ALERTON VisualLogic BACtalk UL 864 Instruction Manual

Smoke Control System Guidelines
© Honeywell International Inc. All Rights Reserved. LTBT-MAN-Smoke Rev.0006
BACtalk Systems

Smoke Control System Guidelines
|
BACtalk Systems
© Honeywell International Inc. All Rights Reserved. LTBT-MAN-Smoke Rev.0006
Important safety information and installation
precautions
Read all instructions
Failure to follow all instructions may result in equipment damage or a hazardous condition. Read all instructions
carefully before installing equipment.
Local codes and practices
Always install equipment in accordance with the National Electrical Code NFPA 72, where applicable, and in a
manner acceptable to the local authority having jurisdiction.
Electrostatic sensitivity
This product and its components may be susceptible to electrostatic discharge (ESD). Use appropriate ESD
grounding techniques while handling the product. When possible, always handle the product by its non-electrical
components.
High voltage safety test
Experienced electricians, at first contact, always assume that hazardous voltages may exist in any wiring
system. A safety check using a known, reliable voltage measurement or detection device should be made
immediately before starting work and when work resumes.
Lightning and high-voltage danger
Most electrical injuries involving low-voltage wiring result from sudden, unexpected high voltages on normally
low-voltage wiring. Low-voltage wiring can carry hazardous high voltages under unsafe conditions. Never install
or connect wiring or equipment during electrical storms. Improperly protected wiring can carry a fatal lightning
surge for many miles. All outdoor wiring must be equipped with properly grounded and listed signal circuit
protectors, which must be installed in compliance with local, applicable codes. Never install wiring or equipment
while standing in water.
Wiring and equipment separations
All wiring and controllers must be installed to minimize the possibility of accidental contact with other, potentially
hazardous and disruptive power and lighting wiring. Never place 24VAC or communications wiring near other
bare power wires, lightning rods, antennas, transformers, or steam or hot water pipes. Never place wire in any
conduit, box, channel, duct or other enclosure containing power or lighting circuits of any type. Always provide
adequate separation of communications wiring and other electrical wiring according to code. Keep wiring and
controllers at least six feet from large inductive loads (power distribution panels, lighting ballasts, motors, etc.).
Failure to follow these guidelines can introduce electrical interference and cause the system to operate
erratically.
Warning
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class A digital device, pursuant to part
15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
© 2008 Honeywell Intl. All Rights Reserved.
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Redmond, WA 98052 USA
Phone: [phone] FAX: [phone]
Web Site: www.alerton.com E-mail: [email protected]
All information in this document is provided as is without warranty of any kind. Honeywell Intl. reserves the right
to change any information herein without prior notice. No guarantees are given as to the accuracy of information.
Trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and
names or their products. Alerton, BACtalk, and their logos are registered trademarks and VisualLogic is a
trademark of Honeywell Intl. Honeywell Intl. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names
other than its own.
Questions, corrections, comments?
To improve our information products and better serve our readers, your feedback is vital. If you have any
questions, corrections, or comments about this publication or any other Alerton information products, please
send e-mail to [email protected].
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Smoke Control System Guidelines
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Contents
LTBT-MAN-Smoke Rev.0006 © Honeywell International Inc. All Rights Reserved. 3
Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 5
How to use this manual 5
Abbreviations used in this manual 6
References 6
Chapter 2: Smoke control: an overview 7
What is a smoke control system? 8
Systems and applications 8
System activation 9
Dedicated systems and non-dedicated systems 9
System implementation 10
Building equipment and controls 13
HVAC air-handling systems 13
Controls 14
Chapter 3: Alerton smoke control solutions 17
Basic smoke control approach 17
Smoke control components 18
BTI-S global controller 19
VLC-1188-S field controller 21
VLC-16160-S field controller 22
VAV-SD-S field controller 22
VAV-DD7-S field controller 23
Firefighters Smoke Control Station 23
Ethernet switch 24
Data line protector 24
Printer 25
Other system components 25
Installation guidelines 26
Connection between the FSCS, FACU, and BTI-S 26
Power 26
Network isolation 26
Connections for end-process verification 27
Wiring diagrams 28
Typical sequence of operation (zone control) 34
Operational concerns of NFPA 92A 35
Chapter 4: Smoke control applications 37
Warehouse example 38
Warehouse smoke control system components 40
Implementing the solution 41
High-rise example 42
High-rise smoke control system components 46
Implementing a high-rise smoke control solution 47
Chapter 5: Smoke control programming 49
Programming overview 50
BTI-S programming 50
Programming with a secondary BTI-S 51
BTI-S and FSCS interface 51

