NOTIFIER® by Honeywell

Fire Alarm System Limitations

While a fire alarm system may lower insurance rates, it is not a substitute for fire insurance!

An automatic fire alarm system, typically composed of smoke detectors, heat detectors, manual pull stations, audible warning devices, and a fire alarm control panel with remote notification capability, can provide early warning of a developing fire. However, such a system does not assure protection against property damage or loss of life resulting from a fire.

The Manufacturer recommends that smoke and/or heat detectors be located throughout a protected premise following the recommendations of the current edition of the National Fire Protection Association Standard 72 (NFPA 72), manufacturer's recommendations, State and local codes, and the recommendations contained in the Guides for Proper Use of System Smoke Detectors. These guides are available at no charge to all installing dealers and can be found at http://www.systemsensor.com/html/applicat.html.

A study by the Federal Emergency Management Agency indicated that smoke detectors may not activate in as many as 35% of all fires. While fire alarm systems are designed to provide early warning against fire, they do not guarantee warning or protection against fire. A fire alarm system may not provide timely or adequate warning, or may simply not function, for various reasons:

• Smoke detectors may not sense fire where smoke cannot reach them, such as in chimneys, in or behind walls, on roofs, or on the other side of closed doors. Smoke detectors also may not sense a fire on another level or floor of a building.
• Smoke particles from a developing fire may not reach the sensing chambers of smoke detectors due to barriers like closed doors or walls, stratification of smoke, air outlets blowing smoke away, or smoke being drawn into air returns.
• The amount of smoke present may be insufficient to trigger the detectors.
• Smoke detectors have sensing limitations; some are better at detecting smoldering fires, while others are better at detecting flaming fires.
• Smoke detectors cannot provide adequate warning for fires caused by arson, children playing with matches, smoking in bed, or violent explosions.

Heat detectors alarm only when heat increases at a predetermined rate or reaches a predetermined level. Rate-of-rise heat detectors may be subject to reduced sensitivity over time and should be tested annually.

IMPORTANT! Smoke detectors must be installed in the same room as the control panel and in rooms used for alarm transmission wiring, communications, signaling, and/or power. Failure to do so may cripple the system's ability to report a fire if the alarm system is damaged.

Audible warning devices may not alert people if they are located behind closed doors or on another floor. Warning devices may also fail to alert individuals with disabilities or those under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. Strobes can, in rare cases, cause seizures. Some individuals may not respond to or comprehend alarm signals. It is the property owner's responsibility to conduct fire drills and training. In rare instances, warning devices can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.

A fire alarm system requires electrical power to operate. If AC power fails, the system operates from standby batteries for a specified time, provided they are properly maintained and replaced.

Equipment used in the system must be technically compatible with the control panel. Only use equipment listed for service with your control panel.

Telephone lines for transmitting alarm signals may be out of service or temporarily disabled. Backup radio transmission systems are recommended for added protection against telephone line failure.

Inadequate maintenance is the most common cause of fire alarm malfunction. Ongoing maintenance is required per manufacturer recommendations and UL and NFPA standards. Written records of all inspections should be kept.

Installation Precautions

Adherence to the following will aid in problem-free installation with long-term reliability:

WARNING - Disconnect all sources of power before servicing. Control unit and associated equipment may be damaged by removing or inserting cards, modules, or interconnecting cables while the unit is energized. Do not attempt to install, service, or operate this unit until manuals are read and understood.

CAUTION - System Re-acceptance Test after Software Changes: To ensure proper system operation, this product must be tested in accordance with NFPA 72 after any programming operation or change in site-specific software. Reacceptance testing is required after any change, addition, or deletion of system components, or after any modification, repair, or adjustment to system hardware or wiring. All components, circuits, system operations, or software functions affected by a change must be 100% tested. Additionally, at least 10% of initiating devices not directly affected by the change (up to a maximum of 50 devices) must be tested to ensure other operations are not inadvertently affected.

