Global Fire Equipment

Fault Finding

Probable causes of "earth leakage" fault.

The causes of this failure may be as follows:

1. Improper device wiring to the ground.
2. Damaged devices in the loops or sounder circuits.
3. Problems in the electrical main supply to the panel.
4. Humidity in the installation wiring.
5. Failure of the panel hardware.

How does the "earth leakage" fault appears?

This fault condition arises when there is a leakage current between any wiring connected to the panel and ground where the panel is connected.

How to diagnose "earth leakage" fault?

To diagnose this fault condition follow these steps:

1. Disconnect all cables connected to the panel and supply it only through the batteries.
2. Wait about 5 minutes and check the earth leakage fault persists.
3. Check voltage between Earth and ground terminals. This value must be between 6V and 8V DC, if not, the motherboard needs to be inspected at GFE.
4. If the test of section 3 has been satisfactory connect the main power 230 VAC and repeat the test of point 3, if the value is out of limits the problem is in the mains power supply.
5. Connect a set of cables (loop, sounder circuit, communication, etc) to the panel one-by-one, repeating the test of point 3 until the measured voltage is not correct, then you have found the location of the fault.
6. Locate the cause of the failure by checking the possible causes listed related FAQ.

Panels

Which cable cross section is recommended to the detection loops?

You should always use shielded cable of the type appropriate for fire detection installations. Please note that cable types are also regulated by local authorities/ standards.

As a rule of thumb you should use:
a) 0,8 mm² for loop lengths up to 500 m
b) 1.0 mm² for loop lengths up to 800 m
c) 1.5 mm² for loop lengths up to 1200 m
d) 2.5 mm² for loop lengths up to 1500 m

Mentioned loop lengths include return to the main panel.

What is the maximum length for a detection loop in a GFE analog panel?

The maximum recommended length is approximately 1200 m, but this value depends largely on the cable cross section and the load of the devices in that loop. We developed the GFE LOOP CALCULATOR software where it is possible to verify if your system has an appropriate loop length.

What is the maximum length for a conventional zone in a ORION panel?

The maximum length is 500 meters.

Detectors

How can the analog value of a detector be checked?

GFE detectors are analogue detectors and hence transmit an analogue value to the panel corresponding to the quantity of smoke or heat being measured. The value can be monitored on function 7.1.

Power Supply Unit

What's the maximum internal battery capacity (A/h) which can be fitted into GFE panels?

The maximum batteries capacity depends on the equipment as follows:

• JUNO-NET main panel, repeater and extrenal sub-panels: 12 A/h
• JUNIOR V4 panel: 7 A/h
• ORION panel: 7 A/h
• ORION-MINI panel: 1,2 A/h
• GFE-BCM-3 psu: 7 A/h
• GFE-BCM-5/10 psu: 12 A/h
• BCM-10 charger module: 40 A/h

GFE LOOP& BATTERY CALCULATOR software enables calculation of required batteries for GFE addressable systems.

Sounders & Beacons

What is the available address range for analog sounders?

Sounders with individual programming must be addressed between 94 and 125.

Software

Which hardware it is necessary to implement ODYSSEY?

The hardware depends of the used communication technology according to the following:

• Connection via RS-232 to short distances (maximum 3 m).
This system can only be used when connecting just 1 JUNO NET or panel to ODYSSEY.
1) J-NET-QUART
2) J-NET-ADV-COMS-RS232-RS485 but with RS232 IC’s fitted
3) Serial cable connecting Panel to PC’s serial port directly

• Connection via RS-485 to long distance (maximum 1200 m).
1) J-NET-QUART
2) J-NET-ADV-COMS-RS232-RS485 but with RS485 ICs fitted
3) RS232-to-RS485 converter from BB Electronics to be fitted at the PC
4) Cable interconnecting panels and Converter

• Connection via Fiber Optics to longer distance (maximum 4000 m).
1) J-NET-QUART
2) J-NET-ADV-COMS-FO
3) RS232-to-Fibre Optics converter from BB Electronics (FOSTC) to be fitted at the PC
4) Fiber optic Cable interconnecting panel and Converter. Terminations are ST type and fiber has to be type multimode 125/62.5 um

• Connection via TCP/IP using LAN (Local Area Networks).
1) J-NET-QUART
2) J-NET-ADV-COMS-TCP/IP
3) Computer (PC) needs to be fitted with an Ethernet board

What is the purpose of the ODYSSEY software?

This application is a PC based remote supervision solution that allows graphical control and monitoring of up to 64 fire detection systems comprising by GFE range of addressable panels.

How to establish communication through GFE CONNECTOR software?

To establish communication (mode 1) check the following points:

• Disconnect all panels, sub-panels and repeaters, this should be done with the panel completely off.
• The cable length should not exceed 1,5 meters.
• The cable must of extension type.
• Confirm if the selected PC serial port will be used to communicate.
• Confirm that no other application is using that communication port, if so quit the application and restart the PC.
• Confirm that the red TX LED is switching on the JUNIOR panel motherboard or on the JUNO NET Con board.
• Access function 8-4-2 in order to enable communication with the main panel.
• Begin the required process (download/upload) in the GFE CONNECTOR software.

What are the features of GFE CONNECTOR software?

There are 3 operating modes available:

1. Programming mode, which allows you to configure and program and download it to the panel.
2. Online mode that shows the addressable devices present in the detection loops.
3. Firmware update mode.

How can I get the GFE support software tools?

The most recent versions are available through our website. In order to gain access to the downloads section you will need to be a registered user.

What are the available GFE support software tools?

The available softwares are the GFE CONNECTOR, GFE LOOP&BATTERY CALCULATOR and GFE VALKYRIE VOX LOADER. All these softwares are freeware.

FAQs