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Scheduled testing for dedicated equipment 52
Monitoring system integrity 52
Printing events 52
Chapter 6: Appendix 55
FSCS ordering information 55
Ethernet switch ordering information 55
Printer ordering information 56
Transformer selection information 56
Supplier contact information 56

5
Introduction 1
This document provides information that dealers, sales engineers, project
engineers, and others need to sell, design, engineer, install, and commission smoke
control systems that comply with the Underwriters Laboratories UL 864/UUKL
Smoke Control System Equipment. The document includes information and
guidelines to configure Alerton system components to meet the requirements of
UL.
UUKL is the standards that UL uses to identify products listed under UL 864 as
Smoke Control System Equipment. Products in this category can be installed with
heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment to make up a smoke
control system in accordance with NFPA 92A, Recommended Practice for Smoke-
Control Systems, 2000 Edition. Additional construction and reliability concerns,
not covered in NFPA 92A, are derived from similar requirements governing Fire
Alarm Control Units, as described in Standard UL 864.
This document describes general smoke control concepts and practices based on
NFPA 92A. It also describes the function and interconnection of Alerton products
with other smoke control equipment and HVAC equipment.
Important Every building is different and every smoke control solution is
unique to the building. Each implementation is governed by the local authority
having jurisdiction (AHJ) and applicable codes.
How to use this manual
Use this information to comply with UL 864/UUKL Smoke Control System
Equipment when designing and implementing smoke control systems using the
Alerton components described in this document.
Note NFPA 92A is a Recommended Practice rather than a Code or Standard.
Because the UUKL Listing is based on this Recommended Practice, it is less
stringent than an NFPA Standard. This gives the system designer considerable
latitude in the design and implementation of a smoke control system (within the
constraints of the local authority having jurisdiction and local codes).
Summary of manual contents
This manual contains the following chapters:
Chapter 1 Introduction This chapter describes how to use this manual and
provides references to other documents, codes, and standards that relate to smoke
control systems.
Chapter 2 Smoke control: an overview This chapter summarizes the concepts
and recommendations that are detailed in NFPA 92A.

Smoke Control System Guidelines
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6© Honeywell International Inc. All Rights Reserved. LTBT-MAN-Smoke Rev.0006
Chapter 3 Alerton smoke control solutions This chapter describes Alerton’s
approach to smoke control and the Alerton components that can be used to
perform smoke control functions.
Chapter 4 Smoke control applications This chapter provides examplesof how
to implement smoke control systems using Alerton components.
Chapter 5 Smoke control programming This chapter provides guidelines and
recommendations for programming an effective smoke control system using
Alerton components.
Appendix Refer to this appendix for ordering and transformer selection
information.
Abbreviations used in this manual
The following table defines abbreviations used in this manual.
References NFPA 92A Recommended Practice for Smoke Control Systems, 2000 Edition
NFPA 92B Guide for Smoke Management Systems in Malls, Atria, and Large
Areas, 2000 Edition
UL 864 Control Units for Fire-Protective Signaling Systems, 1996 Edition
UL 916 Energy Management Equipment, 1998 Edition
Alerton BTI-S Installation and Operations Guide (LTBT-TM-BTIS)
Alerton VLC Installation & Wiring Guide (LTBT-TM-VLC)
Table 1 Abbreviations
Abbreviation Definition
AHJ Authority having jurisdiction
AHU Air-handling unit
AV Analog value
BTI-S BACtalk Integrator for smoke control applications
BV Binary value
DDC Direct digital control
FACU Fire Alarm Control Unit
FSCS Firefighters’ Smoke Control Station
FSD Fire signaling device
MS/TP Master-Slave/Token Passing
VAV Variable air volume
VLC VisualLogic Controller

7
Smoke control: an overview 2
The information in this chapter is based upon the recommended practices described
in NFPA 92A, Recommended Practice for Smoke-Control Systems, 2000 Edition.
For complete information, refer to that document.
All fires produce smoke, which can spread through a building, causing property
damage and potentially endangering life. Following these guidelines and working
with the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) are both critical to maximizing the
protection afforded by a smoke control system. A smoke control system is
designed to inhibit the flow of smoke into protected areas. These areas can then
provide refuge or additional time for escape.
Generally, smoke movement follows the overall air movement in a building. Even
when the fire itself is confined, smoke can easily spread to adjacent areas through
openings such as construction cracks, pipes, ducts, and open doors. The expanding
gases from the fire drive the smoke through these small openings. Stack effect also
causes smoke to move into other areas. Created by the difference in the inside and
outside temperature of the building, stack effect causes air to rise in a building.
The main factors that cause smoke to spread are stack effect, temperature effect of
fire, weather conditions (for example, wind and temperature), and mechanical air-
handling systems. These factors cause pressure differences across partitions, walls,
and floors that can result in the spread of smoke.
Changing these pressure differences can control smoke movement. You can use
building components, such as walls, floors, doors, dampers, fans, and smokeproof
stairwells, to achieve these pressure changes. You can also use HVAC systems to
help control the movement of smoke. Well-planned building design and tight
construction are essential to smoke control.
There are two basic principles that apply to smoke control:
• Air pressure differences of sufficient magnitude acting across barriers will
inhibit smoke movement.
• Air flow by itself will control smoke movement if the average air velocity
is great enough.

