New System Sensor Europe input module enables devices to interface with addressable fire system 
(12/09/2008)
Current loop devices are typically used to transmit the analogue measurements of gas concentrations, pressure, temperature, gas or liquid flow rates and many similar physical variables.
System Sensor Europe's new 4 - 20mA input module enables devices that communicate through the industry standard 4 - 20mA output to interface with an addressable fire system.
The benefits for the fire engineer are that a number of new variables can now contribute to the panel's decision-making process. An excellent example is gas concentration levels, an increasingly important part of the overall life safety portfolio.
Using the 4 - 20mA module, a build-up of potentially dangerous gases can be tracked by the fire system and fire vents opened and evacuation procedures implemented if the concentration levels become dangerously high. Similarly, a potential ignition source such as a hot running bearing can also be monitored, enabling the fire panel to initiate a shutdown if required.
The main advantage of current loop technology is that the accuracy of the signal is not affected by voltage drop in the interconnecting wiring. The live-zero represented by the 4 mA lower limit allows the module to detect faults in the transmitter; in normal operation, the System Sensor module translates the current levels generated by the transmitter into user-configurable thresholds that are recognised by the loop communications protocol of the fire control panel.
The 4 - 20mA module conforms to the standard System Sensor module mechanical format and is fitted with a bi-colour LED for local status indication.
Related topics: Fire detection and alarm
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