VESDA VLP Operating manual

VESDA
Maintenance Guide
VESDA VLP
VESDA VLS
VESDA VLC
VESDA VLF
VESDA VLI
April 2020
Document: 10256_09
Part Number: 30010

VESDA VESDA Maintenance Guide
www.xtralis.com i
Intellectual Property and Copyright
This document includes registered and unregistered trademarks. All trademarks displayed are the trademarks of
their respective owners. Your use of this document does not constitute or create a licence or any other right to use
the name and/or trademark and/or label.
This document is subject to copyright owned by Xtralis AG. You agree not to copy, communicate to the public,
adapt, distribute, transfer, sell, modify or publish any contents of this document without the express prior written
consent of Xtralis.
Disclaimer
The contents of this document is provided on an “as is” basis. No representation or warranty (either express or
implied) is made as to the completeness, accuracy or reliability of the contents of this document. The manufacturer
reserves the right to change designs or specifications without obligation and without further notice. Except as
otherwise provided, all warranties, express or implied, including without limitation any implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are expressly excluded.
General Warning
This product must only be installed, configured and used strictly in accordance with the General Terms and
Conditions, User Manual and product documents available from Xtralis. All proper health and safety precautions
must be taken during the installation, commissioning and maintenance of the product. The system should not be
connected to a power source until all the components have been installed. Proper safety precautions must be taken
during tests and maintenance of the products when these are still connected to the power source. Failure to do so
or tampering with the electronics inside the products can result in an electric shock causing injury or death and may
cause equipment damage. Xtralis is not responsible and cannot be held accountable for any liability that may arise
due to improper use of the equipment and/or failure to take proper precautions. Only persons trained through an
Xtralis accredited training course can install, test and maintain the system.
Liability
You agree to install, configure and use the products strictly in accordance with the User Manual and product
documents available from Xtralis.
Xtralis is not liable to you or any other person for incidental, indirect, or consequential loss, expense or damages of
any kind including without limitation, loss of business, loss of profits or loss of data arising out of your use of the
products. Without limiting this general disclaimer the following specific warnings and disclaimers also apply:
Fitness for Purpose
You agree that you have been provided with a reasonable opportunity to appraise the products and have made
your own independent assessment of the fitness or suitability of the products for your purpose. You acknowledge
that you have not relied on any oral or written information, representation or advice given by or on behalf of Xtralis
or its representatives.
Total Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law that any limitation or exclusion cannot apply, the total liability of Xtralis in
relation to the products is limited to:
i. in the case of services, the cost of having the services supplied again; or
ii. in the case of goods, the lowest cost of replacing the goods, acquiring equivalent goods or having the goods
repaired.
Indemnification
You agree to fully indemnify and hold Xtralis harmless for any claim, cost, demand or damage (including legal costs
on a full indemnity basis) incurred or which may be incurred arising from your use of the products.
Miscellaneous
If any provision outlined above is found to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of law, such invalidity or
unenforceability will not affect the remainder which will continue in full force and effect. All rights not expressly
granted are reserved.

VESDA Maintenance Guide VESDA
ii www.xtralis.com
Document Conventions
The following typographic conventions are used in this document:
Convention Description
Bold Used to denote: emphasis.
Used for names of menus, menu options, toolbar buttons
Italics Used to denote: references to other parts of this document or other
documents. Used for the result of an action.
The following icons are used in this document:
Convention Description
Caution: This icon is used to indicate that there is a danger to
equipment. The danger could be loss of data, physical damage, or
permanent corruption of configuration details.
Warning: This icon is used to indicate that there is a danger of electric
shock. This may lead to death or permanent injury.
Warning: This icon is used to indicate that there is a danger of inhaling
dangerous substances. This may lead to death or permanent injury.
Contact Us
UKand Europe [phone]
The Americas [phone]
Middle East [phone]
Asia [phone]
Australia and New Zealand [phone]
www.xtralis.com