Smoke Control System Guidelines
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8© Honeywell International Inc. All Rights Reserved. LTBT-MAN-Smoke Rev.0006
What is a smoke control system?
An overall smoke control system is a complete system engineered to
accommodate a specific installation. Either the smoke control system designer or
another responsible party should provide a specific installation diagram that
shows how to connect smoke control equipment to the HVAC and other system
equipment. The local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) is responsible for
approving equipment, an installation, or a procedure and giving permission to
occupy a building.
There is some latitude in system design as long as the local AHJ is in agreement.
Early in the design process, the system designer and the AHJ should review and
agree upon the expected performance of the system and acceptance test
procedures.
Note Smoke control systems are complex. They should be designed by trained
and qualified engineers.
The objectives of a smoke control system include:
• Maintaining a safe, tenable environment in emergency exit routes and
areas of refuge while a facility is evacuated
• Containing the smoke within the fire area and minimizing its migration
and damage to other areas of the facility
• Providing conditions outside the fire area where emergency operations,
such as evacuation, fire control, and rescue, can be performed
• Protecting life and minimizing property loss
Systems and applications
There are a variety of ways to implement a smoke control system, which present
various advantages and disadvantages. Determine system objectives and
performance criteria before beginning design or construction.
All smoke control systems share these characteristics:
• Tenable environment
• System integrity
• Pressure differences
Tenable environment A key feature of a smoke control system is to provide a
tenable environment outside of the area in which the fire is located. A tenable
environment may not be entirely smoke free, but smoke and heat are limited or
restricted to a level that is not life threatening. This area can be used to protect
occupants during evacuation or to provide an area of refuge.
System integrity Smoke control systems should be designed, installed, and
maintained so that the system remains effective during evacuation of the
protected areas. Other factors may dictate that the system remain effective for a
longer period of time. These factors include reliability of power sources,
arrangement of power distribution, equipment materials and construction, and
building occupancy.

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Pressure differences Air pressure differences provide the mechanism that
contains smoke within the smoke zone and prevents smoke from moving into
other zones. NFPA 92A provides guidelines for recommended pressure
differences across smoke barriers and doors.
The pressure differences that smoke control systemsproduce can fluctuate due to
the wind, fan pulsations, doors opening, doors closing, and other factors. In most
cases, intermittent deviations up to 50 percent of the recommended minimum
design pressure difference are acceptable.
System activation Smoke control systems should be activated during the early stages of a fire
emergency. This limits the movement of fire gases and helps maintain a tenable
environment in the areas to be protected. There are two types of system
activation:
• Automatic – An alarm condition from a fire detection device, such as a
smoke detector or heat detector, or from a Fire Alarm Control Unit
(FACU), activates an automatic, preprogrammed sequence of events in
the smoke control system.
• Manual – An authorized person manually activates specific smoke
control functions (not a preprogrammed sequence of events) at the
Firefighters’ Smoke Control Station (FSCS).
For more information, see “System activation and deactivation” on page 14.
Dedicated systems and non-dedicated systems
Dedicated smoke control systems are installed for the sole purpose of providing
smoke control. They are separate systems of air moving and distribution
equipment that don’t perform any function under normal building conditions.
Upon activation, these systems operate specifically to perform smoke control
functions.
Advantages of dedicated systems include:
• Operation and control of the system is usually simpler than a non-
dedicated system
• Reliance on or impact by other building systems is limited
• Modification of system controls after installation is less likely
Disadvantages of dedicated systems include:
• System impairments may go undiscovered between periodic tests or
maintenance
• Systems may require more physical space
Non-dedicated systems share components with other systems such as the
building HVAC system. Activation causes the system to change its mode of
operation to perform smoke control functions.
For example, the central air handler for a building may serve several smoke
control zones. Under normal HVAC operation, this air handler adjusts the
outdoor, exhaust, and return air dampers to maintain a desired temperature.