This system meets NFPA requirements for operation at 0-49° C / 32-120° F and at a relative humidity of 93% ± 2% RH (non-condensing) at 32° C ± 2° C (90° F ± 3° F). However, extreme temperature ranges and humidity can adversely affect the useful life of the system's standby batteries and electronic components. It is recommended that this system and its peripherals be installed in an environment with a normal room temperature of 15-27° C / 60-80° F.

Verify that wire sizes are adequate for all initiating and indicating device loops. Most devices cannot tolerate more than a 10% I.R. drop from the specified device voltage.

Like all solid-state electronic devices, this system may operate erratically or be damaged when subjected to lightning-induced transients. Proper grounding will reduce susceptibility. Overhead or outside aerial wiring is not recommended due to increased susceptibility to nearby lightning strikes. Consult with the Technical Services Department if any problems are anticipated or encountered.

Disconnect AC power and batteries prior to removing or inserting circuit boards. Failure to do so can damage circuits.

Remove all electronic assemblies prior to any drilling, filing, reaming, or punching of the enclosure. When possible, make all cable entries from the sides or rear. Before making modifications, verify that they will not interfere with battery, transformer, or printed circuit board location.

Do not tighten screw terminals more than 9 in-lbs. Overtightening may damage threads, resulting in reduced terminal contact pressure and difficulty with screw terminal removal.

This system contains static-sensitive components. Always ground yourself with a proper wrist strap before handling any circuits to remove static charges. Use static-suppressive packaging to protect electronic assemblies removed from the unit.

Follow the instructions in the installation, operating, and programming manuals. FACP operation and reliability depend upon proper installation.

FCC Warning

WARNING: This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual may cause interference to radio communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for class A computing devices pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which is designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when devices are operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his or her own expense.

Canadian Requirements

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radiation noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

Le present appareil numerique n'emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites applicables aux appareils numeriques de la classe A prescrites dans le Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des Communications du Canada.

Trademarks and Copyright

HARSH™, NIS™, and NOTI•FIRE-NET™ are trademarks. Acclimate® Plus, FlashScan®, NION®, NOTIFIER®, ONYX®, ONYXWorks®, UniNet®, VeriFire®, and VIEW® are registered trademarks of Honeywell International Inc. Echelon® is a registered trademark and LonWorks™ is a trademark of Echelon Corporation. ARCNET® is a registered trademark of Datapoint Corporation. Microsoft® and Windows® are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.

© Tuesday, August 07, 2012 9:58 am by Honeywell International Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use of this document is strictly prohibited.

Software Downloads

To provide the latest features and functionality in fire alarm and life safety technology, frequent upgrades to the embedded software in our products are made. To ensure that you are installing and programming the latest features, it is strongly recommended to download the most current version of software for each product prior to commissioning any system. Contact Technical Support with any questions about software and the appropriate version for a specific application.

Documentation Feedback

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Section 1: Using This Manual

This manual provides a system design overview for NOTI•FIRE•NET™ version 5.0 and higher. It describes compatible fire alarm devices that can be linked to the network; network requirements and limitations; and configuration details, including those for NFPA Style 4 and Style 7.

CAUTION: ALL EQUIPMENT ON THE NETWORK MUST BE RUNNING THE SAME VERSION OF THE NETWORK SOFTWARE.

For NOTI•FIRE•NET™ networks prior to version 4.0, refer to manual 50257. Refer to section 2.3 on page 10 for version 4.0 information.

1.1 UL 864 9th Edition Compliance

NOTI•FIRE•NET™ Version 5.0 and higher works with products certified to comply with the Standard for Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems, UL 864 9th Edition, as well as products not yet certified. Section 2.3, "UL 8th Edition Only," describes equipment that can comprise a UL 8th Edition compliant network. Operation of a UL 864 9th Edition compliant network with products not tested for UL 864 9th Edition has not been evaluated and requires the approval of the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

1.2 Related Documentation

This table lists equipment that connects directly to NOTI•FIRE•NET™. For information about connecting non-network devices to these network nodes, refer to the installation manual(s) for your system. To gain a complete understanding of specific features or network functions, consult the documentation listed in Table 1.1. The Notifier Document chart (DOC-NOT) provides the current document revision and is included with each shipment of NOTIFIER® products.

