Chapter 4: Commissioning
Stratos EX Hazardous Area Aspirating Smoke Detection System Installation Manual 43
Wire burner test
The wire burner test is considered the most representative test of incipient fire
hazard detection in telecommunications or computer room environments. The
test is performed by applying a voltage to a piece of PVC-insulated cable. Smoke
is produced from the overheated PVC insulation by evaporation and
condensation of the plasticizer. As the wire becomes hotter, hydrogen chloride
(HCl) gas is emitted from the insulation. The by-products of overheated PVC
insulation can be detected by the EX detector.
Wire burner Test 1 (optional)
The following test is considered unlikely to produce hydrochloric acid vapor. This
test may be undertaken in underfloor spaces or ceiling voids.
1. Connect a 6.5-foot (2-meter) length of wire to a 6 VAC source of at least 16
Amps rating. The following test is considered to produce sufficiently high
temperature to generate small quantities of hydrogen chloride or hydrochloric
acid gas. Be sure to keep a safe distance away while voltage is being applied
per wire for a period of 3 minutes.
2. The system should respond within 120 seconds of cessation of energization.
After this period, very little smoke is given off.
Notes
• The wire is subject to cooling if positioned in direct contact with air flows and
may need to be shielded.
• The wire cross-section should be AWG 10 with the following diameter and
area:
Diameter = 2.59 mm or 0.10189 in.
Cross-Section Area = 5.0 mm² or 0.00775 in.²
Wire burner Test 2 (optional)
WARNING: The following test is considered to produce sufficiently high
temperature to generate small quantities of hydrogen chloride or hydrochloric
acid gas. Be sure to keep a safe distance away while voltage is being applied.
Caution: A wire burner/canned smoke test could activate spot-type detectors.
This test may be undertaken in underfloor spaces or ceiling voids where rapid
airflow may render Test 1 unsuitable.
1. Connect a 3.25-foot (1-meter) length of wire to a 6 VAC source of at least 16
Amps rating per wire for a period of 1 minute.
2. The system should respond within 120 seconds of cessation of energization.
After this period, most of the insulation should be burned off.
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