Hot Wire Test Unit Installation Sheet
Figure 1: Hot Wire Test Unit
Overview
This guide describes the use of the Hot Wire Test Unit (Test Unit) to
test High Sensitivity Smoke Detection (HSSD™) systems. The unit
provides 2 x 6.3V AC output from a 230V AC mains supply. High
current is passed through a cable in order to heat it, which causes its
insulation to burn giving off smoke. The unit must never be left on
unattended.
The rocker switch is the on/off switch. When power is applied, the
on/off rocker switch will be illuminated when the unit is switched on.
The unit must be operated for no more than three (3) minutes for
two metres length and one (1) minute for one metre length
continuously and must be switched off immediately after operating for
a period of at least seven (7) minutes to allow it to cool. To
prevent overheating only two consecutive cycles of on-off
operation are permitted.
Preparation and precautions
When performing a hot wire test, ensure that all local standards,
practices and regulations are understood and have been adhered to
where applicable. Also, ensure that the detection equipment being
proved/tested is isolated from both the local fire authority notification
alerts and any suppressant actioning devices. The hot wire test is
intended to trigger a response from the High Sensitivity Smoke
Detectors under test – ensure that the consequences of this
activation are understood and under control.
© 2017 UTC Fire & Security. All rights reserved.
Precautions must also be taken to ensure that all people present are
aware that the test is being conducted and that those who are required
to remain in the immediate vicinity of the test are suitably attired for the
smoke levels about to be created. Avoid inhaling the smoke plume
as it contains small quantities of HCI (50 ppm).
The wire burn tests, particularly the 1 m and 2 x 1 m tests, produce
sufficiently high temperatures to generate small quantities of hydrogen
chloride. However, test personnel are unlikely to be exposed to
concentrations of hydrogen chloride that exceed the Occupational
Exposure Standard (OES) of 5 ppm in a 15 minutes period unless they
are directly exposed to the smoke plume.
It is strongly recommended that personnel wear appropriate protective
equipment such as an E1 respirator conforming to EN140 and goggles,
without ventilation, conforming to EN166 under the following-situations:
• Multiple tests are required
• Personnel are within the immediate vicinity (up to 2 m) of the
smoke source
Due to the nature of hot wire tests, there is a minor fire hazard. It is
strongly recommended that an appropriate type of fire extinguisher
(for example, C02 or Dry Powder) is available during the test.
It is the responsibility of the person carrying out the tests that the
electrical equipment used is maintained at all times for safety. In
particular the correct fuse is fitted and that a power cord with suitable
local approvals is used. If in doubt, please seek guidance from a
suitable qualified electrician.
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Applicable code wire burn References
recommendations: Note that appropriate guidance should be sought from all local and
• BS6266: recommends a burn time of 60 seconds for one metre applicable standards and regulations such as:
wire lengths and 180 seconds for 2 metres • BS5389 Part1: 2002
• The NFPA 76 code also recommends the same tests with an • BS6266:2011
additional test with a burn time of 60 seconds using 2 x 1 metre • NFPA 76 : 2009
wires. • FIA Code of Practice for Aspirating detection systems, Appendix
A. This Appendix is published on the FIA website.
Preparation and connection of the test wire
The test wire samples should be carefully measured and cut to the Specification
required length. The ends should be stripped at approximately 15 mm
Part number 30051
using a suitable tool. If in doubt, please seek guidance from a suitable
qualified electrician. Only use the recommended test wire. Under no Voltage input 230V AC, 50 Hz
circumstances should test wires be shorter than 80 cm or 2 x 1 m in Input rating 1 A @ 230V AC, 50 Hz
parallel. This is likely to age (or blow) the inlet fuse and may cause
Input fuse 3.15 A HBC
damage to the unit. The length recommended is 1 m.
Operating temperature range −10 to +60ºC
Figure 2: Test wire connections Operating humidity range 0 to 90% noncondensing
Output 2 x 6.3V AC nominal, 16.6 A
Operating time Maximum on time: 1 minute (60
seconds) for one metre wire length
3 minutes (180 seconds) for two
metres wire length
Minimum off time between tests:
7 minutes (420 seconds)
IP rating IP30
Mains cable requirement H05VV-F

Ensure that no power is connected to the Test Unit. Insert the test wire
between one of the red output terminals and the black one as indicated
in Figure 2. Note that there are two connection options. Lay the Test
Unit on a supporting non-combustible platform. It is important to ensure
that there are no cross overs of the wire. It may be helpful to first coil
the wire using a pen or pencil as a temporary former and then lay it
out. Alternatively, an arrangement to support the wire may be used
with the precaution of a fire blanket positioned beneath the wire. If the
equipment is in a high airflow area then it may be required to shield the
wire from the airflow. At no time is it appropriate to open the Test
Unit. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
Smoke Test
Ensure that the local fire panel is isolated from the external fire
reporting equipment and that any automatic extinguishing or
suppressant systems are similarly isolated. Connect power to the Test
Unit and turn the switch on. At this point, 16V AC is applied across the
test wire, the switch will illuminate. The test wire will become hot and a
small quantity of smoke will be generated. The test wire becomes
very hot during the test and will cause burns if held in the hand.
Care must be taken throughout this test process.
Turn the unit off after the timed burn period is complete. Smoke shall
be generated and the time for the detection should be recorded to
ensure that transport and alarm times are within the local regulatory
requirements.
Limitation of liability
Installation in accordance with this manual, applicable codes, and the
instructions of the authority having jurisdiction is mandatory. UTC Fire
& Security (UTCFS) shall not under any circumstances be liable for
any incidental or consequential damages arising from loss of property
or other damages or losses owing to the failure of UTCFS products
beyond the cost of repair or replacement of any defective products.
UTCFS reserves the right to make product improvements and change
product specifications at any time. While every precaution has been
taken during the preparation of this manual to ensure the accuracy of
its contents, UTCFS assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
Regulatory information
EU compliance
EN EN61010-1:2011
Manufacturer UTC CCS Manufacturing Polska Sp. Z o.o.
Ul. Kolejowa 24. 39-100 Ropczyce, Poland.
Authorized EU manufacturing representative:
UTC Fire & Security B.V. Kelvinstraat 7, 6003 DH
Weert, Netherlands.
Caution. Do not open
Ground

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