Page 7 - Fireless
P. 7
ELESS PRODUCT GUIDE
3.3 Design, planning and spacing
When wireless fire detection system technology has been specified or requested, it is normally a result of
poor access or the inability to install cable to a specific area or room without the risk of causing damage to
the delicate fabric or decoration of the building. In the majority of buildings and applications, hard-wired
systems are relatively easy and cost effective to install and provide a lower cost of ownership over their
product lifetime compared to wireless technology, which requires several battery changes over the same
lifetime. Until wireless technology is capable of providing a minimum of 10+ years of operation without the
need to replace batteries, this situation is likely to remain.
Fireless has therefore been designed to allow wireless technology to compliment and seamlessly integrate
into either existing or new system installations, creating a ‘hybrid’ wireless & hardwired solution, enabling
system designers to use wireless devices where appropriate and in an economical fashion.
Even in the most extreme or difficult to cable buildings, it is normally possible to route a cable from a hard-
wired system within close proximity to the area or room where it is desirable to install a single or group of
wireless devices. This may, for example, be in a nearby riser, service corridor or void, where it would also be
desirable and practical to site a wireless transponder. In this manner, it is possible to site several
transponders along the route of zone or loop cabling in order to provide the desired level of wireless
coverage, without the need for additional signal boosters or repeaters.
3.4 Radio signal range and performance
Most wireless devices operating on allocated licence exempt frequencies will have an ‘open field’ range of
several hundred metres. Unfortunately, buildings are quite different from fields and, as stated earlier, range
can be adversely affected by building fabric and materials which may, in extreme conditions, result in
effective ranges of only tens of meters. A wireless survey is therefore an essential requirement prior to
installation.
4.0 Installation
4.1 Unpacking and handling precautions
When handling sensitive electronic equipment, try to avoid touching components and circuitry wherever
possible and, where this is unavoidable, take appropriate anti-static precautions and measures. Detectors
and field devices are all supplied with detachable mounting plate’s or back boxes that contain no
electronics. Prior to installation, please take time to read and follow the installation guidance sheet which is
packed with each product.
To avoid damaging the Fireless transponder during installation and cable routing, it is advisable to remove
the PCB from the back-box beforehand. The PCB is secured with 8 x M3 cross-head fixing screws. Once
removed, keep the PCB in a protective anti-static box, package, or on a flat dust and static free surface.
4.2 Mounting
The Fireless transponder should be mounted so that the internal antenna is vertical and in the position
chosen at the completion of the wireless survey. It should be on a flat non-metallic wall or surface, and a
minimum distance of 3m away from other electronic systems. If several transponders are in the same area,
they should be positioned at least 5m apart, with each operating on a clear channel having a separation of 5
or more channels from one another.
4.3 Wiring
Depending upon the selected operating mode, it is possible that there may be up to five 2-core cables to
terminate within the transponder housing. 6 x 20mm cable entry points have been provided at the top of
the unit for this purpose.
Document No.: PEN-FL2-2 Date: 29/06/2016 Page 7 / 30
3.3 Design, planning and spacing
When wireless fire detection system technology has been specified or requested, it is normally a result of
poor access or the inability to install cable to a specific area or room without the risk of causing damage to
the delicate fabric or decoration of the building. In the majority of buildings and applications, hard-wired
systems are relatively easy and cost effective to install and provide a lower cost of ownership over their
product lifetime compared to wireless technology, which requires several battery changes over the same
lifetime. Until wireless technology is capable of providing a minimum of 10+ years of operation without the
need to replace batteries, this situation is likely to remain.
Fireless has therefore been designed to allow wireless technology to compliment and seamlessly integrate
into either existing or new system installations, creating a ‘hybrid’ wireless & hardwired solution, enabling
system designers to use wireless devices where appropriate and in an economical fashion.
Even in the most extreme or difficult to cable buildings, it is normally possible to route a cable from a hard-
wired system within close proximity to the area or room where it is desirable to install a single or group of
wireless devices. This may, for example, be in a nearby riser, service corridor or void, where it would also be
desirable and practical to site a wireless transponder. In this manner, it is possible to site several
transponders along the route of zone or loop cabling in order to provide the desired level of wireless
coverage, without the need for additional signal boosters or repeaters.
3.4 Radio signal range and performance
Most wireless devices operating on allocated licence exempt frequencies will have an ‘open field’ range of
several hundred metres. Unfortunately, buildings are quite different from fields and, as stated earlier, range
can be adversely affected by building fabric and materials which may, in extreme conditions, result in
effective ranges of only tens of meters. A wireless survey is therefore an essential requirement prior to
installation.
4.0 Installation
4.1 Unpacking and handling precautions
When handling sensitive electronic equipment, try to avoid touching components and circuitry wherever
possible and, where this is unavoidable, take appropriate anti-static precautions and measures. Detectors
and field devices are all supplied with detachable mounting plate’s or back boxes that contain no
electronics. Prior to installation, please take time to read and follow the installation guidance sheet which is
packed with each product.
To avoid damaging the Fireless transponder during installation and cable routing, it is advisable to remove
the PCB from the back-box beforehand. The PCB is secured with 8 x M3 cross-head fixing screws. Once
removed, keep the PCB in a protective anti-static box, package, or on a flat dust and static free surface.
4.2 Mounting
The Fireless transponder should be mounted so that the internal antenna is vertical and in the position
chosen at the completion of the wireless survey. It should be on a flat non-metallic wall or surface, and a
minimum distance of 3m away from other electronic systems. If several transponders are in the same area,
they should be positioned at least 5m apart, with each operating on a clear channel having a separation of 5
or more channels from one another.
4.3 Wiring
Depending upon the selected operating mode, it is possible that there may be up to five 2-core cables to
terminate within the transponder housing. 6 x 20mm cable entry points have been provided at the top of
the unit for this purpose.
Document No.: PEN-FL2-2 Date: 29/06/2016 Page 7 / 30
