DSC MN-240 series User manual

Limitations of Smoke Detectors
WhiletheMeridianSmokeDetectorhasbeendesignedforreliability,
it is important to know that all smoke detectors have limitations.
• Smoke detectors will not work without power. Devices powered
from a control panel will not function if the control panel’s AC and
battery backup power supplies both fail.
• Smoke detectors can only generate an alarm when smoke gets
inside the Smoke Chamber; anything that prevents smoke from
entering the Smoke Chamber may prevent or delay an alarm.
Refer to the Guidelines for Locating Smoke Detectors on this
Instruction Sheet; it is important that smoke detectors be located
on at least every floor of the premises, preferably in every room. It
is also important to avoid obstructions, such as closed doors, that
may prevent smoke from reaching the unit. A smoke detector will
not detect a fire in the walls, in the chimney or on the roof of a
building until smoke enters the Smoke Chamber.
• Smoke detectors have certain obvious limitations: they may not
provideprotectionforsomeonesmokinginbed,forchildrenplaying
with matches, or for sudden and violent explosions. A smoke
detectorisasingle part of overall firesafetyprecautions;thesmoke
detector should never be seen as a substitute for a complete fire
safety program.
Guidelines for Locating Smoke Detectors
On smooth ceilings, detectors may be spaced 9.1m (30 feet) apart
as a guide. Other spacings may be required depending on ceiling
height, air movement, the presence of joists, uninsulated ceilings,
etc.ConsultNFPA72(1993),CAN/ULC-S553-M86orotherappropriate
national standards for installation recommendations.
Do not locate smoke detectors at the top of peaked or gabled
ceilings; the dead air space in these locations may prevent the unit
from detecting smoke.
Avoid areas with turbulent air flow, such as near doors, fans or
windows. Rapid air movement around the detector may prevent
smoke from entering the unit.
Do not locate detectors in areas of high humidity.
Do not locate detectors in areas where the temperature rises above
38oC (100oF) or falls below 5oC (41oF).
INSTRUCTIONS FOR
INSTALLATION AND USE
MN-240 SERIES DC-POWERED SMOKE DETECTORS
Smoke in the Smoke Chamber deflects light
into the light sensor, triggering an alarm.
Itisveryimportantthatyouunderstandhowtotest and maintain your
system. RefertotheInstructionorUserManualforyouralarmsystem,
and familiarise yourself with how the Fire Alarm functions of your
system operate. Be sure to test your system regularly following the
test procedures described in your manual. If you should ever have
problemsoperating ortestingyoursystem,andespeciallyifthere are
problemswiththeFireAlarmfunctions, contact your Smoke Detector
Installer or Dealer immediately for service.
While smoke detectors and alarm systems are designed to warn you
of potentially dangerous situations, no system can prevent
emergencies. Analarm systemisnotasubstituteforlifeandproperty
insurance; you should always maintain appropriate insurance
coverage.
How the Smoke Detector Works
As shown in the illustration, a light source is directed across the
smoke chamber and is not normally reflected into the sensing
element. When smoke enters the chamber, the light beam is
scattered by the smoke and is reflected into the sensor. When
enough light is detected by the sensor, an alarm is activated. On
alarm, the Alarm Indicator Light will come ON and the Alarm Relay is
activated to send an alarm signal to the control panel. The Sounder
and the Auxiliary Relay, if equipped, are also activated on alarm.
When the smoke clears from the smoke chamber, the unit will
only reset the Sounder. The Relay(s) and Indicator Light will
remain in the alarm state until reset by turning off the power
supply from the control panel.
