Maintenance and

Troubleshooting
Maintenance
Important pre-maintenance preparations

All maintenance procedures require the Xtralis VESDA-E

system to be disabled during maintenance and testing. Failure
to disable the system, may lead to unwanted alarms and
initiation of fire response systems. When a VESDA-E system
has to be Disabled, alarms will be displayed but no relays will
be tripped. Prior to disabling a VESDA-E system for
maintenance, you must do the following:

 1. Inform the appropriate supervising authority about the risk

associated with Disabling a VESDA -E Address.

 2. Ensure that any ancillary devices, dependent on the

detector, are appropriately disabled.

 3. Disable the detector from the fire alarm control panel or

other system.
Maintenance
 To maintain the Xtralis VESDA-E system at its peak
performance level, the suggested maintenance
schedule should be followed.
 The optimum operation of a VESDA-E system
requires that the equipment is supported by a well
designed and maintained sampling pipe network.
 The site conditions and the local codes & standards
may require more regular maintenance than that
recommended by Xtralis.
Maintenance

Recommended Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance

Power Supply and Batteries

 The VESDA-E system power supply should be checked, at

least, every six months or as required by local codes and
standards. VESDA-E products are designed to operate
between 18 VDC and 30 VDC. The manufacturers
recommendations, as an absolute minimum, are as follows:
 Input voltage - from DC power supply to detector.
 Output voltage - from detector to other devices.
 Backup battery voltage - 24 VDC.
 Charging backup battery voltage - typically 27.6 VDC .
Maintenance

Check Sampling Pipe Network

 Where possible, the sample piping, the piping

unions and fittings, the end caps, and the piping
mounting clips and clamps should be checked to
ensure that the pipe runs are intact.

 The sampling pipe mounting points should be

checked to ensure proper condition.

 The sampling pipe, capillaries if used, and the

sample points should be checked to ensure the
entire pipe network is free of dirt and dust
Maintenance
Pipe Integrity Smoke Test

Smoke Test - Inject an appropriate level of smoke

into the required sampling holes. Measure the
period from injection of smoke until first indication
of detection by the detector.

Record Transport Time - This figure should be

consistent with your previous maintenance visit
or your original commissioning documentation.
Refer to your local standards for allowable
variations
Maintenance
Check Sampling Pipe Flow

Airflow - Check the airflow for each sampling pipe in use.

Compare to previous site visit data to ensure that there is
no degradation in performance due to pipe blockages,
leaks, breaks or contamination. Compare the
commissioning data for ‘raw air flow’ vs. time of test ‘raw
air flow’. There should be minimal variation if all
conditions are equivalent.

Airflow changes could be a result of one of the following:

 Obstruction - within sampling pipes, at sampling holes
or in capillary tubes.
 Leaks - in sampling pipes or at pipe junctions.
 Airflow changes - introduced by building ventilation
systems, room configuration, air exchange rate, changes
in sampling pipe network layout or pipe length etc.
Maintenance

VSC Detail Status

 Air Flow
Air flow is shown for each pipe as a
percentage of current flow vs. the
amount of flow when last normalized.
In this case (102.0%) the current
detector flow is slightly higher.

 Raw Flow
Raw flow is shown for each pipe. In
this case, VESDA-E, it is shown in
L/min. Other detectors use alternate
units of measure. Raw flow is another
tool for comparing current conditions
vs. previously recorded expected
performance.
Maintenance
Clean Sampling Point

 Connect a vacuum cleaner to each in-pipe sampling

hole in turn to extract dust and contaminants that have
built up.
 Alternatively, introduce compressed air
approximately .41Mpa (60 PSI) for 2 minutes at the
detector end of the pipe to blow dust and contaminants
out of the sampling holes. Take precautions to ensure
that dust is not blown into undesired areas.
 Visually check that the in-pipe sampling holes have a
clear air path.
Maintenance
Clean Sampling Point

 Clean out the capillary tubes and sampling end pieces

with a vacuum cleaner or compressed air source.

 Visually check that each part has a clear air path.

 Reassemble the sampling end pieces, if applicable, and

connect them to the capillary tubes.

 Reconnect the capillary tubes to the sampling pipe

network, ensuring that there are no kinks. If the
sampling pipe network is also to be flushed, do not
reconnect the capillary tubes until this has occurred.
Maintenance
Flush Pipe Network

 Ensure that end caps are firmly in place.