Section 2: Network Nodes & Features

2.1 Network Description

NOTI•FIRE•NET™ is a series of modules and products that allow a group of Fire Alarm Control Panels (FACPs) and other control equipment to connect, forming a true peer-to-peer network. Equipment connected to NOTI•FIRE•NET™ and communicating with other equipment via the network is referred to as a network node. The minimum hardware requirement is two nodes connected via wire or fiber optic cable. NOTI•FIRE•NET™ supports up to 103 nodes with a maximum capacity of 201,960 points. It supports up to 54 nodes when configured to circulate live paging from a DVC node. Each network node requires a unique node address and communicates with other nodes via a network interface board. This section provides network-level requirements; refer to specific manuals for details on individual components.

NOTI•FIRE•NET™ requires FACP nodes to use addressable initiating devices or connect non-addressable initiating devices through addressable modules. Compatible devices include initiating & control modules, manual pull stations, and intelligent detectors. Refer to the control panel installation manuals listed in Table 1.1 for model numbers.

The network supports communications over twisted pair wire and fiber optic media using a proprietary communications protocol. Both wire and fiber may exist in the same network when routed through MIB-WF or RPT-WF.

When properly configured, NOTI•FIRE•NET™ is suitable for use as a Protected Premises Fire Alarm System as defined in NFPA 72.

2.2 Network Node Features

On each fire alarm control panel or intelligent annunciator, a network interface board provides the physical connection. All boards must be running the same version of NOTI•FIRE•NET™; equipment running earlier versions can be upgraded.

• DVC/DVC-EM: Occupies a single node address. Requires a DVC, a power supply (ONYX panel or local power supply), and a network communications module (NCM-W or NCM-F) running network version 5.0 or higher.
• NCA-2: Provides a text-based display and control device. Requires cabinet mounting, an NCM-W or NCM-F running network version 5.0 or higher, and a +24 VDC filtered power source. It can interface with various NOTIFIER panels and systems.
• VESDA®: Connects via VESDA Gateway, HLI, and NCM-W or NCM-F. Occupies a single node. Requires an NCA-2 or ONYXWorks-WS when a VESDA-HLI-GW is installed.
• Network Control Station (NCS): Provides a PC-based graphical interface for monitoring and controlling network activity. Available as NCS-W-ONYX or NCS-F-ONYX. Requires a UL-listed PC with the appropriate interface board and software. Table 2.1 lists NCS/Network Version Compatibility.
• ONYXWorks™ Workstation: Provides a PC-based graphical interface for monitoring and controlling network activity. Table 2.2 lists ONYXWorks™/Network Version and Card Compatibility.
• NFS2-3030: Occupies a single node address. Requires a CPU2-3030D/ND, AMPS-24/E power supply, LCM-320, cabinet, and NCM-W or NCM-F running network version 5.0 or higher.
• NFS2-640: Occupies a single node address. Requires basic equipment package, cabinet, and NCM-W or NCM-F running version 4.0 or higher. A primary display is required if not controlled by another node.
• NFS-320: Occupies a single node address. Requires basic equipment package and NCM-W or NCM-F running version 4.0 or higher.

2.3 UL 8th Edition Only

• AFP-200, AFP-300, AFP-400: Connect via NAM-232W/F. Requires FACP's CPU board, power supply, cabinet, and NAM-232W or NAM-232F running version 4.0 or higher. Note: Use of NAM-232 may limit other panel functions.
• AM2020, AFP-1010: Collects information about modules and peripherals. Requires basic equipment package for network use (BE-2020N/1010N), loop interface board, power supply, cabinet, and SIB-NET with MIB-W/F/WF running version 4.0 or higher. Additional requirements exist for NFPA 72 Local Fire Alarm Systems and Central Station applications.
• NFS-3030: Occupies a single node address. Requires CPU-3030D or CPU-3030ND, AMPS-24/E power supply, LCM-320, cabinet, and NCM-W or NCM-F running version 5.0 or higher.
• NFS-640: Occupies a single node address. Requires basic equipment package, cabinet, and NCM-W or NCM-F running version 4.0 or higher.
• Network Control Annunciator (NCA): Provides a text-based display and control device. Requires cabinet mounting, NCM-W or NCM-F running version 4.0 or higher, and a +24 VDC filtered power source.
• Network Control Station (NCS): Provides a PC-based graphical interface. Table 2.3 lists NCS/Network Version Compatibility. NCS versions prior to 2.0 are not supported on NOTI•FIRE•NET™ version 4.0. NCS versions prior to 3.0 are not supported on version 5.0 or higher.