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During smoke control operation, the functions of the air handler change. The
system may drive the outdoor and exhaust air dampers fully open and the return
air damper fully closed to provide the maximum amount of outdoor air and
building exhaust, which are used for smoke control and evacuation.
Advantages of non-dedicated systems include:
• Impairments to shared equipment required for normal building
operation are likely to be corrected promptly
• Limited additional space for smoke control equipment is needed
Disadvantages of non-dedicated systems include:
• System control can become elaborate
• Modifications of shared equipment or control strategies and sequences
of operations may inadvertently impair smoke control functionality
System implementation
Smoke control systems are generally designed for one of two uses: shaft
protection and floor protection. Shaft protection consists of stairwell
pressurization systems and elevator hoistway systems. Floor protection consists
of a variety of zoned smoke control systems. Choosing a particular system or
combination of systems depends upon the building, fire code requirements,
occupancy, and life safety requirements of the specific building.
Stairwell pressurization
The primary objective of pressurized stairwells is to provide a tenable
environment within the stairwell in the event of a building fire. This helps
provide an evacuation route for building occupants. A secondary objective is to
provide a staging area for firefighters.
On the floor where the fire exists, a pressurized stairwell needs to maintain a
pressure difference across a closed stairwell door to limit smoke infiltration.
Either a compensated or non-compensated system can serve this purpose.
Compensated systems adjust to combinations of open and closed doors, while
maintaining positive pressure differences across openings. These systems
compensate for changing conditions by either adjusting supply air flows or
relieving excess pressure from the stairwell.
In a noncompensated system, a single-speed fan injects supply air into the
stairwell. This provides one pressure difference with all doors closed, another
pressure difference with one door open, and so on.
Other considerations for stairwell pressurization include the location of the
supply air source, supply air fans, single and multiple-injection systems, and
vestibules.
• To prevent smoke from re-entering the building, the supply air intake
should be separated as much as possible from openings that might expel
smoke from the building during a fire. This includes all building
exhausts, outlets from smoke shafts, roof smoke vents, heat vents, and
open vents from elevator shafts.

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• Different types of supply air fans have varying advantages and
limitations, depending on the system design. For example, in a simple
single-point injection system, a propeller fan mounted on the roof or an
exterior wall can supply air to stairwells. Other single-injection systems
and multiple-injection systems may call for a centrifugal or in-line axial
fan to overcome the air flow resistance in the supply ductwork to the
stairwell.
• A single-injection system supplies pressurization air to the stairwell at
one location, usually at the top of the stairwell. When a few doors are
open near the air supply injection point, these systems can fail. In a
multiple-injection system, air is supplied to the stairwell at several
points. For example, pressurization fans can be placed at ground level,
roof level, or anywhere in between.
• Stairwell vestibules are either pressurized or non-pressurized. With both
doors open in a nonpressurized vestibule, the two doors in series provide
increased airflow resistance compared to a single door. A pressurized
vestibule with both doors closed can provide a tenable area for refuge.
Airflow from the pressurized vestibule indirectly pressurizes the
adjacent stairwell.
Elevator smoke control
Elevator hoistways have often been a conduit for smoke to move throughout a
building, especially when elevator doors are not tight fitting and the hoistways
have openings at the top. Building stack effect is the main factor that moves
smoke into and out of the elevator hoistways.
Several methods of correcting this problem have been used individually or in
combination, such as:
• Exhausting the fire floor
• Pressurizing enclosed elevator lobbies
• Constructing smoke-tight elevator lobbies
• Pressurizing the elevator hoistway
• Closing elevator doors after automatic recall
The use of one or more of these methods should be carefully evaluated with
respect to a particular project.
Zoned smoke control
While stairwell pressurization systems are designed to inhibit smoke infiltration
into the stairwell, zoned smoke control systems are designed to limit other types
of smoke movement. For example, smoke can flow through cracks in floors and
partitions and through other shafts to threaten life and damage property.
Some buildings may be divided into several smoke control zones. A smoke
control zone can consist of one or more floors or a section of one floor. Each
zone is separated from other zones by partitions, floors, and doors that can be
closed to inhibit smoke movement.

