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A plethora of features
Despite the EP203’s ease of programming, it is one of the
most powerful extinguisher panels on the market. It
includes three conventional detector circuits and three
conventional sounder circuits (2 x 1st stage, 1 x 2nd
stage), all of which are line monitored for open and short
circuit faults. Any combination of activated detector
zones can be programmed to automatically activate the
panel’s extinguishant release sequence, which can be set
to operate with or without a delay. No less than six
monitored inputs are also provided, including Hold and
Abort for suspending or cancelling the release sequence
at anytime. An optional relay expansion board can also be
fitted to provide reset, mode, discharged, hold and abort
outputs.
Other features include adjustable flood times, an alarm
counter that records the number of occasions the panel
has been in alarm, a time-stamped log, support for up to
two solenoids or multiple Metrons and volt-free
changeover relay contacts for fire, local fire, first stage
active, second stage active, extract fan and fault.
System expansion
For additional flexibility, up to eight flush or surface
remote status units, each with their own displays,
manual release mechanisms and mode switches, can be
connected to the EP203 via a monitored RS485 bus. Single
gang economy status units without a display are also
available (8 per system). The availability of these and a
host of other ancillary devices including system line
terminators and hold off/abort buttons, makes the EP203
ideal for use in computer rooms, telecommunication
centres, archive storage areas, chemical plants, generator
rooms, museums and more.
Why are automatic extinguisher systems required?
Although safeguarding people is an obvious mandate for
any fire alarm system, protecting property and the
systems that allow businesses to function comes a close
second. Few enterprises can now operate without an IT
department, so it is essential the technology they use is
sufficiently protected from fire. A small, unattended blaze
in a server room can destroy thousands of pounds worth
of equipment and cause hours of downtime from which it
can be difficult to recover. In areas such as chemical plants
the consequences of a fire can be even worse, so it’s no
wonder the provision of extinguishant systems is on the
increase.
How do automatic extinguisher systems work?
Automatic extinguisher systems work by controlling the
release of fire-suppressing gas into areas where fires need
to be put out quickly, with minimal damage to the
equipment being protected. A typical automatic
extinguisher system comprises the fire suppressing agent –
usually an inert gas such as Argonite – storage containers,
release valves, fire detectors, the control panel (and
ancillaries), delivery piping and dispersion nozzles.
How difficult is an extinguisher system to install?
Fitting an extinguising system clearly requires a degree of
expertise. However, the EP203 is incredibly easy to install.
It is the first EN 12094 part 1 compliant extinguisher panel
to feature an intuitive 128 x 64 pixel display that
gives clear and concise feedback to the user,
installer and commissioning engineer. This
allows engineers to commission with
confidence without having to refer to
complicated LED arrays, convoluted 7-
segment displays and look-up sheets ...
everything is in plain English.
You
’re safe with
C-TEC