TECHNICAL ARTICLE

DETECT-A-FIRE® Test Procedures

F-12-1001
June 2019

VISUAL INSPECTION FUNCTIONAL TEST (CONTINUED)

As part of the recommended maintenance procedure, perform a When DETECT-A-FIRE units are used in other types of systems,
visual inspection of the DETECT-A-FIRE® unit in accordance with perform the following functional test:
NFPA 72 guidelines. During the visual inspection, verify that the 1. Disconnect the unit from the system.
sensing shell is free of dents, dings or build up of foreign matter of 2. Connect a 24 VDC lamp and power source in series with
any kind. If the shell is dented or shows signs of any physical the units.
damage, replace the unit immediately. If a build up of dust has
accumulated on the unit, clean the unit with a vacuum or soft dry 3. Using a a heat gun, hair dryer, or similar heat source,
cloth. If the shell has been painted, replace the unit. Be careful not heat the unit.
to damage the unit in any way. 4. When the bulb in the control unit changes state, remove
the heat source and allow the unit to cool.
Note: Some units are factory coated. Do not confuse these
with units that were painted by the owners. Note: Make sure that contacts have reset to normal
condition before reconnecting to system circuit.

OPERATIONAL VERIFICATION CALIBRATION VERIFICATION

Perform the following to verify the operation of the DETECT-A- Accurately recording the temperature setting of a DETECT-A-FIRE
FIRE unit: unit requires a special calibration test kit. A test kit with an
aluminum block is required as it simulates factory test equipment.
1. Disconnect the unit from the system. Heat transfer mediums such as liquid and air, or test equipment
2. Using a a heat gun, hair dryer, or similar heat source, such as air, liquid or sand baths are not recommended for
apply heat evenly to the complete sensing shell. The temperature verification.Please contact technical support at 1-800-
heated air temperature must be above the alarm set point FENWAL-1 for information on suitable test kits.
temperature of the unit.
WARNINGS
Note: Depending on the model type, the internal contacts
will either close or open which can be verified with a • DO NOT overshoot the set point of the unit by more than
standard OHM meter. Remove the heat immediately 100ºF (55ºC), this could result in a shift of the set point
after activation. temperature.
• DO NOT contact the sensing shell with a heating device
such as a soldering iron or blowtorch as this will damage
FUNCTIONAL TEST the unit and cause a shift in the set point temperature.
If the DETECT-A-FIRE unit is used with automatic fire • IT IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL that the deluge
extinguishing systems, perform the following functional test: systems be disengaged prior to any tests.
1. Disconnect the initiator/solenoid leads from the panel. • The calibration verification procedures pertain only to the
2. Connect a 24 VDC bulb to the initiator terminals in the Fenwal Controls DETECT-A-FIRE Vertical (Probe) type,
control unit. models 2712X-XX and 2802X-X. Horizontal type models,
2702X-X must be verified at the factory.
3. Using a a heat gun, hair dryer, or similar heat source,
heat the unit. • While the DETECT-A-FIRE unit is a self resetting device,
replacement is recommended should the unit be
4. When the bulb in the control unit changes state, remove
subjected to the intense heat of a fire.
the heat source and allow the unit to cool.
ANY OF THE ABOVE COULD CHANGE THE FACTORY TEMPERATURE
5. Reset the control unit. The test lamp must change state SETTINGS, WHICH MAY RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE AND/OR
and stay changed after the system is reset. PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A UNIT TO HAVE
Note: Do not reconnect initiator/ solenoid leads until all BEEN ABUSED OR DAMAGED AND NOT DISPLAY ANY OUTWARD
DETECT-A-FIRE units have cooled below the set INDICATION OF THE DAMAGE. ALL UNITS SHOULD BE TESTED
point as indicated by test lamp. PERIODICALLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION
ASSOCIATION REQUIREMENTS (72E) OR THE AUTHORITY HAVING LOCAL
JURISDICTION.
(Continued in next column)

DETECT-A-FIRE is a registered trademarks of Kidde-Fenwal, Inc., or its parents, subsidiaries or affiliates.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Fenwal Controls, Kidde-Fenwal Inc. This literature is provided for informational purposes only. KIDDE-FENWAL,
400 Main Street INC. assumes no responsibility for the product’s suitability for a particular
Ashland, MA 01721 application. The product must be properly applied to work correctly. If you
Tel: 1-800-FENWAL-1 need more information on this product, or if you have a particular problem or
Fax: 508-881-7619 question, contact KIDDE-FENWAL, INC., Ashland, MA 01721.
www.fenwalcontrols.com
© 2019 Kidde-Fenwal Inc. Rev AA