When designing an audible/visible (AV) system, there are several upfront tasks and calculations that must be made that can be tedious and complicated. System Sensor assists in this process by providing tools online (www.systemsensor.com/tools): the Voltage Drop Calculator, the Mounting Options Tool and the Equivalent Facilitation Calculator.
The Voltage Drop Calculator, a stand-alone, downloadable application, enables users to quickly plan and model notification appliance circuits (NACs) using the entire line of SpectrAlert® Advance notification appliances and legacy devices. The tool calculates voltage drop based on wire resistance, circuit distance, filtered vs. unfiltered panels, device settings and distances between devices.
The application’s simple step-by-step format allows users to accurately calculate voltage drop along a NAC by analyzing each device on the circuit and determining if enough operating voltage is available at each device location.
The three main steps involved in creating a circuit can be done systematically or independently, and updates/changes are done as users move through the program. In Step One, users create a panel or list of panels. The panels are generic in nature, but have defined characteristics such as DC or FWR power supplies. Step Two is where users create and name each NAC connected to the panel. In Step Three, users select the devices to add to the circuit from a series of product categories in a drop-down format.
The new Voltage Drop Calculator is loaded with powerful and useful features. One feature of particular interest is that each project can be saved individually and shared as needed. Users can build a NAC and print or e-mail it for review by a coworker, submit it to the Authority Having Jurisdiction or keep it in the job file. The printing feature accommodates multiple types of submission forms.
Download the Voltage Drop Calculator at www.systemsensor.com/volt.
The Mounting Options Tool simplifies the SpectrAlert Advance application design process by matching devices and mounting locations with a variety of back boxes and AV accessories for all SpectrAlert Advance notification appliance installations.
The Mounting Options Tool, designed to be intuitive, helps users quickly choose installation characteristics appropriate for their applications. The first step is selecting installation details from a series of drop-down lists, including device type, such as a horn strobe; mounting location (indoor or outdoor); back box options (sizes compatible); and required or optional accessories. The application automatically limits subsequent available options based on the user’s previous selections.
Access the Mounting Options Tool at www.systemsensor.com/mount.
The Equivalent Facilitation Calculator uses data provided by the designer to perform the calculations described in Chapter 7 of the 2007 edition of NFPA 72, which permits the use of a performance-based alternative in lieu of tables for spacing ceiling-mounted AV devices. Visitors may perform notification circuit design calculations by entering ceiling strobe candela values and inputting the longest wall and the ceiling height of the room.
The Equivalent Facilitation Calculator can be found at www.systemsensor.com/efc.
Tags: A/V Notification, online, Speakers and Strobes, tools
Posted in Audible/Visible Notification, Summer 2010
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