VESDA VESDA Maintenance Guide
www.xtralis.com iii
Codes and Standards Information for Air Sampling Smoke Detection
We strongly recommend that this document is read in conjunction with the appropriate local codes and standards
for smoke detection and electrical connections. This document contains generic product information and some
sections may not comply with all local codes and standards. In these cases, the local codes and standards must
take precedence. The information below was correct at time of printing but may now be out of date, check with your
local codes, standards and listings for the current restrictions.
FCC Compliance Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instruction, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one
or more of the following measures; re-orientate or relocate the receiving antenna, increase the separation between
the equipment and receiver, connect the equipment to a power outlet which is on a different power circuit to the
receiver or consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.
FDA
This VESDA product incorporates a laser device and is classified as a Class 1 laser product that complies with FDA
regulations 21 CFR 1040.10. The laser is housed in a sealed detector chamber and contains no serviceable parts.
The laser emits invisible light and can be hazardous if viewed with the naked eye. Under no circumstances should
the detector chamber be opened.
FM Hazardous Applications
3611 Hazardous Approval Warning: Exposure to some chemicals may degrade the sealing of relays used on the
detector. Relays used on the detector are marked “TX2-5V”, “G6S-2-5V” or “EC2-5NU”.
VESDA detectors must not be connected or disconnected to a PC while the equipment is powered in an FM
Division 2 hazardous (classified) location (defined by FM 3611).
FM Approved Applications
The product must be powered from VPS-100US-120 or VPS-100US-220.
ONORM F3014
ONORM F3014, transport times for all tubes (including capillaries) must not exceed 60 seconds from any hole. This
means that the pre-designed pipe networks that include capillaries cannot be used.
AS1603.8
The performance of this product is dependent upon the configuration of the pipe network. Any extensions or
modifications to the pipe network may cause the product to stop working correctly. You must check that ASPIRE
approves alterations before making any changes. ASPIRE is available from your Xtralis distributor.
AS1851.1 2005
Maintenance Standards. Wherever this document and the AS1851.1 differ, AS1851.1 should be followed in
preference to this document.
European Installations
The product must use a power supply conforming to EN54: Part 4.

VESDA Maintenance Guide VESDA
iv www.xtralis.com
This page is intentionally left blank.

VESDA VESDA Maintenance Guide
www.xtralis.com 1
Table of Contents
1 Introduction 3
1.1 Brief Outline 3
1.2 Maintenance Overview - Who and When? 3
1.3 Important pre-maintenance preparations 4
1.4 Maintenance Schedule Summary 4
2 Maintenance Considerations 5
2.1 Equipment Required 5
2.2 Determining a Maintenance Schedule 5
2.3 Unscheduled Maintenance 6
3 Detector Maintenance 7
3.1 Maintenance Procedures 7
3.2 Checking Airflow 8
3.3 Checking the Filter(s) 8
4 Power Supply Maintenance 9
5 Sampling Pipe Network Maintenance 11
5.1 Important Pre-maintenance Preparations 11
5.2 Wide Bore Sampling Networks 11
6 Post-maintenance testing 13
7 Annual Testing 15
7.1 Detector Tests 15
7.2 System Fire Panel Notification Tests 15
8 Replacing Detector Components 17
8.1 VESDA VLP and VESDA VLS 17
8.2 VESDA VLC 27
8.3 VESDA VLF 30
8.4 VESDA VLI 32
A Parts List 45
A.1 VESDA VLP 45
A.2 VESDA VLS 45
A.3 VESDA VLC 46
A.4 VESDA VLF 46
A.5 VESDA VLI 46
A.6 Modules 46
A.7 Accessories 47
B Recommended Frequencies for General Maintenance and Filter Replacement 49
C Example of a Typical Maintenance Log 51

VESDA Maintenance Guide VESDA
2 www.xtralis.com
This page is intentionally left blank.

