Protectowire Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the most commonly addressed questions about The Protectowire products.
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1. What are the electrical characteristics of Protectowire Linear Heat Detector? |
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Answer: The electrical characteristics of Protectowire Linear Heat Detector are approximately as follows:
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2. Can Protectowire Linear Heat Detector be used on other manufacturers control panels? |
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Answer: The electrical characteristics of the Protectowire Linear Heat Detector could pose compatibility issues when employed on panels manufactured by others. The system designer must confirm Protectowire Linear Heat Detector compatibility with the panel manufacturer. Protectowire controls specifically designed and approved for use with Protectowire Linear Heat Detector are recommended to insure compatibility. |
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3. What length of copper feed cable can be run from the Protectowire FireSystem Control Panel to the beginning of the Protectowire Linear Heat Detection zone? |
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Answer: Fire Alarm Cable variation in gauge size and resistance will effect the overall allowable run length from panel to zone start point. Protectowire panels are designed to accommodate up to 100 Ohm of feed cable. The allowable length = 100 Ohms divided by the number of Ohms per unit length (feet or meters) of feed cable. The maximum allowable feed cable length is typically reduced to 18 Ohms when the alarm point location meter is employed. |
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4. What end-of-line device is required for a Protectowire Linear Heat Detection zone? |
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Answer: End-of-line devices are determined by the characteristics of the control equipment initiating device circuit. Reference the control equipment documentation for specific circuit requirements. |
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5. How is the location of overheat or fire determined in a Protectowire Linear Heat Detection zone? |
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Answer: All Protectowire FireSystem Control Panels can be provided with our unique Alarm Point Location Meter. This feature allows the control panels to digitally display the linear distance (feet / meters) to the point of overheat. |
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6. Can Protectowire Linear Heat Detectors with different alarm temperature ratings be installed on the same zone? |
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Answer: Yes, Protectowire Linear Heat Detectors (Excluding Tri-Wire) have the same internal construction and can be spliced directly together on the same initiating device zone. This allows a single Protectowire Linear Heat Detector zone to protect multiple areas with different ambient temperatures. |
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7. Can a Protectowire Linear Heat Detection system provide Pre-Alarm capability? |
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Answer: Yes, by utilizing Tri-Wire™ (PHSC-6893-TRI) a Pre-Alarm indication is provided at 155°F (68°C) and an Alarm indication is provided at 200°F (93°C). Like all Protectowire Linear Heat Detectors, TRI-Wire™ is compatible with the unique Protectowire Alarm Point Location Meter. Depending upon the model control panel the meter will display the location of the Pre-Alarm point or the Alarm point of the Tri-Wire™ Linear Heat Detector. |
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8. What is the maximum length of Protectowire Linear Heat Detector that can be placed on a single detection zone of a Protectowire FireSystems Control Panel? |
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Answer: Zone length is dependent upon the series of Protectowire FireSystem Control Panel being used. Maximum lengths are as follows:
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9. What is the maximum listed spacing for each type of Protectowire Linear Heat Detector in open areas? |
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Answer: The listed spacing shall be used as a guide or starting point in detector installation layout. Reduced spacing is required based upon factors such as ceiling height and construction, physical obstructions, air movement, or the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). The maximum listed spacing for each type of Protectowire Linear Heat Detector are as follows: All temperature ratings of Types EPC, EPN and EPR – 25 feet (7.6 meters) on center, Type TRI – 15 feet (4.6 meters) on center. |
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10. What is the minimum recommended requirements for inspection and testing of Protectowire Linear Heat Detector? |
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Answer: The Protectowire Company recommends visual inspection of Protectowire Linear Heat Detector semi-annually. Do not heat test. The following tests should be performed annually: Test mechanically and electrically for function, measure and record loop resistance and investigate deviations from the acceptance test. |
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11. Can other initiating devices such as smoke detectors and manual pull station be used on a Protectowire Linear Heat Detection zone? |
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Answer: Normally open, non-resistive contact devices such as manual pull stations and four wire smoke detectors may be used on a Protectowire Linear Heat Detector zone without restrictions. Compatible two wire smoke detectors may be used but are subject to restrictions based upon the specific system configuration. Consult factory or email us at info(at)technotama.com for more information. |
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12. Can Protectowire Linear Heat Detector be used in hazardous locations? |
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Answer: Yes, when connected to a properly configured and FM Approved Protectowire FireSystems control panel. |
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13. Is Protectowire Linear Heat Detector operation affected by Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) or Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)? |
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Answer: The operation of Protectowire Linear Heat Detector is not affected by EMI/RFI. However, initiating device field wiring can act as pathway for the transmission of EMI/RFI to associated control equipment. Protectowire FireSystems Control Panels have been designed to tolerate most occurrences of EMI/RFI. Environments subject to extreme sources of EMI/RFI may require the use of commercially available filtering devices. |
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14. What mounting hardware and installation accessories must be used when installing Protectowire Linear Heat Detector? |
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Answer: The Protectowire Company has researched and selected a complete assortment of mounting hardware and installation accessories suitable for a variety of applications and environments. Protectowire approved fasteners are generally designed to lightly clamp the detector, which enables a tension to be applied progressively. This method is better than arrangements that apply a high tensile load to the detector, or clamp and compress the detector so tightly that it becomes damaged.
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15. What is the ambient temperature range of Protectowire Linear Heat Detector? |
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Answer: Protectowire Linear Heat Detector is available in models which are suitable for installation in ambient temperatures ranging from -40°F (-40°C) to 250°F (121°C). Refer to the Protectowire Linear Heat Detector data sheet DS-6592 for appropriate temperature and model selection. |
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16. What is the standard warranty period for Protectowire Company, Inc. manufactured products? |
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Answer: Material and equipment furnished by The Protectowire Co., Inc., except batteries, are warranted against inherent defects in materials or workmanship for one year from the date of shipment from the factory. Batteries are warranted for 90 days from the day of shipment from the factory. |
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17. Can Protectowire Linear Heat Detector be attached to sprinkler pipes? |
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Answer: Mounting Protectowire Linear Heat Detector directly to sprinkler pipes is common practice when the detector is the initiating component of an extinguishing system. In this instance Protectowire Linear Heat Detector is considered an integral component of the extinguishing system and typically is allowed by most Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Consult the local Authority Having Jurisdiction for acceptability prior to installation. |
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18. What standard packaged lengths of Protectowire Linear Heat Detector are available? |
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Answer: All models of Protectowire Linear Heat Detector are available in the following standard packaged lengths:
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19. Are special tools required for working with Protectowire Linear Heat Detector? |
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Answer: Standard electrical tools are all that is required when working with and installing Protectowire Linear Heat Detector. |
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20. Will the entire zone length of Protectowire Linear Heat Detector need to be replaced after detecting a fire or overheat? |
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Answer: No, only the actuated portion of Protectowire Linear Heat Detector needs to be replaced to restore the zone to normal operation. Location of the actuated portion of detector can be determined using the optional Alarm Point Location Meter, MFL-92 Location System, or APL-90 Alarm Point Location Meter Adapter unit. |
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