Intruder alarms - Testing

[Dambo]

Hi guys - I'm just after a wee bit of expert knowledge

When installing an intruder alarm which electrical tests are carried out? Is it just the same as with all other new circuits?

 

[scouse]

Hi Damien

When you say tests do you mean testing the intruder alarm or the mains feed to it

 

[green-hornet]

The supply is tested as part of the installation and the alarm will have a commissioning procedure. The tests are normally included in the litrature.

 

[Evans Electric]

Electrical tests .... just the unsw/ spur that feeds the panel . I shouldn't say this but I never bother TBH.

 

[Dambo]

Hi DamienWhen you say tests do you mean testing the intruder alarm or the mains feed to it

All the required tests once the alarm has been installed.

The supply is tested as part of the installation and the alarm will have a commissioning procedure. The tests are normally included in the litrature.

What exactly do you mean when you say the supply is tested? There aren't any tests included in the literature.

Electrical tests .... just the unsw/ spur that feeds the panel . I shouldn't say this but I never bother TBH.

What test is actually carried out - Polarity?

 

[green-hornet]

The supply if new should be tested according to BS7671.

The alarm panel can be tested with a meter.

One test is volt drop on long powered runs, so for a 12v system you would check end of line for a voltage of 10.0v minimum, with the alarm panel on standby.

Other tests

Disconnect the battery and check total non alarm current is less than 1A.

Reconnect the battery and check the total alarm current is not more than 1A.

All other tests can be done at the commisioning stage like walk tests soak tests etc.

If you are installing in accordance with EN 50131-1 it would be a good idea to test the Minimum open resistance and closed resistance. The values for these will be included in the technical part of the brochure for the alarm.

It would be unlikely to have a low voltage on any domestic or commercial install, and most people will just do the standard walk tests.

 

[Dambo]

The supply if new should be tested according to BS7671.The alarm panel can be tested with a meter.

One test is volt drop on long powered runs, so for a 12v system you would check end of line for a voltage of 10.0v minimum, with the alarm panel on standby.

Other tests

Disconnect the battery and check total non alarm current is less than 1A.

Reconnect the battery and check the total alarm current is not more than 1A.

All other tests can be done at the commisioning stage like walk tests soak tests etc.

If you are installing in accordance with EN 50131-1 it would be a good idea to test the Minimum open resistance and closed resistance. The values for these will be included in the technical part of the brochure for the alarm.

It would be unlikely to have a low voltage on any domestic or commercial install, and most people will just do the standard walk tests.

Thanks green hornet. I'm still not 100% confident on the testing procedures but i'm sure it'll become clear when I do it ; \