VESDA VESDA Maintenance Guide
www.xtralis.com 3
1 Introduction
This Maintenance Guide provides essential information for service personnel who are maintaining VESDA
systems. It includes suggestions for a maintenance schedule and instructions on servicing an installed
VESDA detector.
Knowledge about local fire regulations, electrical codes and standards is assumed. Anyone responsible for
maintenance should possess this knowledge.
Note: Xtralis strongly recommends that all persons who install, commission, service and/or maintain
VESDA systems attend the VESDA accreditation training. Please contact your local Xtralis office
for more information.
1.1 Brief Outline
The information presented in this Maintenance Guide is arranged into the following chapters:
lChapter 3 describes how to determine an appropriate maintenance schedule and maintenance procedures
for VESDA detectors.
lChapter 4 describes how to maintain the power supply.
lChapter 5 describes how to maintain the sampling pipe network.
lChapter 6 provides information on post-maintenance testing.
lChapter 7 provides information on annual testing.
lAppendix A provides a list of part numbers for spare and replacement parts.
lAppendix B provides application specific information on determining an appropriate maintenance
schedule.
lAppendix C provides a sample maintenance log, which should be completed as part of each maintenance
visit.
1.2 Maintenance Overview - Who and When?
To maintain the VESDA system at its peak performance level, the suggested maintenance schedule should
be followed. Maintenance can be conducted by the original installer, VESDA distributor or a service
contractor. Optimum operation of the VESDA system requires that the equipment is supported by a well-
designed and maintained sampling pipe network. Site conditions and local codes & standards may require
more regular maintenance than that recommended by Xtralis.
Maintenance frequency must be increased in industrial applications such as coal-fired power stations,
factories, distribution facilities and warehousing with high vehicular traffic loads since these applications
commonly have high levels of background pollution.
Notes:
lXtralis have adopted the fire industry term 'Disable' for the VESDA VLF and all future products. The
VESDA VLP, VESDA VLS and VESDA VLC continue to use the term 'Isolate'. Both terms are used
throughout this document and have the same meaning.
lXtralis have adopted the fire industry term 'Address' instead of the formerly used term ‘Zone’ for the
VESDA VLF and all future products. The VESDA VLP, VESDA VLS and VESDA VLC continue to use
the term 'Zone'. Both terms are used throughout this document and have the same meaning.

VESDA Maintenance Guide VESDA
4 www.xtralis.com
1.3 Important pre-maintenance preparations
All maintenance procedures require the VESDA system to be disabled during maintenance and testing.
Failure to disable the system may lead to unwanted alarms and initiation of fire response systems. When the
VESDA system has to be disabled, alarms will be displayed but no relays will be tripped. Prior to isolating the
VESDA system for maintenance, you must do the following:
1. Inform the appropriate supervising authority about the risk associated with isolating the VESDA Address.
2. Ensure that any ancillary devices, dependent on the detector, are appropriately isolated. When a detector
is isolated, a fault is signaled at the monitoring system. This is acknowledged either by wiring the isolate
relay in series with the fault relay (VESDA VLP and VESDA VLS) or by configuring the fault relay (fault
number 3) to trigger an isolate.
1.4 Maintenance Schedule Summary
Table 1-1 below contains a summary of the suggested maintenance schedule for clean environments.
Table 1-1: Maintenance schedule summary
Maintenance Task Every Visit Monthly Six Monthly Annual Biennial
Check Detector & Filter Refer to Recommended VESDA Maintenance Period & Filter Replacement
Frequency (Appendix B).
Check Power Supply ●
Inspect Pipe Network ●
Check Air flow (per pipe) ●
Perform System Integrity
Smoke Test
●
Clean Sampling Points ●
Flush Pipe Network ●
Notes:
lThe VESDA VLI detector is designed for use in industrial applications and harsh environments. The
detector monitors the condition of consumable components and will raise faults when a part requires
replacement. Refer to the VESDA VLI Product Guide for further information.
lIf local codes and standards for the site require more frequent maintenance, these guidelines must
override those suggested in this Maintenance Guide.
lMaintenance schedules may also vary according to operating conditions.
lSampling pipe flushing and the cleaning of sampling holes should be conducted as frequently as required
by the detector type and environment.