 Connect a vacuum cleaner to the detector end of

each pipe in turn. When turned on, it will extract dust
and contaminants that have built up inside the pipes.

 Alternatively, introduce compressed air .41Mpa (60

PSI) for 2 minutes at the detector end of each pipe to
blow dust and out through the sampling holes.

 Take precautions to ensure that dust is not blown into

undesired areas. Ensure that end caps are still set
firmly in place.
Maintenance
Flush Pipe Network
 Compare the before and after flow rates. Ideally, the
flow should be close to 100% for each used pipe. If this
is not the case, the sampling points and detector may
need closer inspection.
 Once the system has been serviced, cleaned, tested
and is operating fault-free, return it to its normal
operating mode
Maintenance
Replace Filter

The preferred method of filter replacement is to

set the Detector to Standby

 Setting the VESDA-E to Standby mode deactivates the

aspirator and stops all signaling.

 Standby mode differs from Disable mode by turning off the

Aspirator.

 To set the detector to Standby mode using Xtralis VSC,

select Go to Standby from the Device menu.

 The Disabled LED will blink and the aspirator will turn off.

 To re-activate the unit, select End Standby from the

Device menu.
Maintenance

Replace Filter

An alternative method of filter replacement is to leave

the VESDA-E running.

 Simply remove the old filter.

 Replace the old filter with a new filter.

 The VESDA-E filter has an internal chip which keeps a

record of dust count and smoke hours.

 No need to reset the filter as was the case with older

VESDA devices.
Maintenance
Replace Filter

 To maintain the operational integrity of the VESDA-

E detector, it is recommended that the Filter be
replaced every two years, or when a filter fault
occurs.

 It may be necessary to replace the filter more often

where the detector is installed in environments that
experience high levels of contamination.

 Always remove filter with the detector powered up

so that the detector recognizes the filter has been
removed
Maintenance
Replacing the Filter

Remove the Filter

 1. Open the front door. Ensure that the area around

the filter is free of lint and dust before removing the
filter.

 2. Press down on the filter release mechanism.

Maintenance
Replacing the Filter

Remove the Filter

 3. Tilt the filter towards the left-hand side of the

detector. The filter has hinge pins at its base which
allow it to be tilted on the chamber
manifold.
Maintenance
Replacing the Filter

Remove the Filter

 4. Lift the filter out of the detector case.

Maintenance
Replacing the Filter

Reinstall the Filter

 To reinstall the Filter, follow the removal procedure

in reverse order. Ensure that the new filter is free of
lint and dust.
Troubleshooting
Fault Reporting through Relays

 VESDA-E devices are often interfaced with Fire Alarm Control

Panels (FACPs) or building management systems (BMS) via
relays.

 In such instances the fault relays signal a fault condition to the

FACP or the BMS.

 It would be necessary to use the Xtralis VSC software to

further investigate the fault.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting with the Front panel LED Display

 There are a series of indicators on the VESDA-E LED

display. The ! Symbol represents a Fault.
 When faults are reported to the detector, the Fault
indicator will illuminate.
 Use Xtralis VSC to further investigate the fault by
reviewing the event log.

Fault Indicator
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting with the Front panel 3.5” Display

 The main screen of the VESDA-E 3.5” touch screen

display features a range of fault indicators.
 When faults are reported to the detector, their respective
indicator will illuminate.
 Use Xtralis VSC to further investigate the fault by
reviewing the event log.

Fault Indicators
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting with the Front panel 3.5” Display

Detector Fault Aspirator Fault

Air Flow Fault Power Fault

Filter Fault Smoke Chamber Fault

VESDAnet Fault StaX Module Fault

Fault Indicators
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting with Xtralis VSC

 The Xtralis VSC software displays faults in the active event list as
they occur.

 The list displays the date and time of the fault, the serial number of
the device on which the fault has occurred, the zone number, fault
number, and a description of the fault.

Active Event List

Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting with Xtralis VSC

 For detailed information about a fault, access the device tree menu,
and select the device. This will display the details of the fault.

 The fault is removed from the active event list once it is cleared.