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A zoned smoke control system uses mechanical fans to produce pressure
differences and airflows that limit smoke movement from the zone where the fire
started. Concentrating the smoke in this smoke zone can make the area
untenable. Building occupants should evacuate the smoke zone as soon as
possible after detection. Other zones can provide areas of refuge or routes for
evacuation.
Figure 1 Zoned smoke control systems use pressure differences to control
smoke movement.
Smoke zones should be kept as small as possible to facilitate evacuation and to
keep the quantity of air needed to pressurize surrounding spaces to a manageable
level. When a fire occurs, most zones — except the smoke zone — may be
pressurized.
Zoned smoke control systems require large quantities of outside air, which has
its own inherent considerations. For example, in cold climates, introducing large
quantities of outside air can damage building systems. Emergency preheating
systems that warm the incoming air can be used to limit or avoid damage.
Another option is to pressurize only the zones immediately adjacent to the
smoke zones. This reduces the quantity of outside air needed. However, this
method may allow smoke to flow through shafts past the pressurized zone and
into unpressurized spaces.
If signals from fire alarm systems are used to activate a zoned smoke control
system, the alarm zones must coincide one-to-one with the smoke control zones.
This prevents activating the wrong smoke control systems. Even if smoke
bypasses the positive pressure zones and causes another smoke alarm, the
automatic system should prevent additional automatic sequences from starting.
Positive pressure
Positive pressure
Positive pressure
Positive pressure
Positive pressure
Positive pressure
Positive pressure
Smoke zone: Negative pressure

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LTBT-MAN-Smoke Rev.0006 © Honeywell International Inc. All Rights Reserved. 13
Building equipment and controls
HVAC systems typically provide a means of supplying, returning, and
exhausting air from a conditioned space. Most HVAC systems can be adapted for
zoned smoke control.
To provide smoke control, HVAC systems use outside air to produce pressure
differences across barriers. These pressure differences inhibit smoke movement
into areas outside the zone where the fire is located. The HVAC system should
also provide mechanical exhaust to the outside from the smoke zone.
HVAC air-handling systems
Different types of buildings use different types and arrangements of air-handling
systems. Some air-handling systems are more readily adapted to smoke control
applications than others. This section describes some of the more commonly
used systems.
A common HVAC design approach is to use individual air-handling units to
serve one floor or part of a floor. These units may or may not have separate
return and exhaust fans. If these fans are not separate, system designers should
look into ways to relieve pressure differentials built up on the fire floor, for
example, by adding relief dampers on the duct system.
Another design approach uses centralized HVAC equipment located in
mechanical areas that serve several floors within a building. These types of
systems may require fire and smoke shaft dampering to exhaust the fire floor and
pressurize adjacent floors with outside air.
Fan-coil units and water source heat pump air-handling systems are typically
used to condition perimeter zones. They can also be used to provide air
conditioning for the entire space. These types of systems generally are not
suitable for smoke control functions because they have a relatively small outside
air capacity and can be difficult to reconfigure.
Induction air-handling units are used primarily to condition the perimeter zones
of older multistory structures. If induction units are installed within the smoke
zone, they should be shut down or have the primary air closed off when smoke
control is initiated.
Dual duct and multizone systems contain cooling and heating coils, each in a
separate compartment or deck within the HVAC unit. To provide smoke control,
these systems supply maximum air to the areas adjacent to the smoke zone. The
cold deck is most commonly used for this purpose because its size can handle
larger air quantities. Supply fans for the smoke zone should be shut off.
Variable air volume (VAV) systems are either individual floor systems or
centralized multifloor systems using terminal devices to supply cooling only.
VAV systems vary the quantity of air supplied based on actual space demands.
For smoke control, the speed of the VAV system supply fans is increased and
VAV terminal unit controls are configured to supply the maximum volume of
outside air.

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Fan-powered terminal systems receive variable air volumes of primary cooled
air and return air. This air combines in the terminal unit to provide a constant
volume of supply air to occupied spaces. For smoke control, terminal unit fans
located in the smoke zone should be shut off, and the primary air damper should
be closed. Terminal units serving zones adjacent to the smoke zone can continue
to operate.
Specialized systems with no outside air are used for cooling and heating in some
situations. Examples include self-contained air conditioners, radiant panel
systems, and computer room units. Because these systems provide no outside air,
they are not suitable for smoke control applications.
Controls The control system coordinates smoke control functions between the HVAC
system and other smoke control systems, including the fire alarm system,
sprinkler system, firefighters’ smoke control station, and related equipment.
Operating controls for the HVAC system should be designed or modified to
accommodate the smoke control mode. Smoke control must have the highest
priority over all other control modes, according to NFPA 92A.
A variety of control systems are commonly used with HVAC systems, including
pneumatic, electric, electronic, and programmable logic-based control units.
Any of these control systems can be adapted to provide the necessary logic and
control sequences to configure HVAC systems for smoke control. Programmable
electronic logic-based (microprocessor-based) control units, which control and
monitor HVAC systems and other building functions, are probably the most
readily applicable for an HVAC system’s smoke control functions.
System activation and deactivation
Smoke control systems normally should be activated automatically. Under
certain circumstances, however, manual activation may be appropriate. In either
type of activation, the smoke control system should be capable of manual
override from the FSCS.
Automatic activation occurs when a specific fire detection device or
combination of devices initiates one or more smoke control systems without
manual intervention. Manual fire alarm pull stations generally should not be
used to activate smoke control systems because the person pulling the alarm is
likely to be at a station outside the zone where the fire originated.
Manual activation occurs when an authorized person activates one or more
smoke control systems using a control provided for that purpose. For example, a
firefighter uses switches on a control panel to manually control individual
components, such as fans and dampers.
Response time
Smoke control system activation should begin immediately after receiving an
activation command. The smoke control system should then activate individual
components in a sequence designed to prevent damage to the fans, dampers,
ducts, and other equipment.