VESDA VESDA Maintenance Guide
www.xtralis.com 5
2 Maintenance Considerations
Before beginning system maintenance, the important considerations are as follows:
lWhat equipment will be required?
lWhat will the maintenance schedule be?
lWhat unscheduled maintenance needs may arise?
2.1 Equipment Required
In order to properly maintain the VESDA system, you will require the following equipment:
lPhillips head screwdriver "1" (length 90 mm minimum) - for filter replacement.
lPhillips head screwdriver "2" - for removing all detector covers.
l6mm Allen Key - for removing the VESDA VLIfront cover.
l10mm open ended spanner or Carstick - for removing tubes associated with the VESDA VLIdetector
chamber.
lPC with Xtralis VSC and a High Level Interface (HLI), HLI model number VHX-0200 or VHX-0210. Xtralis
recommends the use of Xtralis VSC and a HLI. However, a hand-held programmer could also be used for
this purpose.
Note: Some detectors support alternate connection methods that do not require a HLI
device. For example, the VESDA VLI can be directly connected to using an Ethernet
or USBcable. Refer to the detector product guide for further information.
lVacuum cleaner.
lAir compressor.
lSpare parts (refer to Appendix A).
lRecords for commissioning and a maintenance history.
lMaintenance logs or record sheets.
lThe original ASPIRE design file and commissioning history (optional).
2.2 Determining a Maintenance Schedule
The background smoke readings, recorded in the VESDA detector event log, provide a representative value
for the protected environment. Use of these logs allows the recommended filter replacement frequency to be
calculated, a maintenance program developed and a maintenance schedule determined.
Xtralis VSC can be used to access the event log to determine the average background smoke level. Average
smoke levels over a 15-minute period (minimum), where conditions should reflect the typical operating area,
provide enough data to determine the environment type. For clean environments, the significant smoke
change will need to be set to 0.005%obs/m (0.0015%obs/ ft) for the test period. Remember to return this
setting to its original value, once the test is completed.
Note: The following steps do not represent a complete list of instructions. You must also refer to the
sections, of this manual, specific to the various types of VESDA detector.
To determine an appropriate maintenance schedule, follow the instructions listed below:
1. Ensure that detectors are isolated from the monitoring panel and suppression systems.
2. Notify the relevant authorities about the work to be performed and the risks associated with isolating a
VESDA address.
3. If a filter fault is displayed, the current filter is older than the recommended filter replacement frequency.
Replace the filter according to the detector's guidelines, write the date of replacement on the label and, if
required, order stock for the next replacement date. The color codes for the dates of manufacture of VSP-
005 filters (as used in VESDA VLP, VESDA VLS, VESDA VLFand VESDA VLCdetectors)are provided
in Table 2-1.

VESDA Maintenance Guide VESDA
6 www.xtralis.com
Table 2-1: Color codes for filter date of manufacture (VSP-005 filters)
Color Date
Purple March 2014
Red August 2011
Brown July 2008
Yellow July 2006
Green July 2004
Orange July 2000
Blue July 1997
4. Check for and record any detector faults.
5. Prior to downloading the smoke event log, use Xtralis VSC to check the significant smoke change
setting. If it is still at the factory default value of 0.02%obs/m (0.0063%obs/ft) or some other value, record
it then change it to 0.005%obs/m (0.0015%obs/ft).
6. Run the detector for 15 minutes minimum (longer is recommended in very stable or clean environments).
7. Download and save the event log for comparison of smoke readings during normal operation.
8. Determine the detector's background smoke level and estimate the average recorded level, for typical
operation, during the test period.
9. Compare the results with Appendix B on page 49 to determine your system's environment class.
10. Based on your system's environment class, establish an appropriate detector and filter maintenance
schedule.
11. Using Xtralis VSC, set the filter service timer to the value, in days, given in Appendix B on page 49.
12. Using Xtralis VSC, return the significant smoke change setting to its original value.
13. Proceed to the next section or, if your system is showing no faults, return it to its normal operating mode.
2.3 Unscheduled Maintenance
There will be occasions where unscheduled detector maintenance is required. Such instances are often the
result of fault conditions. Faults can range from minor to urgent and must be dealt with by trained and qualified
personnel. A full investigation of any reported fault must be conducted, taking into account all possible causes
of the fault.
For further information, refer to the VESDA Troubleshooting Guide in the System Design Manual or visit
www.xtralis.com.

