1.

0 VESDA ASPIRATING SMOKE DETECTION SYSTEMS

1.1.0 General Description of VESDA Aspirating Smoke Detection System

VESDA aspirating smoke detection systems work by continuously drawing air into a distributed pipe network via a high-
efficiency aspirator. The air sample then passes through a dual-stage filter. The first stage removes dust and dirt from
the air sample before it enters the laser detection chamber. The second, ultra-fine stage provides an additional clean-air
supply to keep the detectors optical surfaces free from contamination, ensuring stable calibration and long detector life
as well as minimizing nuisance alarms.

From the filter, the air sample goes through the calibrated detection chamber where it is exposed to a laser light source.
When smoke is present, light is scattered within the detection chamber and is instantly identified by the highly sensitive
receiver system. The signal is then processed and presented via a bar-graph display, alarm threshold indicators and/or
graphic display. VESDA detectors are able to communicate this information to a fire alarm control panel, a software
management system, or a building management system via relays or a High Level Interface.

Aspirated smoke detection (or air-sampling smoke detection" (ASD)) systems are quite different from conventional
spot type smoke detectors. For open-area protection, aspirated systems typically comprise a number of pipes laid out
above or below a ceiling in parallel runs, some meters apart. Small holes, also some meters apart, are drilled into each
pipe to form a matrix of holes ('sampling points'), providing an even distribution across the ceiling. Air or smoke is
drawn into the pipework through the holes and onward to a very sensitive smoke detector mounted nearby, using the
suction pressure of an aspirator/fan or air pump. For specific object or cabinet protection, the sampling points can be
fed into and around the equipment with flexible capillary tubes.

The VESDA aspirated smoke detector is a refined form of air pollution monitor, which has sensitivity several hundreds of
times higher than conventional smoke detectors, yet due to quality of design, optics and electronics its false alarm rate
is exceptionally low. VESDA detectors monitor for the early symptoms of overheating materials, and provide early
indications of thermal events and fire risks possibly hours before a fire develops. In this way, very early warning allows
plenty of time for human intervention, or automatic intervention by the operation of an electric circuit breaker for
example (which removes the source of heat - electric current). The primary role of aspirated smoke detection is,
therefore, fire prevention.

One particular feature of the VESDA system is its flexibility in the setting of its sensitivity. The detector alarm levels can
be set from 0.005% Obscuration/m to 20% Obscuration/m. Obscuration is the effect that smoke has on reducing
visibility. Higher concentrations of smoke result in higher obscuration levels, lowering visibility. The first three levels
would be set in the usual manner. For example, in a relatively clean environment ALERT might be configured at
0.03%/m, ACTION at 0.06%/m and FIRE1 at 0.12%/m. There is then the opportunity to set the fourth level of alarm,
FIRE2 (at 7%/m for example), acting as confirmation of a serious fire event, with the option to activate a suppression
system at that point. The provision of these programmable alarm levels allows development of a comprehensive
emergency response strategy, for example the Alert alarm condition may be used to call local staff to investigate an
abnormal condition. Should the smoke condition escalate then the Action alarm condition can be used to automatically
initiate smoke control, begin a warning sequence via the voice alarm system and alert further staff members via paging
or SMS to mobile phones. Automatic shutdown of electrical systems and initiation of redundant systems may be
commenced at this stage. The FIRE1 level indicates that a serious fire condition is imminent, and it is at this stage that
the building Fire Alarm Control Panel is activated and the signal transmitted to the local monitoring company or fire
department. The FIRE2 Alarm level will activate once the level of smoke is significant enough to calculate that a very
serious fire is progressing and therefore suppression systems can be activated. This one product can provide very early
warning as well as initiate suppression at a much later stage.

A unique aspect of VESDA detection is the consistency of operation over the life of the detector. Because of the quality
of the sensor design and the unique and patented mechanisms for avoiding contamination of the optics, VESDA
detectors can provide what is termed "absolute smoke detection". VESDA detector do not use drift compensation or
relative scaling methods. Such methods, seek to adjust the smoke alarm thresholds established at the time of
commissioning to accommodate contamination of the optics. Such contamination causes an indeterminate but
noticeable combination of lost detector gain (reduced sensor sensitivity) and an increased reported background signal
level (sensor noise). Depending on the balance of these two effects and the details of the compensation method, such
detectors provide a reduced sensitivity to incipient fires and an increased risk of nuisance alarms. Safety margins can be
lost without notice. With protected optics and absolute smoke detection, VESDA detectors are able to operate without
the need for smoke alarm threshold adjustment. The thresholds established through good engineering and set during
commissioning (perhaps to a corporate standard for the risk type) remain as set. No need for re-calibration. No risk of
loss of sensitivity over time. Assurance of repeatability and availability.