Alarm Indications
Condition Alarm LED Relay(s) Sounder
(if equipped)
No Smoke or Heat Pulse every Deactivated Silent
40 s
Smoke or Heat ON steady Activated Alarm
Automatic Self Test Pulse every Deactivated Silent
Functioning Normally 40 s
Automatic Self Test Pulse every Deactivated Chirp every
Insufficient Sensitivity 40 s 40 s
Sensitivity Test ON Activated Alarm
Functioning Normally Steady
Sensitivity Test Pulse every Deactivated Silent
Insufficient Sensitivity 40 s
No Smoke or Heat ON Activated Silent
but Latched in Alarm steady
READ THIS INSTRUCTION SHEET THOROUGHLY BEFORE
INSTALLING AND USING YOUR MERIDIAN SMOKE DETECTOR
Features
• Advanced 90° photoelectric detection pattern and specially
designed smoke chamber
∗∗
∗∗
∗
for superior detection and dust
resistance
• Unique high signal-to-noise ratio and superior RFI immunity to
prevent false alarms
• Excellent smoke access provides reliable detection for all
smoke flow directions and velocities
• Optional Loud 85dB piezoelectric alarm horn
• Solid-state LED red Indicator Light
• FormA (normallyopened,alarm closed)alarmrelay(standard);
optional Form C (normally opened/normally closed) auxiliary
relay
• 57°C (135°F) fixed temperature heat sensor option
• Magnet-activated Sensitivity Test Switch
• The unit will automatically perform a self-test once every 40
secondsandprovideanaudibletroubleindication(insounder-
equipped units) if the unit has insufficient smoke sensitivity
• Attractive styling for any decor
• ULC listed S529
∗∗
∗∗
∗
Protected under Canadian Patent No. 1452296. Other patents pending.
Models
MN240 Form “A” Alarm Relay
MN240T Form “A” Alarm Relay and Fixed Temp (57oC) Sensor
MN240R Form “A” Alarm Relay and Auxiliary Form “C” Relay
MN240RT Form “A” Alarm Relay and Auxiliary Form “C” Relay
and Fixed Temp (57oC) Sensor
MN240S Form “A” Alarm Relay and Sounder
MN240ST Form “A” Alarm Relay and Sounder and Fixed Temp
(57oC) Sensor
MN240SR Form “A” Alarm Relay and Sounder and Auxiliary
Form “C” Relay
MN240SRT Form “A” Alarm Relay and Sounder and Auxiliary
Form “C” Relay and Fixed Temp (57oC) Sensor
Introduction
The DSC Meridian MN 240 Series Smoke Detectors are four-wire
smokedetectorsintendedforopenareaprotection.Theyaresuited
for commercial, institutional and residential fire alarm systems.
TheDSCMeridianPhotoelectricSmokeDetectorincorporatesmany
advanced design features to provide years of reliable operation. It
is important to follow the Installation and Operation instructions on
this sheet to ensure that the unit will function properly — even the
best designed smoke detector will be rendered useless if it is not
connected or located properly.
Normally, light pulses in the Smoke Chamber
do not reach the light sensor
Testing Your Smoke Detector
Never use burning or
smouldering materials
totestasmokedetector.
Also, do not use high
pressure aerosols to
test smoke detectors.
The use of burning
materials or high
pressure aerosols can
give misleading and
meaningless results.
Test the detector for
minimum sensitivity by activating the test feature. To test the unit,
hold the test magnet against the case as shown below. The Alarm
Indicator Light will come ON, the Alarm Relay will be activated, the
Sounder (if equipped) will sound, and the alarm control panel
should indicate a fire alarm. When the magnet is removed, the
Sounder will be silenced, but the Alarm Light and Relay will remain
ON. Turn off the voltage supply to the detector for two seconds to
reset the detector to normal.
If the smoke detector does not function properly, call your Smoke
Detector Installer or Dealer for service.
Smoke Sensitivity may be measured in a correlated UL217 or CAN/
ULC S529-M87 smoke box. DSC will conduct this test for a nominal
charge. If a returned unit is found outside of its marked sensitivity
range, DSC will clean and restore the unit’s sensitivity to its marked
range.
Smoke sensitivity of installed detectors can be measured without
removal with the Gemini Model 501 Aerosol Smoke Detector
Analyzer.Follow the instructions supplied with the instrument.Start
with the sensitivity corresponding to the lowest marked detector
sensitivity; no alarm should be indicated. Reset with the highest
sensitivitysetting;analarmshouldthenbeindicated.Theseresults
indicate that the unit is within its marked sensitivity range. Other
settings can be tried to bracket the detector’s sensitivity to a
narrowersensitivityrange,such as may beimportantduringannual
tests to quantify any change over time.
