What is Causing a Network Fault?

Greetings Douglas,

I have an FCI 7100 fire panel that reports a network fault. I cannot clear it.

The contractor before me replaced numerous parts costing thousands of dollars. After not being able to clear this condition, they said it would need to be replaced. Your thoughts? Thanks again.

Thank you, L T

A Network Fault is a problem (Trouble) with the fire alarm system. The fault has to be fixed before it can be cleared from the panel. To clear the trouble from the display, there's also a trouble memory that requires the troubles to be acknowledged and cleared after fixing the trouble.

There is also a front panel key switch. This allows the buttons to be used, or "enabled". Make sure that switch is enabled, or the buttons will not do anything.

If there's other troubles, one that you have to scroll through, go to them with your voltmeter and check for voltage at the connections. Check everything before trying to replace parts. Usually, the problem won't be quite as obvious as what the panel is saying.

With most fire alarm systems, the term "Network Fault" means either a wire is broken somewhere else in the building, or another piece of equipment isn't communicating.

A manual on the FCI-7100 can be found at: https://firealarmresources.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/FCI-7100-manual.pdf

The manual is very helpful.

After you have checked out everything in detail, including using the voltmeter, then check with Technical Support for the fire alarm panel. Find out what they have to say. Helping you is the reason they're there.

Douglas Krantz

Doug, thank you so much for your quick response. Very helpful feedback. I will look into these troubleshooting options.

Not sure how methodical the contractor before me was in this. First contractor was a nationwide firm. But sometimes you are only as good as the person you send out. The person I had looked into it has repaired many problems for me in the past. I will pass along your email to him. Everybody can learn something from anybody. Thanks again for your help. I will let you know how it turns out.



Thank you, L T