the
Detector is through the inlet and exhaust ports.
When commissioning the HSSD system, the environment in which the air sampling system is placed must
be carefully considered. This is especially true in the construction and immediate post-construction
phase where cleaning and surfacing processes may be undertaken.
During this initial stage, the HSSD Detector output may indicate a higher level than expected. This
condition can be ignored temporarily.
It is recommended that the system be left in operation to allow the remaining particulate matter in pipe
networks, ducts, etc. to clear. After which, the smoke background level will stabilise to the normal state
expected for the monitored space.
After the complete stabilisation has occurred and the output does not reduce to the level expected, then
the air is probably more contaminated than anticipated. If doubt exists, the Detector can be changed to
compare outputs withinin the same environment. (with a new detector)
6.3 Monitoring and Testing Systems
It is recommended that the system be run on test for a minimum of one week prior to commissioning.
This test should encompass all the ambient conditions the system will encounter including cycling of the
air handling systems and other routine activities i.e. full occupancy, floor sweeping, etc. This is done to
set the appropriate alarm levels and delay setting to provide for the best response time and reduce false
alarms.
Monitoring can be done by way of the built in history capabilities and by the LaserNET software. Alarm
and trouble signalling should remain disconnected during this initial testing.
In applications where the system may approach the top of the systems operating temperature and
humidity ranges, a low airflow trouble may occur. If this condition exists, simply reduce the low airflow
trouble level by 5 below the real time airflow reading and the trouble condition will clear. Alarm time delay
settings can be determined both from monitored smoke level readings and the requirements of the
application. For instance, if transitory smoke is “normal” set the time delay to ignore those unwanted
alarms. If smoke persists beyond the preset time delay, the alarm relay will activate. Conversely, if the
transitory smoke disappears during the time delay, the control unit will not register an alarm.