VESDA VESDA Maintenance Guide
www.xtralis.com 7
3 Detector Maintenance
This chapter provides general instructions for the regular maintenance of detectors. If you need to address
faults, refer to the Xtralis VSCOnline Help for a list of detector and VESDAnet faults. Should you need to
address the 10 instant fault finder faults on the VESDA VLF detector, refer to its Product Guide.
Further information on maintenance, part replacement and recommended filter replacement frequency are
provided throughout the remainder of this document.
Note: Xtralis recommends that you record all work you perform in a maintenance log such as that in
Appendix C on page 51.
3.1 Maintenance Procedures
If you do not need to determine a maintenance schedule, continue with the instructions listed below:
1. Ensure that the detectors are isolated from the monitoring panel and suppression systems.
2. Notify the relevant authorities about the work to be performed and the risks associated with isolating an
address.
3. Check for and record any detector faults.
4. If a filter fault is displayed, the current filter is older than the recommended filter replacement frequency.
Replace the filter, according to the detector's guidelines, making sure that you write the date of
replacement on the label and take measures to order stock for the next replacement date. For detector
specific filter replacement instructions, refer to Chapter 8 or the detector Product Guide. The color codes
for the dates of VSP-005 filter manufacture (as used in VESDA VLP, VESDA VLS, VESDA VLFand
VESDA VLCdetectors) are given in Table 2-1 on page 6.
lThe VESDA VLI detector has multiple filters. Refer to the VESDA VLIProduct Guide for further
information.
5. Download and save the event log for comparison of smoke readings during normal operation.
6. Record the current airflow (% and raw values) for before and after comparison.
7. Disconnect power to the detector.
8. Remove dust from around the pipe inlets.
9. Disconnect all pipes from the detector inlet(s) and exhausts then cover them to ensure that no unwanted
material can enter the detector.
10. Optional - proceed with this step if there is a low flow fault, a noisy aspirator, excessive or noticeable dust
around the exhaust. Remove the detector aspirator (refer to Chapter 8 or the detector Product Guide) and
blow it out with compressed air. Make sure that it is cleaned well away from the detector. The aspirator
can collect a significant amount of material in dusty environments, cleaning with compressed air (400
KPa) may produce a large quantity of dust.
11. Remove the filter and clean any visible dust around it.
12. Reconnect all pipes.
13. Re-assemble the detector aspirator and filter.
14. Turn the power supply back on.
15. Allow the detector to operate for 15 minutes (still in isolate/disable mode).
16. View any faults present and take the appropriate action to fix them.
17. After allowing the detector to operate in a stable and correct state for 15 minutes, review the event log to
monitor the background smoke level. If Xtralis VSC remained connected, it is possible to review the
active event list.
18. Check this value against the Environment Class (Appendix B on page 49) to determine the next
scheduled maintenance period.
19. Set the filter timer to reflect the correct environment.
20. Compare the background smoke level with that recorded during previous maintenance visits. While the
background smoke level should be the same, it may be different if your environment has changed. If a
difference in background smoke level cannot be explained by a change in your environment, you should
do one or all of the following: clean the detector, clean the sampling pipe network and/or change the filter.
If you do any or all of these, you should re-check the background smoke level before proceeding.
21. Compare the before maintenance and after maintenance flow rates. Ideally, the flow rate should be close
to 100% for each used pipe. If this is not the case, check the sampling pipe network for loose connections
or obstructions.

VESDA Maintenance Guide VESDA
8 www.xtralis.com
22. If necessary, clean the detector and sampling pipe network (refer to Sampling Pipe Network maintenance
on page 11).
23. If the sampling pipe network is OK, review the event log. If the event log does not show any unexpected
flow faults, normalize the raw airflow.
24. Once the detector and sampling pipe network have been serviced, cleaned, tested (for testing
instructions, refer to Post-maintenance testing on page 13), and are operating fault-free, return the system
to its normal operating mode.
3.2 Checking Airflow
Every time you visit a site, it is recommended that you check and record the airflow in each sampling pipe.
The current percentage airflow readings indicate any changes in airflow percentage since the last airflow
normalization. These readings may not indicate the absolute increase or decrease in airflow through the
sampling pipe network. Airflow changes could be a result of one of the following:
lDirty filter.
lBlockages - within sampling pipes, at sampling holes or in capillary tubes.
lLeaks - in sampling pipes or at pipe junctions.
lAirflow changes - introduced by building ventilation systems, changes in sampling pipe network layout or
pipe length etc.
lAspirator degradation.
lDetector contamination.
Check the airflow in each sampling pipe by following the instructions below:
1. Check the recent airflow data recorded in the event log. Look for flow faults that endured for a
considerable period of time or frequent normalizations. If there are repeated flow faults or detector
normalizations in the event log, detector and system cleaning may be required.
2. Fix any problems from the list above, blockages for example. If there are no obvious problems, use Xtralis
VSC to check the raw airflow through the detector (VESDA VLP, VESDA VLS and VESDA VLC only).
3. Compare the raw airflow against previous historical data.
Notes:
lProgressive decreases in the raw airflow readings may indicate a blockage developing inside the
sampling pipe network. An unexpected reduction of airflow over an extended period of time may indicate
that pipe cleaning is urgently required.
lRecord separate raw airflow results for each sampling pipe. When comparing successive raw airflows,
ensure that the values compared are for the same sampling pipes and check that the pipe network has not
changed recently.
lThe VESDA VLF measures flow in liters per minute, not raw airflow, unless it has a VESDAnet card in
which case it displays a value that when divided by 100 equates to an airflow in liters per minute.
Refer to the Xtralis VSC online help for information on how to obtain current raw airflow data for VESDA VLP,
VESDA VLS and VESDA VLC products.
3.3 Checking the Filter(s)
When checking the filter, compare the date of installation on the filter label with the recommendations in
Appendix B on page 49. If in doubt, replace the filter with a new one and record the date on its label.
Notes:
lSerious smoke events, such as those indicated by Fire level alarms, can also affect the life expectancy of
filter cartridges. Filters should be replaced after all actual fire events.
lVESDA VLIdetectors are fitted with multiple filters. Refer to the VESDA VLIProduct Guide for further
information.