Owner’s Maintenance Instructions
The Meridian Smoke Detector is designed to require a minimum of
maintenance. If the case becomes dusty, wipe the case gently with
asoftdrycloth. Ifthecaseisgreasy, wipe the case gently with a soft
cloth slightly dampened with soapy water.
Never disassemble the smoke detector; there are no user
serviceable parts inside the unit. Never paint the unit, as paint
may prevent smoke from entering the unit. If you are planning
renovationsorrepainting, contact yourInstallerand ask thatthe
unit be temporarily removed until work is complete.
Figure 2
Bedroom
Bedroom
Bedroom
Living
Room
Kitchen
Dining
Room
Family Room
Figure 1
Bedroom Bedroom
Bedroom
Living Room
Kitchen
Smoke detectors should always be installed in accordance with NFPA 72, the
National Fire Alarm Code. Smoke detectors should always be located in
accordance with Paragraph 2.1.1.1 of NFPA 72, Chapter 2.:
“2-2.1.1.1 Smoke detectors shall be installed outside of each separate
sleepingareaintheimmediatevicinityof thebedroomsandoneachadditional
storyof thefamily livingunit, includingbasements andexcludingcrawlspaces
and unfinished attics. In new construction, a smoke detector also shall be
installed in each sleeping room.”
Figure 4Figure 3
Bedroom Bedroom
Basement
Living
Room Dining Room
NEVER
HERE
Acceptable
here
Top of detector
acceptable here
12"
(0.3m)
Max.
4"
(0.1m)
Max.
4"
(0.1m)
Ceiling
Wall
NOTE: Measurements shown are to
the closest edge of the detector.

29001694 R2
For Information and Technical Assistance:
© 1997 Digital Security Controls Ltd.
1645 Flint Road, Downsview, Ontario, Canada M3J 2J6
Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]
Iftheunitislocatedin anarea whereitisexposedtohighlevelsofdust
or insects and is found to cause false alarms, it may require service;
contact your Smoke Detector Installer or Dealer.
Fire Safety In The Home
Most fires occur in the home, and to minimize this danger, it is
recommended that a household fire safety audit be conducted and
a family escape plan be developed.
Household Fire Safety Audit
1 Areallelectricalappliancesand outlets in a safe condition? Check
for frayed cords, overloaded lighting circuits, etc. If you are
uncertain about the condition of your electrical appliances or
household service, have a professional evaluation.
2 Are all flammable liquids stored safely in closed containers in a
cool,wellventilatedarea? Cleaning with flammableliquidsshould
be avoided.
3 Are hazardous materials such as matches out of the reach of
children?
4 Are furnaces and wood burning appliances properly installed,
clean and in good working order? If in doubt, have a professional
evaluation.
Family Escape Planning
There is often very little time between the detection of a fire and the
time it becomes deadly. Because of this, it is very important that a
family escape plan be developed and rehearsed.
1 Everyfamilymembershouldparticipate in developing the escape
plan.
2 Study the possible escape routes from each location within the
house. Since many fires occur at night, special attention should be
given to the escape routes from sleeping quarters.
3 It is essential that escape from a bedroom be possible without
opening the interior door. Consider the following when making
your escape plans:
• Make sure that doors and windows that open to the outside are
easily opened. Ensure that they are not painted shut, and that their
locking mechanisms operate smoothly.
• If opening the exit or using the exit is too difficult for children, the
elderly or handicapped, plans for rescue should be developed.
Thisincludesmakingsure that those whoaretoperformthe rescue
can promptly hear the fire warning signal.
• Iftheexitis above the groundlevel,anapprovedfire ladder or rope
should be provided, as well as training in its use.
• Exits on the ground level should be kept clear. Be sure to remove
snow from exterior patio doors in winter; outdoor furniture or
equipment should not block exits.