2.4 Network Interface Boards

This section discusses boards physically connected to form the network. Section 2.2 specifies the NOTI•FIRE•NET™ version compatible with each node/board combination.

• NAM-232W, NAM-232F: Provides a physical communication interface between AFP-200/300/400 and the network cable. Each NAM-232 has two communication ports (twisted pair or fiber optic). Must be running version 4.0 or higher.
• NCM-W, NCM-F: Provides a physical communication interface between various NOTIFIER panels (NFS2-3030, NFS-3030, NFS2-640, NFS-640, NFS-320, NCA-2, NCA) and the network cable. Each NCM has two communication ports (twisted pair or fiber optic). Must be running version 4.0 or higher.
• NCS-NCW, NCS-NCF: Component boards within NCS units providing physical communication interface. NCS versions prior to 2.0 are not supported on NOTI•FIRE•NET™ version 4.0. NCS versions prior to 3.0 are not supported on version 5.0 or higher.
• NFN-GW-PC-W, NFN-GW-PC-F: Provide a physical communication interface between the ONYXWorks Workstation and the network cable.
• RPT-W, RPT-F, RPT-WF: Repeaters boost data signals between network nodes, extending communication distances. RPT-WF can pass data between wire and fiber optic segments.
• SIB-NET with MIB-W, MIB-F, or MIB-WF: Provide a physical communication interface between AM2020/AFP-1010 and the network cable. SIB-NET must be running version 4.0 or higher.

2.5 Network Version Upgrades

Information on upgrade kits and procedures for NAM, NCA, NCM, NCS, and SIB-NET components is provided.

Section 3: Network Configurations

3.1 NFPA Style 4 Configurations

NOTI•FIRE•NET™ supports NFPA Style 4 SLC. Under this style, a single fault (open, short, or ground fault) can cause network fragmentation. Each fragment reconfigures to allow communication within the fragment. Figure 3.1 illustrates a Style 4 configuration using twisted pair wire, showing how a wire-to-wire short can lead to communication loss. Figure 3.2 illustrates a fiber-optic Style 4 system break, where a single break can result in loss of communication between nodes in different fragments.

3.2 NFPA Style 7 Configurations

NOTI•FIRE•NET™ also supports NFPA Style 7 SLC. In this style, single faults (open, short, or ground fault) do not cause network fragmentation; communication continues while a trouble condition is displayed. Bus connections are not permitted in a Style 7 system. Figure 3.3 illustrates a Style 7 configuration using twisted pair wire, showing a loop that maintains communication despite a break.

3.3 Configuration Definitions

3.3.1 Point-to-Point Configuration

A point-to-point wiring configuration connects only two nodes/repeaters per segment. Terminating resistors are required at each end of every twisted-pair wire segment. Figure 3.4 illustrates a point-to-point configuration for NFPA Style 4 or Style 7. It is crucial to use the same brand, gauge, and type of wire within a segment to minimize data reflections.

3.3.2 Bus Configuration

A bus wiring configuration connects more than two nodes on the same circuit. Terminating resistors are only needed for the first and last nodes of the bus configuration. Figure 3.5 illustrates a bus configuration (NFPA Style 4 Only). Bus connections have a maximum transmission distance of 100 feet. Figure 3.6 shows a combination wiring configuration using a repeater to connect multiple buildings.

