Changes in some Apollo devices

[Benzerari]

There are changes to Apollo’s range of Interfaces. The standard non-isolated Interfaces are being phased out during the early part of 2009 as they will not be CPD certified. This will affect the following devices:

55000-818 Input Output Unit

55000-589 3 Channel Input Output Unit

55000-833 Mini Switch Monitor

55000-832 Mini Switch Monitor with Interrupt

55000-819 Output Unit

55000-823 Sounder Control Unit

55000-810 Switch Monitor

55000-809 Switch Monitor plus

55000-813 Zone Monitor

If dealing with this above devices guys, it's better to seek advise from Apollo... that's what I have been informed just recently by Apollo Company.

[Graeme]

glad they are now all coming with isolators as some of these items listed count as 3 or more devices on a loop if they are non isolated version.

[Benzerari]

I think all Gent devices are already Isolated devices, and since so long time...

[Allen Higginson]

I think Gent devices are already asolated devices, and since so long time...

....and Siemens!

[Big_Fella]

They are.... and it makes life so much easier for contractors installing, and provides better enhancements for short circuits.  Good move Apollo !!

[Graeme]

They are.... and it makes life so much easier for contractors installing, and provides better enhancements for short circuits.  Good move Apollo !!

not necessarily..how are you meant to test each individual isolator at commissioning?

[Benzerari]

Just came out on a newsletter

http://www.blue2design.com/apollo-fire/emonitor11/emonitor11.html

[Big_Fella]

They are.... and it makes life so much easier for contractors installing, and provides better enhancements for short circuits.  Good move Apollo !!

not necessarily..how are you meant to test each individual isolator at commissioning?

Fair comment.... might be worth speaking to the manufacturers of such systems to see their view on this.

Although I am sure they would say only a catastrophic failure in isolators would cause a problem.  i.e. one or two failing to operate during a short circuit still wouldn't potentially take out an entire zone, but only a handful of devices

[Big_Fella]

Would be interesting to see other peoples comments on the testing of isolators?

[Allen Higginson]

Although 5839 says that the system be checked for operation there is no direct reference to isolators (unlike all other field devices).

[Big_Fella]

On looking myself, you're right, there is no reference within BS5839, to checking the isolators

[Graeme]

Would be interesting to see other peoples comments on the testing of isolators?

what i have been normally doing and especially on big installs is using isolated and non isolated sounders etc.
then instead of the 20 device rule i go ten,this makes sure that i don't go over as some devices count as more than one on a loop due to their intial switch on surge current.
At commissioning i will go to a detector in between the isolators and short out pos and neg and check both isolators have kicked in. repeat for all others on loop.
I will use the isolated mcp's and make the first and last sounder on a loop isolated version.

When all devices go isolated it will be a nightmare to test but if there is nothing specific in the regs then maybe Mr Todd can shed some light if they are expected all to be tested at commission stage?