• The family should have a predetermined assembly point where
everyone can be accounted for; for example, across the street or
at a neighbour’s house.
• Once everyone is out of the house, call the Fire Department.
• A good plan emphasizes quick escape. Do not investigate first or
attempttofightthefire,anddonotattempttorescuebelongingsor
valuables as this takes up time. Once outside, do not re-enter the
house; wait for the Fire Department.
• Write the plan down and rehearse frequently so that should an
emergencyarise,everyone willknowwhat to do.Revisethe planas
conditions change; for example, when there are more or fewer
family members in the home, or if there are changes to the house.
• Make sure your fire warning system is operational by conducting
weekly tests. If you are unsure about system operation, contact
your Smoke Detector Installer or Dealer.
• It is recommended that you contact your local fire department and
requestfurtherinformationonhomefiresafetyandescapeplanning.
If available, have your local fire prevention officer conduct an in-
house fire safety inspection.
Installation Instructions
Specifications
Nominal Operating Voltage ..................... 12 - 24VDC or VFWR
Maximum Operating Voltage Range .................. 10 - 30VDC, or
10 - 26.4VFWR
Standby Current Alarm Current
@12V @24V @12 & 24V
MN240 15µA 45µA 35mA
MN240T 25µA 60µA 35mA
MN240R 15µA 45µA 60mA
MN240RT 25µA 60µA 60mA
MN240S 15µA 45µA 45mA
MN240ST 25µA 60µA 45mA
MN240SR 15µA 45µA 70mA
MN240SRT 25µA 60µA 70mA
Relay Rating (Resistive)
Form A Relay..................1A at 30VDC / 24VAC
Form C Relay .................2A at 30VDC / 24VAC
Smoke Sensitivity .........................2.5%/ft obscuration ±0.5%/ft
Operating Environment .....................0°C - 50°C (32°F - 122°F)
5% - 95% RH, non-condensing
Field Test .....................Magnet-activated switch and/or
Gemini 501 Smoke Alarm Analyser**
** Gemini Scientific, 1122B Aster Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Tel: [phone]
Dimensions
Wiring
Refer to the wiring diagrams on this installation sheet and those
provided in the Installation Manual of the alarm control panel being
used with the unit.
Before connecting the unit, prepare the wires from the electrical box
for connection; the wires should not be frayed or bent.
CAUTION: If the power connections are reversed, the unit will
notoperate. Theunitisprotectedagainstdamagefromincorrect
wiring.
When wiring is completed, inspect the wiring and correct any errors
beforeapplyingpowertotheunit.Whenthewiringhasbeenthoroughly
reviewed,neatly insertthewiresintothe electricalboxandsecurethe
unit to the mounting plate.
Installer’s Maintenance Instructions
Normally,theMeridianSmoke Detector will not require maintenance.
Iftheunitismountedina high dust environment, the inlet areas of the
case may be vacuumed with a soft brush attachment.
Be sure to inform the user and their monitoring station when
maintenance of any sort is performed on the smoke detector or any
part of the alarm control system. Always test smoke detectors after
maintenance. If a smoke detector continues to generate nuisance
alarms even after vacuuming, return the unit to DSC for service.
Contact DSC at the address and number below to obtain a return
authorisation number before returning the unit.
Installer’s Responsibility to the User
It is the Installer’s responsibility to thoroughly instruct the end user of
thesystemonthe operation,testingandmaintenanceoftheirsystem.
The Installer should fully explain and demonstrate all functions of the
alarm control system and any equipment, such as smoke detectors,
connected to it. The user should be provided with all Instruction
SheetsandManualsfortheirsystemandanycomponentsconnected
to it. Complete and thorough instruction for the user is essential to
ensuretheywillobtainthegreatestbenefitfromtheirsystem. Providing
the user with complete operational information will also benefit the
Installer through a reduction in service calls for nuisance alarms.
