Acre SPC42 - Automatically Testing Sensors

1. The panel activates the Seismic Test Output for the appropriate area(s) in which the seismic zone
(s) are to be tested.
2. The panel then waits for all seismic zones under test to open and then verifies that all seismic
sensors in the area enter the alarm state within the time configured for the ‘Seismic Test
Duration’. Any zone(s) that have not opened within the maximum period are deemed to have
failed the test.
3. When all seismic zones in the area are open or the maximum Seismic Test Duration has been
reached (whichever comes first), the panel will clear the Seismic Test Output for that area.
4. The panel then waits a fixed time for all seismic detectors in the area to close. Any zone(s) that
have not closed are deemed to have failed the test.
5. The panel then waits another fixed period before reporting the test result. The result of the test,
either manual or automatic, is stored in the system event log.
The seismic output is normally high, and goes low during tests (that is, when it is active). If this signal is
not suitable for a particular sensor then the physical output can be configured to be inverted.
19.1.2 Automatically Testing Sensors
Seismic sensors are tested either periodically or after the system is set using the keypad.
Periodic Automatic Testing
Periodic automatic tests are performed on all seismic zones for which automatic tests are enabled.
Automatic tests are randomized within the configured test period and are done independently for each
area.
All seismic zones in the same area (for which automatic tests are enabled) are tested simultaneously.
The Seismic Test Interval configuration option in the System Timers menu (see Timers on page179)
determines the average test period for seismic sensors automatic tests. The default value is 168 hours
(7 days) and the allowed values are in the range 12–240 hours.
The test time is random within the specified range +/- 15%. For example, if a test is scheduled every 24
hours, a test may be performed between 20.4 and 27.6 hours after the last test.
A seismic test is performed after a reboot if automatic tests are enabled. If the panel was in Full Engineer
mode before reboot, then the test is performed only after the panel is out of Full Engineer mode after a
reboot.
If a seismic test fails, a Trouble event is reported (SIA code “BT”). There is also a corresponding
Restoration event (SIA code “BJ”).
Automatic Test on Setting
The option Seismic Test on Set is configurable in the Options menu (see Options on page169). If
enabled, all seismic zones in all areas that are to be set are tested before the usual setting sequence.
This applies to keypad operation only.
While the test is being performed, ‘SEISMIC AUTOTEST’ is displayed on the keypad. If the seismic test
succeeds, the setting proceeds as normal.
If all areas or an area group or a single area are selected to be set, and a seismic test fails, then
‘SEISMIC FAIL’ will be displayed. Pressing Return displays a list of the failed zones which can be
scrolled through using the up and down arrow keys.
Depending on the Inhibit settings for the failed seismic zones and your user profile, the following can
occur:
l
If all of the seismic zones that failed the test have the Inhibit attribute set, and your user profile
user is configured with the Inhibit right:
SPC42/52/53/63 – Installation & Configuration Manual Seismic Sensors
© Vanderbilt 2023 257 I-200572
08.12.2023