FIKE CORPORATION
FM 3020541 Fike Explosion Protection System Page 3 of 32
P/N E06-051 Rev. 8 10/06
3.0 SYSTEM COMPONENTS
The cornerstone of the system is the Explosion
Protection Controller (EPC). Three colored LEDs
provide instant visual indication of system
status. The DIN rail mounting allows for
flexibility when choosing an enclosure. The EPC
is an addressable panel that has the ability to
retain an event history for enhanced system
diagnostics. The EPC is a component that
allows mounting in close proximity to the
protected environment, thereby minimizing field
wiring. Shorter wire runs greatly reduce the
interference from electrical and radio frequency
sources, allowing for a much more reliable
protection system. The EPC’s detection inputs
can be programmed for pressure warning,
threshold detection, and rate of rise detection. It
also has a contact closure detection circuit to
support thermal, infrared, or other switch-closure
type detection devices
1
. A supervisory input
circuit is provided to monitor suppression
container pressure or other similar system status
safeguards. The EPC has a remote disable
input contact to allow for disabling the EPC from
a customer PLC or other remote device during
product loading, cleaning, or maintenance. DIP
switches allow for basic system programming.
An RS232 connection is available at each
module for connection to a PC. Using the EP
Works
TM
software, an authorized user can
access system diagnostics and more complex
programming by PC.
The EPC is powered by the other key
component in the EPACO system, the Power
Supply Unit (PSU). The PSU has six separate
24 VDC, 1 amp power output circuits capable of
powering up to four EPCs in addition to other
components of the EPACO system. The PSU
has the flexibility of containing its own battery
backup supply or the customer has the option of
supplying a backup power source. The PSU
has an imbedded power shutdown procedure in
the event of AC power failure, which prevents
the backup batteries from being completely
depleted. In addition to powering EPCs, the PSU
can power an Annunciator Module (AM) and
Relay Card Modules (RC8). The power circuit
dedicated for the Annunciator Module can not be
shut off. All other power output circuits can be
shut off for service on the various system
1
FM Approved switch closure for use with Fike threshold
detector (E61-042-x) and Rate of Rise detector (E61-056-x).
Other switch closure, thermal, or infrared devices are not
approved by FM.
components. The PSU may be eliminated if
battery backed, uninterrupted 24VDC, 0.500
Amps power per module can be provided by
others. For an FM approved installation without
the PSU, the uninterruptible power must be U.L.
1778 “Uninterruptible Power Systems” listed,
and conform to NFPA 72 “National Fire Alarm
Code”, NFPA 70 “National Electrical Code”
(Articles 700 and 701), NFPA 110 “Standard for
Emergency and Standby Power Systems”, and
NFPA 111 “Standard on Stored Electrical
Energy Emergency and Standby Power
Systems”.
The Annunciator Module (AM) provides a central
communication point for diagnostics. This
module will typically be installed in an area
removed from the process environment such as
a control room. The AM has two push buttons to
access the various menus and three numbered
LEDs for identification of the system statuses
within the menus.
The Relay Card Module (RC8) provides the user
with a block of eight form “C” relays for
equipment shutdowns and remote notification of
system trouble and alarm conditions. On-board
LEDs display status for instant visual verification
of each relay. DIP switches are provided for
configuring the relay’s operation.
Exhibit 3-1 EPC Photo
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