VESDA VESDA Maintenance Guide
www.xtralis.com 9
4 Power Supply Maintenance
The VESDA system power supply should be checked, at least, every six months or as required by local
codes and standards. VESDA products are designed to operate between 18 VDC and 30 VDC. We
recommend, as an absolute minimum, that you check the following:
lInput voltage - from DC power supply to detector.
lOutput voltage - from detector to other devices.
lBackup battery voltage - 24 VDC.
lCharging backup battery voltage - typically 27.6 VDC.

VESDA Maintenance Guide VESDA
10 www.xtralis.com
This page is intentionally left blank.

VESDA VESDA Maintenance Guide
www.xtralis.com 11
5 Sampling Pipe Network Maintenance
5.1 Important Pre-maintenance Preparations
Every six months, you should perform a visual check for any damaged sampling pipes or pipe junctions and
do repairs as necessary. If damaged or blocked sampling pipes go unrepaired, detector flow faults can occur.
Prior to isolating the VESDA system for maintenance, the following important steps must be taken:
1. Inform appropriate supervising authorities about the risk associated with isolating an Address.
2. Ensure that any ancillary devices, dependent on the detector, are appropriately isolated.
Warning: Inhalation of dust is hazardous to health. Dust build up may contain potentially dangerous toxic
materials. All cleaning processes must be suitably modified in such instances to negate the risk
from toxic materials. Adequate precautions must be taken to comply with local health and
safety regulations.
5.2 Wide Bore Sampling Networks
5.2.1 Cleaning the Sampling Network
Cleaning of the sampling network (sampling pipe and sampling holes or capillaries) is of paramount
importance to ensure reliable detection of smoke. For environment classes 1 & 2, it is recommended that the
sampling pipe network be maintained every two years, however, more frequent maintenance intervals will be
required depending on site conditions (refer to Appendix B on page 49).
Note: Local code guidelines may require more frequent inspections for all classes.
Where possible, sampling pipes and their connections should be checked to ensure that the pipe runs are
intact and that the network is free of dirt and dust.
Follow the instructions below to clean your sampling pipe network:
1. Ensure that detectors are isolated from the monitoring panel and fire suppression systems.
2. Notify the relevant authorities that the work is being performed.
3. Check and record the current airflow for before and after comparison.
4. Disconnect the detector power supply.
5. Remove all pipes from the detector inlet(s) and exhausts then cover them to ensure that no further dust
can enter the detector.
6. Ensure that end caps are set firmly in place.
7. Connect a vacuum cleaner to the detector end of each pipe in turn. When turned on, it will extract dust and
contaminants that have built up inside the pipes. This method is recommended to avoid introducing
debris/dust in areas housing mission critical equipment (IT, EDP, clean rooms, etc.).
8. Alternatively, introduce compressed air (400 KPa for 2 minutes) at the detector end of each pipe in turn to
blow dust and contaminants out through the sampling holes. Take precautions to ensure that dust is not
blown into undesired areas.
9. Visually check that the in-pipe sampling holes have a clear air path.
10. Compare the before and after flow rates. Ideally, the flow should be close to 100% for each used pipe. If
this is not the case, the sampling holes/capillaries and detector may need closer inspection.
11. Once the system has been serviced, cleaned, tested and is operating fault-free, return it to its normal
operating mode.
For in-duct sampling remove the pipe(s) from the duct and follow the cleaning process. Once cleaning is
complete, return the pipe(s) to their original angle to the incoming airflow.
Sites with dirty environments, which require very regular sampling pipe and sampling hole cleaning, should
consider installing automated equipment to assist with regular cleaning schedules.

