How do I…
Wire fire alarm devices
Detectors, pull stations and modules join a loop (SLC) and horns and strobes a circuit (NAC) at the Fire panel; set a group's cable, limit and Class A return, and move devices between groups.
Where to find it: the Cabling tab › Groups › its group, such as SLC-1
Fire alarm devices are wired the standard way. Initiating devices — detectors, pull stations, monitor and relay modules, sprinkler flow and tamper switches — go on a signaling line circuit, a loop (SLC-1). Horns and strobes go on a notification appliance circuit (NAC-1). Each is a Cable group at the Fire panel rack or panel: a new device joins the newest group of its kind there with room, else a new one. A remote annunciator has a home run of its own.
- Place a Fire panel, then the devices. In the Cabling tab, Groups lists the panel's loops and circuits, such as SLC-1 with "Loop · 3 devices". Point at one to outline its devices; click it to open it in place.
- The group lists its cables: the run from the panel, one between its members and, when it is on, its Class A return — the loop wired back to the panel from its last device. It has no order: the installer decides that on site.
- Change its cable, its Limit — your company's rule, its Max length, or switch on A Class A return to the panel. Select members selects its devices on the drawing.
- Past its limit the group turns red; New group moves the devices past the limit to new groups, and each needs another loop or circuit at the panel.
In a device's Properties › Cabling, its Group row's ⋯ lists each other loop or circuit of its kind to move to, such as "Move to SLC-2", and New group. Select several devices to move them together. Each change is one undo step.
The US table uses FPLR fire alarm cable, 18/2 for loops and 16/2 for circuits; the European table the screened YnTKSYekw 1×2×0.8 loop cable and the PH90 fire-resistant HDGs 2×1.0 for sounders. Your company changes them in its cabling defaults. Circuit and pathway classes and power budgets are not worked out.