PDA

View Full Version : What is a UN Supervised state when dealing with a fire alarm


Dramk
May 25, 2011, 07:37 AM
A fire alarm is in a non functional state and it was wired in a u n supervised state.

smoothy
May 25, 2011, 07:47 AM
I assume that means its not connected to another master panel that combines several separate systems into a master control panel that would automatically send out a single fire alarm. Such as you might find in a commercial building that has several tenants.

I assume that supervised mean someone is there to actually see an alarm and take action manually, such as a Security guards desk that's staffed 24X7.

Dramk
May 25, 2011, 09:20 AM
Thanks so much... Your answer has been the best and most sensible thus far.

tkrussell
May 26, 2011, 05:41 AM
"Unsupervised" when dealing with a fire alarm system or circuit will mean the circuit is not monitored for proper operation.

Supervised circuits will use an End of Line resistor, to apply a fixed load to the circuit that is not being utilized in a normal state. The system can now see that the circuit has a load, which proves the circuit is working.

If a splice or wire breaks, the circuit will then be opened and not able to function when needed. If the circuit in not supervised, then no one will know the cicuit has a problem, and the circuit will not work properly when needed.

Having an unsupervised circuit or system is not good.

A supervised circuit that has an open will trip a "Trouble Alarm" at the Main Fire Alarm panel, giving notice there is a problem with the circuit.

You need to review:

NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=72):