3.4 Terminating Point-to-Point and Bus Configurations

Both point-to-point and bus configurations require end-of-line resistor termination. In a point-to-point circuit, termination occurs at each node/repeater port (Figure 3.7). In a bus circuit, termination occurs only on the first and last nodes/repeaters on the segment (Figure 3.8). Table 3.1 details the on-board terminating resistors and how to enable or disable them.

3.5 Network Wiring for Ground Fault Detection

Due to transformer coupling in the NCM, MIB, or NAM-232, a single ground fault on one wire typically does not affect circuit operation. Ground fault detection is generally not necessary unless required by the Authority Having Jurisdiction. Ground fault detection can be provided by various nodes, including FACPs powered by specific power supplies. Figure 3.9 shows ground fault switches on various interface boards.

3.6 Point-to-Point Ground Fault Detection

In a point-to-point configuration without repeaters, enable ground fault detection in only one of the two nodes. Figures 3.10, 3.11, and 3.12 illustrate different ground fault detection schemes using repeaters, detailing switch settings for enabling or disabling ground fault feed-through.

3.7 Bus Configuration Ground Fault Detection

In a bus configuration, only one node can provide ground fault detection for the entire bus. Figures 3.14 and 3.15 show examples of how to configure ground fault detection in bus configurations, including scenarios with repeaters.

Section 4: Network Wiring Requirements

When designing a NOTI•FIRE•NET™ system, consider the following distance limitations:

1. The length of each individual twisted pair or fiber optic network communication circuit segment is limited.
2. The system path length is limited.

NOTE: Bus configurations have additional distance limits. NOTI•FIRE•NET™ network wiring is power-limited.

4.1 Limit on Circuit Segment Length

The length of each segment (point-to-point or bus) is limited. Figure 4.1 illustrates example circuit wiring layouts. If a required segment length exceeds the limit, a Repeater module must be inserted.

4.1.1 Limit for Twisted Pair Circuits

Table 4.1 specifies the permissible range for each cable segment based on cable manufacturer, part number, gauge, and conductors. It also lists data thresholds and notes that wire length resistance cannot exceed 15 Ohms. Repeaters must be used if the distance exceeds the specified limits.

4.1.2 Limit for Fiber Optic Circuits

The attenuation of fiber optic cabling between two nodes/repeaters is limited. If the distance exceeds the limit, a Repeater module (RPT-F) must be inserted. Attenuation figures for 62.5/125 μm and 50/125 μm cable are provided. Calculations for determining total loss due to cable, connectors, and splices are also included.

4.2 Limit on System Path Length

The total system path length is the distance a signal travels from one end of the network to the other. Figure 4.2 illustrates NOTI•FIRE•NET™ circuit paths. Figure 4.3 shows the time-out threshold related to propagation delay, which becomes significant in extremely large networks. The graph helps determine acceptable node/repeater counts based on proposed system path lengths and wire types.

Appendix A: FCC Considerations

To comply with FCC regulations regarding radio frequency emissions, a ferrite cylinder (NOTIFIER PN 29087) must be installed on every twisted pair circuit connected to a MIB-W and MIB-WF. Figure A.1 shows the installation of the ferrite cylinder on the SIB-NET, detailing how to thread the wiring through the cylinder and secure it.

Manufacturer Warranties and Limitation of Liability

Manufacturer warrants products manufactured in Northford, Connecticut, to be free from defects in material and workmanship for thirty-six months from the date of manufacture. This warranty is void if the product is altered, serviced, or repaired by unauthorized personnel, or if maintenance is not performed properly. Manufacturer disclaims all other warranties, express or implied, including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Manufacturer is not liable for personal injury or death arising from the use of its products. This document constitutes the only warranty and replaces all previous warranties. Manufacturer does not represent that its products will prevent any loss by fire or otherwise.

Warranty Claims: Manufacturer will replace or repair defective parts returned by authorized Distributors, provided all charges are prepaid and the Distributor has completed the Return Material Authorization form. The replacement part may be new or refurbished. This is the Distributor's sole and exclusive remedy for warranty claims.

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Phone: 203-484-7161 | Fax: 203-484-7118

Website: www.notifier.com