Fault Detail
Airflow Faults
Urgent Low/High Airflow

 Check Pipe work for blockages

 Sample points may be partially block and in need of back flushing.
 Glue possibly formed internally on joins restricting flow.
 Filter changed / Pipes cleaned without re- normalizing airflow
 Check external influences on Pipe work i.e. A/C units , wind in open areas.

Flow Sensor Fail

 If the Ultrasonic Board not connected Fault (code 780) appears, the
cable from the main Detector board to the flow sensor board is most
likely unplugged and will need to be reconnected.

 If the Flow Sensor Module Failed Fault (code 781) appears the
detector needs to be replaced.
Normalization Faults
Normalization Faults

Fault Codes:
Fault 776 - Normalization failed

 Normalization failure can be caused by unit not getting enough air

through the inlet port. This may be due to a blockage or partial
blockage in the pipe / sample holes.

 Always ensure the shipping tape has been removed from exhaust
port before normalization.

 Also ensure pipe runs have been aspired and return a minimum of
15ltrs/min per pipe.
Communication Faults

Communications Faults

Comms fault on VESDAnet Port A or B of device: Fault 2, Fault 9

 Check network cable for continuity

 Check Polarity on comms connection; + to + and – to -.

 Isolate Detector from VESDAnet (insert jumper between

VESDAnet Port A and B) and check internal loop is ok. This
can be done by checking 2 green LED’s located below Relay 4
(Alert) on the Main Processor Board.
Filter Replacement Required

Filter Faults

Fault 767 – Filter smoke exposure nearly exceeded.

Fault 768 – Filter smoke exposure limit exceeded.

 The air filter is approaching its capacity. The filter has nearly
exceeded its smoke exposure limit.

 The service interval has expired

Detector Base Replacement Required
Detector Base Faults

Fault 755 - Main or Chamber Executable Corrupt

Corruption has occurred in the firmware.

Fault 756 - Hardware Fault

Detector main board hardware failure.

Fault 757 - Real Time Clock Failed

The internal clock has failed.

Fault 759 - Communications Processor Failed

The main processor is unable to communicate with communications
processor.

Fault 781 - Flow sensor module failed

Flow sensor module failed.
Chamber Replacement Required
Chamber Faults

Fault 788 - Chamber failure

Chamber failure.

Fault 789 - Chamber smoke exposure limit nearly exceeded

The chamber has nearly exceeded its smoke exposure limit.

Fault 790 - Chamber smoke exposure limit exceeded

The chamber has exceeded its smoke exposure limit.
Aspirator Replacement Required
Aspirator Faults

Fault 766 - Aspirator smoke exposure limit exceeded

The aspirator has exceeded its smoke exposure limit.

Fault 767 - Filter smoke exposure nearly exceeded

The filter has nearly exceeded its smoke exposure limit
Remove the Fascia

Remove the front Fascia

 Several maintenance functions require that the fascia

be removed from the VEU detector in order to
perform them.

 The first step in removing the Fascia is to remove the

two screws along side the door hinge, as shown below
Remove the Fascia

Remove the front Fascia

The second step in removing the Fascia after removing

the two screws is to remove the fascia and allow it to
hang by the two tether straps.
Replacing the Aspirator

Replacing the Aspirator

There may be cases where the VESDA-E Aspirator may need to

be replaced. Aspirator replacement should be based on the Fault
Code generated by the detector and displayed by VSC.

 Before removing the Aspirator make sure the front Fascia has
been removed.

 To replace the Aspirator, ensure the area surrounding the

aspirator is clear of dirt and debris prior to replacement.

 Care must be taken during aspirator replacement.

 The aspirator must be correctly seated; it is essential to

ensure that the gaskets are not damaged or dislodged from
the underside of the aspirator.
Replacing the Aspirator

Remove the Aspirator

To remove the Aspirator, follow these steps:

 Disconnect the aspirator cable.

 Remove the six screws holding the aspirator to the detector

base.

Disconnect Cable Remove Six Screws

Replacing the Aspirator

Remove the Aspirator

To remove the Aspirator, follow these steps:

 Remove the aspirator perpendicular to the detector body.

 To replace the aspirator, follow the removal procedure in

reverse.
Replacing the Sampling Module
Replacing the Sampling Module

The Sample Module is used to pass a portion of the air sample

to the filter then onto the detection chamber.

