panel readings

[Guest matrix]

Can anyone give me info on panel readings when handing over a alarm system

ie power supply current normal and in alarm

Alot of engineers i've spoke to all do these readings differently.

[Smart Electrics]

Try www.Check list this will do for a basic alarms only system

[Guest Peter James]

Alistair I think you missinterpretted the question.

Matrix

The question is a little ambiguos are you asking what readings should be taken and why?

Or are you asking how to take the readings?

Pete

[hiro]

are we talking security or fire here

[Guest Peter James]

I think security but I may b wrong?

[Guest matrix]

Alistair I think you missinterpretted the question.

Matrix

The question is a little ambiguos are you asking what readings should be taken and why?

Or are you asking how to take the readings?

Pete

40611[/snapback]

sorry didn't really make myself clear.

I would like to know what readings should be taken why they should be taken and how to take the. This question is for fire and intruder alarm systems.

I haven't been in the trade long and keen to learn as much as possible. just like to say this website has been very helpful

[hiro]

for fire you take current for standby and alarm (full system) normally to ensure system can operate on battery backup for 24 hours standby and then give you 30 minutes alarm on addressable kit you also have to take current readings for each loop to ensure that the loop does not exceed its total limit this differs from system to system some 400mA some 600 mA etc.

hope this helps alittle

[Guest Peter James]

OK

The circuit readings should be taken in OHMS the reading will depend on the cable run and the equipment that is attached (and of course wether there is any end of line resistors) this is checked to make sure that the circuit is:-

A) a circuit.

B) Not short circuited

C) Within the expected parrameters

These readings should also be taken for tamper circuits if double pole is used.

The current readings are taken as follow:-

Set your meter to mA (dont forget to move the lead over)

To check battery charging current: remove the pos terminal from the battery put one leg of the meter on the battery pos and the other leg of the meter in the pos bat terminal.

Set your meter to Amps (move leads over)

To check panel current: set leads as above remove fuse from spur (it helps if you have three hands for this bit)

To check current in alarm: as above but get someone to press a panic button (if there is no panic but prog up temporary one or use rkp)

The current checks are for

A) To check the bat is being charged.

B) To make sure that the psu is capable running the system in alarm.

C) To check that the battery is powerful enough to last eight hours (10 x the system not in alarm e.g. 250mA = 2.5AH )

Voltages should be taken at the detector heads and bell head, to ensure they will work.

All the readings are also recorded for future reference (investigating false alarms etc)

Hope this helps

[Adi]

While we are on the subject Peter is there any need to check the AC ma power supply and the SAB charging current.

[Guest Peter James]

Oops yes missed the sa current but Ive never checked the AC before.

To check the sa set meter to amps: remove hold off positive and put one lead one the wire and the other lead where the wire went (the bell should stop ringing) this reading will tell you what the sa is drawing.

You should also check bat and psu currents in any additional psu's.

Pete