Each model of fire alarm control panel is programmed using the manufacturer's method for that panel.
- Some control panels can be programmed using front panel switches
- Some control panels can be programmed using the computer software provided by the manufacturer
- Some control panels can be programmed using the computer software that can only be provided by the fire alarm service company to their technicians
- Some control panels can be programmed using the computer software from the manufacturer - after the technician has received factory training
To find out, you will have to contact the technical support team for the manufacturer of the panel you are going to program.
However, there are some basic rules to programming any fire alarm control panel.
Defining the Inputs and Outputs
Each input device, each input module, each input zone has to be defined as an Alarm Input, a Supervisory Input, and possibly a Monitor Input. Each horn circuit, strobe circuit, or other output circuit also has to be defined. Sometimes, even the relays have to be defined.
Basic Ideas for Programming
Once the inputs and outputs have been defined, then the internal rules or internal mapping has to be defined.
Every Alarm Input sets the control panel into alarm and activates outputs like horns and strobes. Also, it often times calls the monitoring company.
Every Supervisory Input sets the control panel into supervisory, usually does not activate all outputs, may activate some relays. Also, it often times calls the monitoring company.
Every Monitor Input (if there are any monitor inputs) may set off relays and sometimes calls the monitoring company.
Contact Technical Support
There are many other rules that may have to be included, and no model of fire alarm control panel is like any other. Again, to know how to program a specific control panel, you will have to contact the technical support team for the manufacturer of the panel you are going to program.
Douglas Krantz