Limited Warranty
Digital Security Controls Ltd. warrants that for a period of twelve months from the
date of purchase, the product shall be free of defects in materials and workmanship
under normal use and that in fulfilment of any breach of such warranty, Digital
Security Controls Ltd. shall, at its option, repair or replace the defective equipment
upon return of the equipment to its repair depot. This warranty applies only to defects
in parts and workmanship and not to damage incurred in shipping or handling, or
damage due to causes beyond the control of Digital Security Controls Ltd. such as
lightning, excessive voltage, mechanical shock, water damage, or damage arising out
of abuse, alteration or improper application of the equipment.
The foregoing warranty shall apply only to the original buyer, and is and shall be in
lieu of any and all other warranties, whether expressed or implied and of all other
obligations or liabilities on the part of Digital Security Controls Ltd. Digital Security
Controls Ltd. neither assumes, nor authorizes any other person purporting to act on
its behalf to modify or to change this warranty, nor to assume for it any other warranty
or liability concerning this product.
In no event shall Digital Security Controls Ltd. be liable for any direct, indirect or
consequential damages, loss of anticipated profits, loss of time or any other losses
incurred by the buyer in connection with the purchase, installation or operation or
failure of this product.
Smoke detectors that are a part of this system may not properly alert occupants of a
fire for a number of reasons, some of which follow. The smoke detectors may have
been improperly installed or positioned. Smoke may not be able to reach the smoke
detectors, such as when the fire is in a chimney, walls or roofs, or on the other side of
closed doors. Smoke detectors may not detect smoke from fires on another level of
the residence or building.
Everyfire isdifferentin theamount of smokeproduced andtherate ofburning. Smoke
detectors cannot sense all types of fires equally well. Smoke detectors may not
provide timely warning of fires caused by carelessness or safety hazards such as
smoking in bed, violent explosions, escaping gas, improper storage of flammable
materials, overloaded electrical circuits, children playing with matches or arson.
Evenif the smoke detector operates as intended, there may be circumstances when there
is insufficient warning to allow all occupants to escape in time to avoid injury or death.
Warning: Digital Security Controls Ltd. recommends that the entire system be
completely tested on a regular basis. However, despite frequent testing, and due to, but
not limited to, criminal tampering or electrical disruption, it is possible for this product
to fail to perform as expected.
Important Information: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Digital
Security Controls Ltd. could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Mounting the Unit
The Meridian Smoke Detector mounts to a standard 4" octagonal
electrical box.
12 to 24V DC or Full Wave Rectified power must
be supplied from a ULC-listed power supply or the auxiliary
power terminals of a ULC-listed alarm control unit. Wiring
should be in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code,
Part I, and applicable local codes.
Remove the mounting plate from the case by pushing the locking
tab and turning the mounting plate counter-clockwise. Attach the
mounting plate to the electrical box (see diagram below for
orientation).
Smoke Detector Mounting Plate
Mounting
Holes
Locking Tab
THIS SIDE OUT
Form C Aux. Relay wires
dress through this opening
Power and Form A Relay wires
dress through this opening
4-Wire Detector System Wiring
++
-
NO
C
Models: MN240
MN240T
MN240S
MN240ST
++
-
NO
C
NC
C
NO
Models: MN240R
MN240RT
MN240SR
MN240SRT
Wiring (bottom view)
Installation Testing
When all connections are completed, apply power to the system as
describedinthecontrolpanel’sInstallationManual. Ifallconnections
are correct, there should be no alarm from any of the smoke
detectors. Ifanalarmoccurs, ensure that thereisnotanactual alarm
condition. If there is no actual alarm, remove power from the system
and check all smoke detectors for correct wiring.
If no alarm occurs, test each smoke detector by holding the test
magnet against the case near the Alarm Indicator. Refer to the
illustration in the “Testing Your Smoke Detector” section of these
instructions. When the magnet is in place, an alarm will be activated:
the Alarm Indicator Light will come ON, the Alarm Relay will be
activated,theSounder(ifequipped)willsound,andthe alarmcontrol
panel will indicate a fire alarm. When the magnet is removed, the
Sounder will be silenced and the detector will remain latched in the
alarmcondition.To resetthedetector,remove thepowersuppliedby
the alarm control panel.