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LTBT-MAN-Smoke Rev.0006 © Honeywell International Inc. All Rights Reserved. 15
The total response time required for individual components to reach their desired
state or operational mode should not exceed the following:
• Fan operation at the desired state: 60 seconds
• Completion of damper travel: 75 seconds
Firefighters’ Smoke Control Station
A Firefighters’ Smoke Control Station (FSCS) is an important component of a
smoke control system. The FSCS indicates the status and provides manual
control of all smoke control systems and equipment.
The layout, labeling, and location of the FSCS should be reviewed and approved
by the local AHJ prior to installation. Each FSCS is customized to a particular
job and must be reviewed by the local AHJ. A logical arrangement of indicators
and controls with clear labels will assist firefighters who may be unfamiliar with
the system.
The FSCS should have the highest priority control over all smoke control
systems and equipment. However, FSCS control should not have higher priority
control than fire suppression, electrical, or life protection devices.
Note A key is required to access the FSCS.
For more detailed information about Firefighters’ Smoke Control Station, see
“Firefighters Smoke Control Station” on page 23.
Controls for stair pressurization systems
When the building fire alarm system is activated in any zone of the building, all
stair pressurization fans should start. A smoke detector should be placed in the
air supply and, on detection of smoke, the adjacent fans should be stopped.
Stair pressurization fans can be restarted using a manual override switch at the
FSCS. For example, if firefighters determine that the fan pushing smoke into the
stairwell is a lesser hazard than smoke migrating into the stairwell from
adjoining areas, they may use this override.
Controls for zoned smoke control systems
An automatic smoke detection system can activate a zoned smoke control
system. System designers should consider carefully the location of smoke
detectors and the zoning of detectors to make sure that the smoke detection
system reliably indicates the correct smoke zone.
Zoned smoke control systems should not be activated from manual fire alarm
pull boxes connected to the building fire alarm system because there is no
assurance that the manual fire alarm box is located in the smoke zone.
Sequence and schedules
Separate smoke control systems should be activated in a specific sequence to
ensure maximum benefit and to minimize damage to ducts or equipment.

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Each smoke control system configuration should be defined in a schedule format
that includes, at a minimum, these parameters, which are included in NFPA 92A:
• Fire zone in which a smoke control system automatically activates
• Type of signal that activates a smoke control system, such as a smoke
detector
• Smoke zones where maximum mechanical exhaust to the outside is
implemented and no supply air is provided
• Positive pressure smoke control zones where maximum air supply is
implemented and no exhaust to the outside is provided
• Fans ON as required to implement the smoke control system
• Fans OFF as required to implement the smoke control system
• Dampers open where maximum airflow must be provided
• Dampers closed where no airflow should take place
• Auxiliary functions, as needed, to achieve the smoke control
configuration
• Damper position at fan failure
Control system verification
Every dedicated smoke control system and every dedicated smoke control
element in a non-dedicated smoke control system should have a way of ensuring
they will operate if activated. The method and frequency of verification may
vary, depending on the complexity and importance of the system.