VESDA Maintenance Guide VESDA
12 www.xtralis.com
Capillaries
Capillaries can only be installed in environment classes 1 to 4 (refer to Appendix B on page 49). Though not a
requirement for environment classes 1 & 2, cleaning of capillary tubes in moderately dirty areas (environment
classes 3 & 4) should follow the instructions below:
1. Ensure that detectors are isolated from the monitoring panel and fire suppression systems.
2. Notify the relevant authorities that work is being performed.
3. Check and record the current airflow for before and after comparison.
4. Disconnect the detector power supply.
5. Remove all pipes from the detector inlet(s) and exhausts then cover them to ensure that no further dust
can enter the detector.
6. Remove the capillary tubes from the sampling pipe and unscrew the sampling end pieces, if applicable.
7. Clean out the capillary tubes and sampling end pieces with a vacuum cleaner or compressed air source.
8. Visually check that each part has a clear air path.
9. Reassemble the sampling end pieces, if applicable, and connect them to the capillary tubes.
10. Reconnect the capillary tubes to the sampling pipe network, ensuring that there are no kinks. If the
sampling pipe network is also to be flushed, do not reconnect the capillary tubes until this has occurred.
11. Compare the before and after flow rates. Ideally, the flow should be close to 100% for each used pipe. If
this is not the case, the pipe network and detector may need closer inspection.
12. Once the system has been serviced, cleaned, tested and is operating fault-free, return it to its normal
operating mode.
HASP (Heat Activated Sampling point)
1. Visually inspect the HASP heat responsive element is free from dust, corrosion, paint, insects and other
foreign material
2. Visually inspect for poorly fitting or missing/damaged heat responsive element
3. Remove (unscrew) the HASP from the mounting base and conduct a smoke transport time test
4. Visually check for obstructions surrounding the HASP likely to impede heat of fire from reaching heat
responsive element.
Notes:
lThe HASP heat sensing element is NOT to be removed and reinserted for maintenance or any cleaning
activities.
lDo not glue a poorly fitted or a removed heat sensing element to the HASP. Replace the HASP in its
entirety.

VESDA VESDA Maintenance Guide
www.xtralis.com 13
6 Post-maintenance testing
Post-maintenance tests should be performed, after a maintenance visit, to determine whether the system is
functional. Take the appropriate measures to ensure that this testing does not result in unwanted intervention
from response systems, for example, suppression.
Consult your local code guidelines to establish the following:
lThe minimum testing required per sampling pipe.
lThe appropriate alarm threshold per sampling pipe.
Here are some examples of possible tests:
lYou could create a fault to ensure that it is registered by the detector and monitoring system (for example,
remove a pipe to create a high airflow fault).
lYou could inject smoke into the last sampling hole to see whether it is detected.
lLikewise, you could inject smoke into critical sampling holes to see whether it is detected.
lMore specifically, you could inject smoke into sampling holes only in sections of the pipe network where
maintenance has been performed to check the effectiveness of that maintenance.
With all smoke injections, you need to record transport time, ensure that a significant amount of smoke is
registered and that alarm(s) are generated. The alarm thresholds and amount of smoke injected may have an
impact on the results. You should compare times with the ASPIRE design files, commissioning tests and
service history.
Note: Transport time is the time taken (in seconds) for the smoke to travel to the detector. Typically,
allowing for small variations, the result should be approximately the same as the ASPIRE
calculations.
In the event that there is a wide variation between the ASPIRE results or original commissioning results and
the actual smoke test results, you must investigate the following:
1. Check that the sampling pipe network matches your ASPIRE design.
2. For detectors that support variable aspirator speeds, check that the aspirator speed matches your
ASPIRE design.
3. Check for any preset alarm delays.
4. Check the sampling pipe network for leaks and blockages.
Xtralis does not recommend the use of canned smoke to perform post-maintenance tests. However, if you do
use canned smoke, you should ensure that you do the following:
lRead and carefully follow all instructions on the canned smoke product.
lTake all necessary health and safety precautions.
lAvoid inhaling the fumes.
lAvoid spraying the canned smoke directly into the detector or the pipe inlets.
lAvoid prolonged bursts - use in short bursts of less than 2 seconds.
Prolonged use of canned smoke can damage plastic components and the detector itself, thereby invalidating
the detector's warranty.

VESDA Maintenance Guide VESDA
14 www.xtralis.com
This page is intentionally left blank.