PEL Fire Warn Panel ?

[Wiz]

Sav Wire panels reverse the voltage on the zone to drive the sounders so the diode stops it going through on an activation.

Buzz, if you do this, doesn't the diode then provide a short-circuit and cause a fuse to blow?

[David Rooney]

As I mentioned earlier the panel does have internal dil switches to isolate and disable each zone individually, but I can’t for the life of me see how you put the panel into one- man test and avoid the need for a second person to reset the panel each time a device is activated?

There is another set of dil switches marked up as ‘optional switches’ but I’m unsure as to what they are for and why they are set in the manner that they are? Until I can obtain a manual or be advised as to how or if, the panel can be put into test mode then JonnyG’s idea of fitting a diode across the zones might be worth a try.

 Hmmm.... it's not a protector panel then.....
 

[David Rooney]

Sav Wire panels reverse the voltage on the zone to drive the sounders so the diode stops it going through on an activation.

Buzz, if you do this, doesn't the diode then provide a short-circuit and cause a fuse to blow?

not if diode is in series with the pos leg (when panel is in monitoring state) .. the panel should latch in alarm condition without setting off sounders.

Protector panels have jumpers under each zone terminal that effectively change the zone from "normal" to savwire and does the same thing...

[Wiz]

David, you appear to be saying the diode is connected in series to the positive leg. Johnny G originally suggestd connecting the diode across the zone wiring. Which is correct?

[David Rooney]

Hello Wiz...

I think he meant putting it in series... as you say if you go across the zone wiring you are going to create a short circuit... either when the system is monitoring - or when it goes into alarm - reversing polarity of the circuit.

By putting the diode in series you are effectively polarising the circuit, allowing current flow in one direction only when the system is monitoring.. when the same zone circuit goes into alarm (reverses polarity) the diode will block current flow and therefore prevent the sounders from operating.

[Wiz]

Thanks David.

I was sure that your answer was the correct answer and that is why I started questioning the original advice. Advice is only good when it is correct and clearly explained!

Rather than to immediately say there was something wrong with the original advice, I thought I would question it, just in case there was something I wasn't understanding!

In all events, the matter is now cleared up. The diode goes in series with one leg of the zone wiring and not accross the zone wiring.

[Fergie]

Hello Wiz...

I think he meant putting it in series... as you say if you go across the zone wiring you are going to create a short circuit... either when the system is monitoring - or when it goes into alarm - reversing polarity of the circuit.

By putting the diode in series you are effectively polarising the circuit, allowing current flow in one direction only when the system is monitoring.. when the same zone circuit goes into alarm (reverses polarity) the diode will block current flow and therefore prevent the sounders from operating.

A good solution to isolating the sounders but with 20 zones it's a bit of a rigmarole ............... The display on the panel indicates that the panel can be put into test mode but it's a question of how you go about it? With no operating manual and not knowing where I can source one I was hoping that someone could answer my original question of "How to put the panel into test mode"?

Colin Todd mentioned that he works with an ex technical director of PEL and hopefully Colin's colleague will be able to answer the question? Over to you Colin ...............

[JonnyG]

Thanks David.

I was sure that your answer was the correct answer and that is why I started questioning the original advice. Advice is only good when it is correct and clearly explained!

Rather than to immediately say there was something wrong with the original advice, I thought I would question it, just in case there was something I wasn't understanding!

In all events, the matter is now cleared up. The diode goes in series with one leg of the zone wiring and not accross the zone wiring.

That's what I meant!! Sorry to cause confusion.