17
Alerton smoke control solutions 3
Alerton manufactures components that meet UL 864/UUKL requirements for use
in smoke control system equipment and provides information for others to use in
the actual design and installation of the system. Alerton does not design smoke
control systems. It is the designers’ and installers’ responsibilities to ensure that a
specific smoke control system meets the requirements of the local authority having
jurisdiction (AHJ). The responsibility for approving equipment, installations, and
procedures lies with the AHJ.
Alerton components described in this section provide the basic building blocks for
a wide range of smoke control solutions. In combination with a Firefighters’
Smoke Control Station (FSCS), these components can be engineered into a
complete system suitable for both dedicated and nondedicated smoke control.
Basic smoke control approach
One of the primary objectives of a smoke control system is to maintain a safe and
tenable environment in exit routes and areas of refuge in the event of a fire. To
accomplish that, the smoke control system minimizes the movement of smoke
from the fire area into other areas of a building.
Smoke control designs frequently use central air handling systems to meet this
objective. The air handling system components create the pressure differences
needed to maintain a tenable environment for refuge or evacuation and to prevent
smoke from moving from the fire area to other areas of the building.
When designing a system, the designer should consider the capabilities of the
existing heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and the
smoke control requirements for the specific building or facility. Some of these
considerations include:
• Is the system’s capacity sufficient to supply the quantity of outdoor air
needed to pressurize areas adjacent to a fire zone?
• Can the fan systems handle situations where a fire may expand to other
areas?
• Does the control sequence take into consideration the reaction and
confirmation times that HVAC controls may require?
This chapter describes the UL Listed Alerton components that designers can use to
engineer a smoke control system. These components are intended to be installed
with HVAC equipment to form a complete system. The function of each
component and guidelines for interconnection to other smoke control equipment
and HVAC equipment are also described in this chapter.

Smoke Control System Guidelines
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BACtalk Systems
18 © Honeywell International Inc. All Rights Reserved. LTBT-MAN-Smoke Rev.0006
System Attributes
Smoke control equipment is assigned one or more of the following attributes:
• Operation — Manual or automatic activation
Smoke control systems should normally be activated automatically.
However, manual activation may be appropriate in certain situations. In
any case, smoke control systems should be capable of manual override
from the FSCS.
• Type — Non-dedicated or dedicated
In a non-dedicated system, certain system components are shared, such
as air handlers, fans, and ducts. In a dedicated system, all smoke control
system components are entirely separate from those used for HVAC
control. In either type of system, some system controls may be
dedicated specifically to smoke control functions.
• Use — stairwell configuration or zoned smoke control
A stairwell configuration provides pressurization of stairwells to
maintain a tenable environment for building egress. A zoned smoke
control configuration provides for exhaust of the smoke area and
pressurization of all contiguous areas of the building.
Alerton’s smoke control solution includes four key building blocks: BTI-S
global controller, VAV-SD-S field controller, VAV-DD7-S field controller, VLC-
1188-S field controller, VLC-16160-S field controller, and ESD-100 data line
protector. An Ethernet switch provides appropriate separation between Listed
smoke control components and other HVAC equipment. When connected to a
compatible UL Listed Fire Alarm Control Unit (FACU) and Firefighters’ Smoke
Control Station (FSCS), these components can provide a versatile smoke control
solution.
Smoke control components
Smoke control systems are very complex. Their design should be undertaken
only by qualified engineers. This section describes the UL Listed Alerton
components that engineers can incorporate into the design of a smoke control
system:
• BACtalk Integrator-S (BTI-S)
• VLC-1188-S field controller
• VLC-16160-S field controller
• VAV-SD-S field controller
• VAV-DD7-S field controller
• ESD-100 data line protector
These components are all native BACnet controllers in total compliance with the
ANSI/ASHRAE Standard, BACnet.

