What is a loop fault?
A loop fault is an electrical disruption, such as an electrical circuit break, short circuit or earth fault on an addressable fire detection and alarm system that compromises the loop integrity or prevents the fire alarm panel from communicating with devices such as fire detectors, manual call points, input modules and output modules on that loop.
Monthly Test (Monitored Systems)
Item 1.6 of Table 6.4.1.2 of Australian Standard AS 1851:2012 requires maintainers to test and verify the operation of the "isolate" facility of Alarm Signalling Equipment (ASE), where the system is fitted with such a monitoring device.
BC-200 Honeywell Fire Alarm Control Panel - Obsolete
In September 2023, Honeywell Fire & Security (Pacific) announced the the BC-200 fire alarm control panel had been discontinued, providing an upgrade path for a replacement SMX+ Intelligent Addressable Fire Alarm Control System. According to the ActiveFire listing (afp-2964) the BC-200 was first listed in December 2014 giving it a 9 year market lifecycle.
6-Monthly Testing of Fire Detection & Alarm Systems
Section 6 of AS 1851:2012 consolidates maintenance requirements for various fire safety systems. This article addresses a common misinterpretation around Table 6.4.1.3, clarifying that 6-monthly inspection requirements apply only when Fire Detection & Alarm Systems incorporate features of a Special Hazard System.
MX4428 Fire Alarm Control Panel - Obsolete
On August 8, 2023 Johnson Controls (Vigilant) announced that the F4000 / MX4428 Fire Detection Control and Indicating Equipment (FDCIE) had been made obsolete (Bulletin No ANZ-D3192) due to its compliance with Australian Standard AS 4428.1, where the new Standard AS 7240.2 is now required in the National Construction Code (NCC).
Ampac FireFinder Plus
The Ampac FireFinder Plus is designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s buildings, making it the ideal choice for environments such as nursing homes, office buildings, residential apartment complexes, and industrial facilities. If you’re replacing an older Ampac FireFinder panel, the FireFinder Plus offers a seamless upgrade path.
Locations were fire detectors are not required
In compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 and AS 1670.1:2018, detectors are not required in specific areas such as concealed spaces, sanitary spaces, certain open areas, and cupboards containing water heaters, provided they meet the outlined conditions ​.
Victoria: Work not requiring a Building Permit
In Victoria, certain work described in Schedule 3 of the Building Regulations (Vic) 2018 is exempt from a building permit and occupancy permit. In this article we look at the requirements of Schedule 3 and what work is exempted from a building permit.
Why you should activate the Alarm Verification Facility in your Fire Panel
The Alarm Verification Facility also known as Alarm Dependency (Type A) is a feature of the Fire Alarm Control Panel that that provides an automatic reset or equivalent function of an initial alarm signal and that only permits a subsequent alarm signal to initiate a fire alarm condition to help prevent unwanted nuisance (false) alarms).
Notifier AFP 2800 & AFP 2802 Fire Panels Obsolete
According to a product bulletin PB21-008 dated August 2021, the Notifier AFP 2800 and AFP 2802 fire panels, widely used in Australia, have be discontinued as of the date of the product bulletin. Firewize provides support and recommends that these systems should be replaced without delay to minimise downtime in the event of an unplanned failure of these systems. Contact Firewize for assistance during this transition and ensure ongoing fire safety.
