Zeta Premier Elite (4 to 8 zone) fault records

Zeta Premier Elite: Earth fault

Per the manual, an earth fault indicates that something is shorting to earth, usually through the cable screen. Disconnect the earth screens one at a time to determine the problem line. Connecting other equipment, for example an oscilloscope or a PC, to the panel can give an earth fault. The voltage between battery -Ve and earth should be 14 to 16 volts; if it is not, the voltage should indicate what is shorting to earth.

Zeta Premier Elite: Faults are non-latching (system fault excepted)

The manual says most faults need checking by an engineer, but the system can be checked for a removed detector by the responsible person. All faults in the Premier Elite are non-latching: they cannot be reset with the reset button and clear automatically when the fault has been fixed. The exception is a SYSTEM FAULT, which means the processor may have crashed and may or may not have restarted correctly.

Zeta Premier Elite: Sounder circuit fault: open circuit

Per the manual, for a sounder open circuit fault: check that the correct end-of-line resistor (10K) has been fitted to both circuits; check sounder fuses FS4 and FS5 are intact; check there are no breaks in the cable and all screw connections are secure. As a panel check, remove both circuit cables and fit both EOLs at the panel: if the fault clears, the panel is working correctly.

Zeta Premier Elite: Sounder circuit fault: short circuit (Gen S/C LED lit)

Per the manual, a sounder short circuit fault lights the Gen S/C LED. Check the correct end of line (10K resistor) has been fitted to both circuits; check that all sounders and bells are polarised and fitted the correct way round; check for shorts to the cable screen. As a panel check, remove the cable and fit an EOL at the panel: if the fault clears, the panel is working correctly. The manual notes that non-polarised alarm devices (some old mechanical bells, or a relay) need a diode in line to enable fault monitoring, and may also need a back-EMF protection diode; chattering sounder relays that do not turn off are the symptom of a missing one.

Zeta Premier Elite: Supply fault

Per the manual, a power supply fault indicates loss of mains power or loss of battery power. For loss of mains: check that 230 V AC is present at the mains terminal block, check the mains fuse, check that there is 30 to 34 V coming from the transformer secondary, and check the charger fuse FS1. For loss of battery: check that two 12 V batteries are fitted in series to give 24 V backup, check battery fuse FS2, check that the battery connections are secure, check that the batteries are not over 5 years old, and check that the two batteries have a combined voltage of over 21 V DC.

Zeta Premier Elite: System fault

Per the manual, a system fault is an abnormal microprocessor running condition due to various unexpected phenomena, and the panel attempts to correct itself. The System Fault LED, General Fault LED, General Fault relay and the fault internal buzzer stay active until the control keyswitch is turned from the off position to the control enable position, which should reset the fault. If not, consult your supplier.

Zeta Premier Elite: Zone fault: open circuit

Per the manual, an open circuit zone fault: check that the correct end-of-line diode (1N4002) has been fitted; check there are no breaks in the cable and all screw connections are secure; check no detectors have been removed from the circuit and all are correctly fitted to their bases. As a cable check, remove the zone wire from the panel, temporarily join the + and - cables at the end of line and check for continuity (splitting the line in half and fitting an EOL helps find which section has the fault). As a panel check, remove the cable and fit an EOL at the panel: if the fault clears, the panel is working correctly. If the panel does not report a fault when a detector is removed, check with your supplier that the detector is compatible with the panel.

Zeta Premier Elite: Zone fault: short circuit (Gen S/C LED lit)

Per the manual, a short circuit zone fault lights the Gen S/C LED. Check that the correct end of line (1N4002 diode) has been fitted and not backwards (stripe to +ve); check that no equipment other than detectors or call points has been fitted to the zone; check for shorts to the cable screen; check that none of the heads have become damaged (remove one at a time). As a panel check, remove the cable and fit an EOL at the panel: if the fault clears, the panel is working correctly.