False Alarms – Signature Series Smokes (( must read ))

[Leo]

False Alarm EST Signature Series Smokes

(( I have seen this a few times, False Alarms for no reason it hurts ))
(( must read post for all EST Techs ))

Trouble and False Alarm UPDATE – Signature Series Smoke Dete

EST Technical FAX TFN: 060202 Page 1 of 1
Edwards Systems Technology • 6411 Parkland Drive • Sarasota FL 34243
Phone 800 655 4497 • FAX 941 753 1806 • E-mail EST.Techsupport@edwards.spx.com
TSFORM 011 Rev 1.1 TM TFN: 060202

To: All Fire Alarm Technicians
From: EST Technical Services
Date: June, 2002

Topic: Trouble and False Alarm UPDATE – Signature Series Smoke Detectors (models SIGA-PS, SIGA-PHS, SIGA-IPHS)
NOTE: This Technical Fax supercedes Technical Fax #110001

EST Technical Fax 110001 stated that no RF susceptibility problems exist when EST SIGA-PS, SIGA-PHS, and SIGA-IPHS detectors are placed more than 36 inches (0.91m) away from an electronic fluorescent light ballast. Questions from the field suggest that more information is necessary to clarify statements made on that Tech Fax. The typical electronic ballast operates between 25 and 60 kHz, but due to its switching power supply numerous higher frequencies are produced, creating a broadband noise. These fields are very strong near the ballast but decay very quickly at a distance. Our testing also shows that RF filters have little or no affect, when added to the Signature data line or to the actual detector circuitry. EST completed rigorous testing on our detectors with multiple models of electronic ballasts provided by many of the larger manufacturers of lighting equipment, including Advance, Motorola, Osram-Sylvania, and GE. Results were similar for each type. Our testing shows that detector placement as close as 1 foot (30 cm) to an electronic ballast is not an issue in most applications. EST has several million Signature detectors installed throughout the world. Only rarely do we receive a report that a detector installed more than 1 foot (30 cm) away from a fluorescent light is affected. Further, in most of these rare cases, simply rotating the detector or properly grounding the fluorescent light ballast has resolved the issue. Always verify correct AC power grounding and verify the ballast is properly grounded to the light fixture. To reduce the probability of detector interference caused by electronic light ballasts, this information should be taken into account as part of your normal, safe engineering practice.

[Leo]

does anyone know if the detector's LED is lit when this happens?
how do we know if it is a fluorescent light false alarm or other?

[hijazih]

Hi Leo,

I had such case before and the Detector's LED blinks Red (like any other alarm).

[Leo]

what do you do to get it fixed?

[Nirujan]

False Alarm EST Signature Series Smokes

(( I have seen this a few times, False Alarms for no reason it hurts ))
(( must read post for all EST Techs ))

Trouble and False Alarm UPDATE – Signature Series Smoke Dete

EST Technical FAX TFN: 060202 Page 1 of 1
Edwards Systems Technology • 6411 Parkland Drive • Sarasota FL 34243
Phone 800 655 4497 • FAX 941 753 1806 • E-mail EST.Techsupport@edwards.spx.com
TSFORM 011 Rev 1.1 TM TFN: 060202

To: All Fire Alarm Technicians
From: EST Technical Services
Date: June, 2002

Topic: Trouble and False Alarm UPDATE – Signature Series Smoke Detectors (models SIGA-PS, SIGA-PHS, SIGA-IPHS)
NOTE: This Technical Fax supercedes Technical Fax #110001

EST Technical Fax 110001 stated that no RF susceptibility problems exist when EST SIGA-PS, SIGA-PHS, and SIGA-IPHS detectors are placed more than 36 inches (0.91m) away from an electronic fluorescent light ballast. Questions from the field suggest that more information is necessary to clarify statements made on that Tech Fax. The typical electronic ballast operates between 25 and 60 kHz, but due to its switching power supply numerous higher frequencies are produced, creating a broadband noise. These fields are very strong near the ballast but decay very quickly at a distance. Our testing also shows that RF filters have little or no affect, when added to the Signature data line or to the actual detector circuitry. EST completed rigorous testing on our detectors with multiple models of electronic ballasts provided by many of the larger manufacturers of lighting equipment, including Advance, Motorola, Osram-Sylvania, and GE. Results were similar for each type. Our testing shows that detector placement as close as 1 foot (30 cm) to an electronic ballast is not an issue in most applications. EST has several million Signature detectors installed throughout the world. Only rarely do we receive a report that a detector installed more than 1 foot (30 cm) away from a fluorescent light is affected. Further, in most of these rare cases, simply rotating the detector or properly grounding the fluorescent light ballast has resolved the issue. Always verify correct AC power grounding and verify the ballast is properly grounded to the light fixture. To reduce the probability of detector interference caused by electronic light ballasts, this information should be taken into account as part of your normal, safe engineering practice.

THANKS USEFUL INFORMATION

[Eagle00708]

we have used siga IS detectors in this situation and it took care of the issue

[hijazih]

I changed the lamps fluorescent light with ballasts to lamps that doesnt need ballasts ( Linestra lamps)

[lifesafety]

Had several troubles over the years. Moving the smoke detector more then a foot away took care of the problem.