How do you monitor a sprinkler system?
Under BS9251:2021 it is now compulsory to monitor sprinkler system components to ensure the sprinkler system is operational in the event of sprinkler activation
BS 9251:2021 Table 5, sets out the required items to be monitored, these are:
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Pump – Automatic test cycle failure.
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Pump – Power failure.
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Pump running.
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Tank – low water level alarm.
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Zone stop valve not fully open.
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All other dedicated sprinkler stop valves.
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Trace heating system fault.
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Supervised circuits fault (Electrical cable faults)
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Flow switches (Not within table 5)
FloWatch monitoring system is specifically designed for residential sprinkler systems in accordance with BS9251: 2021.
FloWatch will connect to these system components via a supervised circuit. The installation of resistors enables FloWatch to detect whether it is a fault (short or open circuit) or alarm (component activated)
The system will raise an audible alarm, display the relevant device (As named in the programming software for example type and location) and relevant LED will illuminate red upon any change in signal of the component being monitored.
Rapidrop residential riser consisting of a flow switch and monitored isolation valve with pre-installed FloWatch resistors.
Typically installed at each floor level as a minimum.
"Monitoring is the Continuous Supervision of the Main Functions of the system whose impairment may effect the correct operation of the system"
FloWatch Overview
The FloWatch master panel is installed at the entrance to the building or block in a communal area or near to the alarm panel if being connected to (Subject to the building fire strategy the master panel can be used in conjunction with a fire alarm panel)
Each system requires a master panel with additional expansion modules to enable the installer to connect more inputs (sprinkler system components) Expansion modules are typically installed in riser cupboards.
Each expansion module is individually addressed in order for the FloWatch system to detect which input is in alarm or fault.
Refer to the Address schematic.
The FloWatch system utilizes a radial or looped wiring circuit. Expansion modules are powered directly from the 4 core FP200 cable via the radial circuit meaning only the master panel requires 230VAC. Refer to the system schematic.
Each input device is wired directly to the master panel or expansion module using 2 core FP200 (4 core FP200 for devices within a single enclosure e.g. a pre-wired residential riser) Each input device should be volt free and can be either configured as NO or NC. Resistor installation enables the FloWatch system to verify the 4 system states (OK, alarm, open circuit, short circuit) Refer to the wiring schematic.
Address Schematic
Wiring Schematic
System Schematic