The performance of the system depends on the pipe network designed for the site. Any alteration to the pipe network
may alter the performance of the system. The ASPIRE design tool is to be used to verify the suitability of any pipe
network design.

1.2.0 Installation of Vesda Detector

1.2.1 Check Procedure before Installation

(a) Do not install your Vesda Detector if there are any signs of shipping damage to the product. Inform your
distributor if there is any damage.

(b) Check the model of the Detector is correct as per the design specifications for the site.

Refer to the model number located on the product and approvals label attached at the bottom of the detector.
(c) Identify the location where the detector is to be mounted. The Detector can be mounted on a wall or a suitable
secure surface. There are two allowable mounting positions for the Detector as shown in Figure 1. Normal
Orientation: Mounting the detector with the inlet air ports on the top right hand side of the box and the
exhaust airport at the bottom. Inverted Orientation: Mounting the detector with the inlet air ports at the
bottom left hand side of the box and the exhaust airport on the top.
(d) Verify that the selected mounting location is suitable to fit the detector by test fitting the
Detector on to the actual mounting position. Ensure there is 150mm of clear space around the air inlet,
exhaust and cable entry ports to allow for pipe and cable entry.
(e) Verify that the cable entry points and the sampling air pipes are at its correct locations.
(f) Determine the type of fasteners required for attaching the mounting bracket onto the mounting surface. The
size of the mounting holes on the mounting bracket is 6mm. (15/64in).

Note: For detectors mounted in the Inverted Orientation position, the display and/or programmer modules have to be
rotated 180. Refer to Section 6.4 for procedure to rotate the modules. The position of the Programmer and Display
modules can be interchanged.
 Fig. 1

1.2.2 Removal of Front Cover

(a) Insert a 4mm x 1mm flat blade screwdriver (A) into notch. Refer to Figure 2.

(b) Gently open the blank plate (B) with the screwdriver.

(c) Lift out the two screw covers (C) with a flat blade screwdriver.

(d) Use a Philips head screwdriver and remove the four retaining screws (D).

Screws are captive and are retained within the front cover. Refer to Figure 2.

(e) When the front cover is opened, there are two plastic straps joining the cover to the enclosure.

(f) If the front cover is to be separated from the enclosure do the following:-

On the rear of the front cover or on the enclosure side, twist the plastic strap 90 and slip strap out through slot.

Locate the cable loom that connects the central processor card to the back of a display or programmer module that is
located on the front cover. On the back of the programmer or display module, disconnect this cable connector from its
socket (labelled Term) if present.

Note: Mark this connector and socket before removing if you are unsure of the wiring.
Figure 2: Removing the Blank Plate, Screw Covers, Retaining Screws, Programmer and Display Modules.

Figure 3 Components inside Detector Enclosure

1.2.3 Display and Programmer Module Orientation

The detector is shipped from the factory with the display, programmer and/or blank plates positioned in the normal
orientation. Refer to Figure 1. If the detector is to be mounted in the inverted orientation, perform the following steps
to rotate the modules.

(a) Remove the front cover .

(b) Locate the cable loom that connects the Central Processor Card to the display or
(c) Programmer module located on the font cover. Remove this cable connector from its socket.
(d) Insert a 4mm wide x 1mm flat blade screwdriver into gap between module and front cover . Refer to Figure 2.
(e) Gently lever screwdriver to lift out modules.
(f) Rotate modules 180 and gently re-insert into the same compartment until modules are flush with the front
cover. Refer to Figure 3 for orientation. Ensure the metal fingers are located on the exterior of the
Display/Programmer.
(g) Re-connect the cable loom to the socket (labelled Term) on the display or programmer module.

1.2.4 Removal of Metal Knockout Holes for Cable Entry

(a) Determine the cable entry holes to be used. Refer to Figure 4.

(b) Using the ball end of a small hammer, gently tap onto the required knockout holes to break away the metal
pieces.
(a) OR Punch out the knockout holes with the blade of a screwdriver or a punch tool.

1.2.5 Exhaust Port Options

There are three exhaust air outlet positions (Bottom, Rear and Left Side) located on the exhaust air manifold. Refer to
Figure 4. Any of these outlets may be used to vent the air into the atmosphere or back to the fire zone. Select an
appropriate exhaust outlet to suit the site condition and remove the appropriate plug with a screwdriver.

If the side exhaust is to be used perform the following:

a) Punch out the knockout hole located on the left side of the enclosure with the ball end of a small hammer or a
screwdriver (A).
b) To remove the plug (B), insert a screwdriver into the slot on the plug and turn.
c) Run a 25mm (1in) pipe through the side hole and insert the pipe into the exhaust port ensuring there is a firm
fit.
d) Do not glue this pipe to the exhaust port.

