How can a Fire Alarm system be connected to the Access Control Power Supply Kit?
A Fire Alarm Interface (FAI) allows for the control of selected outputs when an input, usually from a Fire Alarm Control Panel (FACP), is received. The selected outputs can be enabled or disabled upon the receipt of the FAI signal to control power to devices such as locks, door holders, and smoke dampers.
The most common application for FAI is for removing power from maglocks when a fire alarm occurs to allow for faster egress. An FAI input is not limited to being connected to an FACP – devices such as a keypad can be connected to an FAI input for controlling a single door’s lock in small systems or it may be used for other simple control applications.
FAI input types vary by manufacturer. All LifeSafety Power FAI inputs allow for the use of a failsafe or fail-secure dry contact, voltage input, polarity reversal, or open collector for activation. All of LifeSafety Power’s FAI inputs also feature an optional latching feature often required for Canadian installations.
To connect a Fire Alarm system to the Power Supply Kit:
Note: A Fire Alarm system can be connected to ADC-AC-LP1501-PSE, ADC-AC-LP1502-PSE, ADC-AC-X1100-2PSE, and ADC-AC-X1100-4PSE Power Supply Kits.
Refer to the graphic and key below:
- FAI LED (red)
- Indicates activation of the Fire Alarm Input.
- FAI Configuration Switches
- Switch 1 - Output FAI Selection
- Off = Constant Voltage Output to the FPV4's DC OUT
- On = Output Switches on FAI and Cuts Power to the FPV4's DC OUT
Note: This is not required for the ADC-AC-LP1502-PSE or ADC-AC-X1100-4PSE kits as FAI control is managed by the F8P.
- Switch 2 - Battery Charge Current
- Off = High Charge Current (2 amps)
- On = Low Charge Current (1 amp)
- Switch 1 - Output FAI Selection
- FAI Input
- The input from the FACP (Fire Alarm Control Panel) connects here. It can be wire to accept a NO, NC Open Collector, or Voltage Input. See wiring guides below for specific connection types.
- AUX Voltage Output
- The AUX terminals provide constant power regardless of whether an FAI system is connected and configured. The B100 and subsequently the Alarm.com Access Control Door Controller are powered from the AUX terminals so that they remain powered up during an FAI event.
- Main DC Voltage Output
- This is the main DC output of the power supply. The output can either be constant or switched to remove power during an FAI event based on the FAI configuration switch settings.
Configurations
An FAI can be configured with Access Control in various ways.
Activation with a Normally Open relay contact
The FAI activates when the NO contact closes. The FAI deactivates when the NO contact opens.
Activation with a Normally Closed relay contact
The FAI activates when the NC contact opens. The FAI deactivates when the NC contact closes.
Note: The FAI with a NC contact cannot be tested by removing the terminal strip as this will remove the jumper wires from V+ and V- as well. To test, remove one wire going to the NC contact.
Latching the FAI input
Latching of the FAI input is achieved by placing a NC contact across the two L terminals. The FAI may be activated by any of the methods listed. FAI deactivates when the input is deactivated and the NC latching contact is momentarily opened.
In the following example, the NO contact activates with latching. The FAI activates when the NO contact closes. The FAI deactivates when the NO contact opens and the NC contact momentarily opens.
FAI activation with a Normally Open relay contact and FPV AC Fault Lock override
The FAI activates either when the Fire Alarm NO contact closes or when the AC Fault NC contact closes.
The FAI deactivates either when the Fire Alarm NO contact opens or when the FPV AC Fault NC contact opens.