Smoke Control System Guidelines
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Smoke control components
LTBT-MAN-Smoke Rev.0006 © Honeywell International Inc. All Rights Reserved. 19
For more information about the BTI-S, see BACtalk Integrator (BTI-S)
Installation and Operations Guide (LTBT-TM-BTIS).For more information
about the VLC-1188-S. VLC-16160-S, VAV-SD-S, and VAV-DD7-S, see
VisualLogic Controllers Installation & Wiring Guide (LTBT-TM-VLC).
Figure 2 Alerton offers five key building blocks for a smoke control system: a BTI-S global controller and four field
controllers, the VLC-1188-S, VLC-16160-S, VAV-SD-S, and VAV-DD7-S. Note that multiple secondary BTI-S
controllers can be incorporated into a smoke control system.
BTI-S global controllerThe BTI-S is a modified version of Alerton’s BACtalk Integrator, a high-
performance, programmable network controller. To accommodate the smoke
control environment, the BTI-S has enhanced immunity to noise and
electrostatic discharge (ESD) events and improved I/O circuitry.
A BTI-S supports field controllers on BACnet MS/TP LANs. MS/TP is a simple
twisted-pair bus with a configurable speed up to 76.8 Kbps.
The BTI-S independently executes global direct digital control (DDC)
algorithms to manage the operation of field controllers on its MS/TP LANs.
DDC is programmed at a BACtalk operator workstation. In addition to executing
DDC, the BTI-S hosts automatic control features including schedules, trendlogs,
and alarms.
BTI
TM
BACtalk for Windows
Server
TM
BTI
TM
MS/TP1
EIA-422/
MODBUS
Primary
BTI-S
TM
FACU
FIRE
SIGNALING
Secondary
BTI-S
TM
(remote location)
Alerton UL 864 System Overview
HVAC Control System
MS/TP3
MS/TP2 MS/TP2
MS/TP1 MS/TP3
Printer
VLC-1188-STM
or VAV-SD-STM
(Up to 64 devices)
VLC-1188-STM
or VAV-SD-STM
(Up to 64 devices)
VLC-1188-STM
or VAV-SD-STM
(Up to 64 devices)
VLC-1188-STM
or VAV-SD-STM
(Up to 64 devices)
VLC-1188-STM
or VAV-SD-STM
(Up to 64 devices)
VLC-1188-STM
or VAV-SD-STM
(Up to 64 devices)
Smoke Control System
MS/TP MS/TP
UL 864 Approved
Ethernet Switch
ETHERNET LINE
PROTECTOR
EIA 232
Control room
boundary
FIREFIGHTERS’ SMOKE
CONTROL STATION
Communicating over
EIA-422 acting as
a MODBUS Master
2ft (60cm)
MAXIMUM
ETHERNET
SEGMENT:
328ft (100m)
MAXIMUM
2ft (60cm)
MAXIMUM
MS/TP LINES:
4000ft (1200m)
MAXIMUM
MS/TP LINES:
4000ft (1200m)
MAXIMUM
20ft (6m)
IN CONDUIT
MAXIMUM
ESD-100
TM
ETHERNET LINE
PROTECTOR
ESD-100
TM

Smoke Control System Guidelines
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BACtalk Systems
20 © Honeywell International Inc. All Rights Reserved. LTBT-MAN-Smoke Rev.0006
The BTI-S provides a MODBUS interface to the FSCS, using an EIA-422 serial
connection. The BTI-S also includes an application to print data during a smoke
control event. A serial printer connects to the EIA-232 port on the BTI-S.
Note The following information can be found in the BTI-S Installation and
Operations Guide (LTBT-TM-BTIS) and BTI-S data sheet (LTBT-BTI-S):
• Detailed information and technical specifications
• Battery replacement schedules
• Over-current protection device (fuse) replacement, location, and rating
• Correct mounting, orientation, and clearances
• Recommended wiring methods and guidelines including wire gauge,
maximum cable lengths, cable manufacturers, and connections
• Electrical ratings of input power and extended circuits
• Impedance values for testing at which open faults, short circuit faults,
and ground faults prevent normal operation per ULC S527-99
BTI-S functions
A single BTI-S with three MS/TP trunks and one MODBUS channel serves as
the primary global controller in the smoke control system. The Ethernet switch
provides the hardened communications path to building automation components
that are not part of the smoke control system. Each MS/TP channel can support
up to 64 devices (VLC-1188-S, VLC-16160-S, VAV-SD-S or VAV-DD7-S
controllers or a combination of both). If an installation requires more capacity,
you can connect one or more secondary BTI-S controllers to the Ethernet switch.
(See “Programming with a secondary BTI-S” on page 51 for details about
programming limitations when one or more secondary BTI-S controllers are
used.)
The primary BTI-S communicates with the Firefighters’ Smoke Control Station
(FSCS) through an EIA-422 serial port using MODBUS communications
protocol. The BTI-S acts as a MODBUS slave, while the FSCS acts as the
MODBUS master. The BTI-S MODBUS channel requires no configuration. The
BTI-S contains a special real-time operating code (ROC) file, which supports
MODBUS communications
The primary BTI-S typically performs standard HVAC control functions during
normal operation and performs a pre-programmed sequence of smoke control
functions when automatically initiated. Fully programmable, the BTI-S can be
programmed to ensure that automatic smoke control commands take precedence
over normal operation. In addition, the BTI-S can be programmed so that manual
commands initiated from the FSCS take precedence over automatic control.
The primary BTI-S also provides the ability to print data during a smoke control
event. A serial printer is connected to the EIA-232 port on the BTI-S. For more
information about printing, see “Printing events” on page 52.
The smoke control system uses BTI-S software to control operation of VLC-
1188-S, VLC-16160-S, VAV-SD-S, and VAV-DD7-S controllers and to
communicate with HVAC control systems. The BTI-S provides schedules,
alarms, logs, and DDC operation that the system designer specifies to meet AHJ
requirements.