The Sampling Module replacement should be based on the Fault

Code generated by the detector and displayed by VSC.

 Before removing the Sampling Module, make sure the front

Fascia has been removed.

 To replace the Sampling Module, ensure the area surrounding

the Module is clear of dirt and debris prior to replacement.

 Care must be taken during Sampling Module replacement.

 The sampling module must be correctly sealed. It is

essential to ensure that the rubber seal on the underside of the
sample module is correctly in place.
Removing the Sampling Module
Removing the Sampling Module

To remove the Sampling Module, follow these steps:

 Disconnect the sampling module cable.

 Press on the lever on the connector to release the catch.

Disconnect Cable Press on Lever

Removing the Sampling Module

Removing the Sampling Module

To remove the Sampling Module, follow these steps:

 Undo the three screws holding the Sampling Module.

Screw #1 Screw #2 Screw #3

Removing the Sampling Module

Removing the Sampling Module

To remove the Sampling Module, follow these steps:

 Remove the sampling module. Be sure to include the rubber

seal on the base of the Sampling Module.
Installing a Replacement Sampling Module
Installing a Replacement Sampling Module
To Install a Replacement Sampling Module, follow these steps:

 Firmly press the Sampling Module into the detector in the

direction of the arrow shown so that the rubber seal on the
sampling module is seated on the pipes in the detector.

 You will feel the module slide onto the pipes.

 Fix the three screws and connect the sampling module cable.
Replacing the Smoke Detection Chamber
Remove the Smoke Detection Chamber
There may be cases where the VESDA-E Smoke Chamber may
need to be replaced. Smoke Chamber replacement should be
based on the Fault Code generated by the detector and
displayed by VSC.

 Before removing the Smoke Chamber make sure the front

Fascia has been removed.

 Remove the Smoke Chamber.

 Remove the Filter.

Replacing the Smoke Detection Chamber
Remove the Smoke Detection Chamber

 Remove the four screws holding the chamber to the detector

base.

Screw # 1 Screw # 2 Screw # 3

Screw # 4
Replacing the Smoke Detection Chamber

Remove the Smoke Detection Chamber

 Remove the chamber loom from the connector labeled J3.

 Remove the chamber from the detector base.

Replacing the Smoke Detection Chamber

Installing the Smoke Detection Chamber

 Move the gray loom to the right as shown.

 Position the chamber loom as shown.

Move Gray Wiring Loom Position Chamber Wiring Loom

Replacing the Smoke Detection Chamber
Installing the Smoke Detection Chamber

 Install the chamber as shown. Be careful to hold the looms in

the position shown so that the looms are free to move.

 Secure the four screws which hold the chamber to the

detector base.

 Reconnect the loom to J3.

 Reinstall the Filter.

USB

VESDA
USB Host Mode

 USB port allows direct memory stick connection for configuration

and maintenance.
 Upgrade firmware, load configuration and extract events logs using
a USB key only.
USB

VESDA
USB Host Mode

 Connecting a memory stick to the USB port on a VESDA-E

Detector will require the use of an adapter.
 A USB B Plug to USB A Jack adapter will be needed.
USB

VESDA
USB Host Mode – Firmware Upgrade

 To start a firmware upgrade from a

memory stick, connect the memory Memory Stick
stick to the USB port, press the USB
Host Button, and hold the button until
the USB Host LED lights (approx. 5
seconds).

Press and Hold

until USB Host
LED lights
USB

VESDA
USB Host Mode – Firmware Upgrade

 The firmware upgrade process will

take 10 minutes.
 While the upgrade is underway, Blue LED on
while copying
the orange upgrade status LED Orange LED flashes to
microprocessor
will flash. while upgrading
memory

 The orange upgrade status LED

will light continuously when the
upgrade is completed.
 The USB Host LED will turn off
when the upgrade is finished.
VESDA-E Spare Parts
VESDA-E Spare Parts

 Gray-colored internal components such as the

Filter, Detection Chamber and Aspirator are field-
replaceable

Spare Parts

VESDA-E Bracket VSP-960

VESDA-E US Exhaust Adapter VSP-961

VESDA-E Filter VSP-962

VESDA-E Aspirator VSP-963
VESDA-E Smoke Detection Chamber VSP-964
VESDA-E Sampling Module VSP-965