Caution: Do not remove the plug located at outlet (B) if there is no pipe attached to this outlet.
Figure 4 Exhaust Port Options and location of Cable Entry Ports

1.2.6 Securing the Mounting Bracket

Warning: Make sure that there are no electrical wires or plumbing behind the mounting position
before drilling. Ensure the mounting position is flat.

a) Remove the drilling template from the centre page of this manual.

b) Determine the orientation for the detector (Normal or Inverted Orientation). Place the drilling
template onto its mounting location in the correct orientation and drill out the appropriate holes.
Refer to the drilling template for orientation.

c) Use the appropriate fasteners to suit the mounting surface. Secure the bracket to the surface.

1.2.7 Attaching the Detector onto the Bracket

(a) Determine the required orientation for the Laser PLUS. Refer to Figure 3 for orientation.

(b) Place the three bridges located on the rear of the detector onto the three lances located on the
mounting bracket. Refer to Figure 5.

(c) Push the detector downwards until it locks onto the lances and engages the fitting dimples.

(d) Check the unit does not slip off its bracket.
(e) To remove, push the detector upwards and pull away from wall.

(f ) To prevent unwanted removal of the detector, insert screws into the keyhole slot a location
shown on template and tighten screw. Drill out these holes before mounting the detector onto its
mounting bracket by using the mounting template to locate the screw hole position. Insert at least
one screw through the key hole slots located in the Termination Card compartment.

Figure 5 Mounting the Detector onto the Mounting Bracket

1.3.0 Connecting the Air Sampling Pipe

The air inlet ports are designed to fit a standard pipe of 25mm (1in) OD. A tapering of the air inlet
ports prevent the pipes from being inserted beyond 15mm (5/8in).

Any of the four inlet ports may be used. Ensure that the correct pipes in use are selected when
programming the detector.

Note: There must be a length of 500mm (19.6in) of straight pipes before terminating the pipes at
the air inlet ports of the detector.

Note: When using a inch pipe which has a 1 1/16 inch OD, use the adaptors supplied with the
Laser PLUS to connect the pipes to the inlet manifold.

a) De-burr and square off the end of the sampling air pipes. Ensure the pipes are free from
swarf.

b) Remove the plugs from the inlet and exhaust ports. Do not remove the plugs from the
inlet ports if the ports are not used.
 c) Insert the pipes into the inlet and/or exhaust ports ensuring a firm fit. DO NOT glue these
pipe connections.

d) Pipe the exhaust air where necessary.

1.4.0 Installation of Network Pipe-line

The materials used for the Network Pipe-line are UPVC Pipe ,UPVC Fittings and Solvent Glue.

The following procedure MUST be followed:

1. The pipe must be cut square. Cutting the pipe as squarely as possible provides a maximum
bonding area. The pipe can be cut easily with a wheel-type plastic tubing cutter or fine
Toothed Saw. Care must be taken not to split the pipe if a ratchet type cutter is used,
particularly at colder temperatures.

2. Remove all burrs and filings, and place a slight bevel on the pipe end. A file or chamfering
tool is suitable for this purpose. A proper bevel will ease entry of the pipe into the fitting
socket and prevent solvent cement from being wiped from the joining surface during
assembly.

3. Wipe loose dirt and moisture from the fitting socket and pipe end by using clean dry rag.
Check the dry fit of the components being joined to ensure compatibility. The pipe should
enter the fitting socket 1/4 to 3/4 of the way. If the pipe bottoms with little interference fit
use extra solvent cement when making the joint.

4. Using the appropriate size applicator (a dauber or natural bristle brush 1/2 the size of the
pipe diameter being joined) apply a heavy even coat of one-step cement to the outside pipe
end while working into the surface. Apply a medium coat of cement to the fitting socket. If
there was little interference during the dry fit apply a second coat of cement to the pipe end at
this time. It is important to work quickly so that the cement is still liquid(to allow surfaces to
slide)when pipe and fitting are assembled.

5. Immediately insert the pipe completely into the fitting socket while rotating the pipe
turn. Properly align the fitting for installation at this time. The pipe must bottom to the fitting
stop. Hold the assembly for 10 to 15 seconds to ensure initial bonding. A continuous bead of
cement should be evident around the joint.

6. Wipe-off excessive cement with a rag (excessive cement can cause over softening resulting in
damage). The assembly must be allowed to set without any stress on the joint for 1 to 5 minutes.
7. The assemblies must be allowed to cure properly prior use. Cure times are a

Function of pipe size, temperature, humidity and tightness of fit.