C-TEC Fire Alarm Isolator for Auxiliary Devices, +24 VDC Output BF367

Overview

Fire alarm panels often drive other equipment. During testing, nobody wants a test to dial out or drop a shutter.

This C-TEC plate sits in that output, away from the panel, so the link can be taken out of action where the work is happening.

How it works

• In and out: the connections are OV, SW In and SW Out. Follow C-TEC's instructions for the wiring.
• Monitored outputs: monitoring means the panel checks a circuit for faults. On a monitored output, isolating shows as a fault condition at the fire panel.
• Amber LED: it needs 10mA @ 27.6 VDC to light, which is worth allowing for.

Where to use it

It keeps autodiallers, water sprinklers and rollershutters from activating. It is useful beside that equipment, or wherever a test engineer works.

With IP40 and an operating range of -10ºC to +60ºC, it belongs in a dry location. As a rule, IP40 gives no protection against water.

What the figures mean in practice

• Resistive and inductive: the switching figure halves from 3A to 1.5A with an inductive load, such as a motor or solenoid. Use the lower figure for those.
• 5A Absolute Max: this is a non-switching limit, so it is not a figure to switch at.
• 30V DC: the switching figures are for this voltage only, so do not plan mains loads on it.

Installing it

At D 19mm the plate adds little to the wall. Use the 'write on' area to record the equipment location, so the next engineer knows what it controls.

The back box sizes guide explains why box depth matters when an accessory needs to sit flat.

Planning your system

Check the panel's output is +24 VDC, and check the load against the switching figures first.

An isolated output can leave a safety function out of service, so agree the procedure with whoever is responsible for the system. The guide to commercial fire alarm systems covers how a design begins, and the range of fire alarm accessories holds other interface parts.