C-TEC MFP Range (4-28 Zone) Conventional Fire Alarm Panel fault records

Permanent Battery/Power Supply Fault

Check: (1) the MAINS ON light is illuminated — if not, check the mains supply and fuse next to the transformer; (2) the battery leads are connected the correct way round (reversed leads blow the battery fuse F5 and can cause a permanent, non-resettable power fault); (3) two 12V batteries of the correct size are connected in series; (4) the wiring loom is properly seated on PL4; (5) the transformer leads are properly connected. If the fault persists with the mains light lit, the batteries may be heavily discharged or have failed — try a known-good, fully charged pair.

General Fault light

Lit whenever any fault condition exists on the panel. One documented specific cause: if the buzzer sounds and the General Fault light is lit steadily with no other cause found, the panel has been left in a test mode — remove the test link(s) on PLK1.

Processor Fault light lit

Accompanied by a permanent fault beeper tone. Indicates the panel's microprocessor failed to execute its programme correctly and a safety circuit restarted it — can be caused by a sudden interruption of all power, high-powered interference (e.g. a lightning strike), or misconnection or failure of circuit boards and peripheral equipment. To clear, turn the keyswitch to Arm Controls and press RESET/TEST/SCROLL. If the light returns, check inter-board connections and the power supply; if the fault persists, return the panel to the dealer. Note: on a processor restart, any previously disabled functions are re-enabled (a fail-safe feature).

Permanent Sounder Fault

Check the sounder circuit fuses (F1, F2, F3, F4) on the PCB and replace if necessary. Check the correct end-of-line resistor (6800 ohms; blue, grey, red, gold) is fitted — disconnect the relevant zone from the terminal block and refit the end-of-line resistor only; if the fault clears, there is a wiring fault on that circuit.

Zone Fault light (pulse-coded: short/head removed/open circuit)

The number of pulses of the Zone Fault light indicates the fault type: 1 pulse = short circuit, 2 pulses = head removed, 3 pulses = open circuit. A steady (non-pulsing) light means the zone has been disabled rather than faulted. Manual call points and other normally-open switches will cause a short circuit fault (1 pulse) if triggered without a call point resistor fitted in series.