Kentec, a manufacturer of life-critical control systems, has launched the XT+, a new multi-area releasing control unit designed to be easily interfaced with Kentec’s UL864 single and dual loop fire safety products. It features intelligent functionality to make it simple to install, configure and use, and manages the activation of gas suppression systems and all associated releasing monitoring and control circuits. The interface with the fire detection system is via a simple RS485 communication channel.
Kevin Swann, Managing Director of Kentec, says ease of integration is critical to the future of fire safety: “We are now able to integrate multiple fire safety, security and building management systems with relative ease, and it is our duty as an industry to capitalise on these capabilities,” he says. The panel’s multi-area releasing control units contain one or two releasing modules interfaced with the master fire alarm panel. Each module can accommodate a separate hazard, defined by two specific zones.
interface for end-users configuration
XT+’s functionality has been designed to accommodate a wide range of fire-safety scenarios”
This means that gas suppression need only be activated within the required area, therefore limiting the potential damage and disruption to the overall site. Kentec’s configuration software, Loop Explorer 2, provides a simple programming interface for end-users to configure the inputs and outputs for each releasing module. Other features include (for each area): first and second stage dual releasing outputs; first and second stage NAC outputs; and first and second stage volt-free changeover relays.
Volt-free relays signal to other systems that gas has been released, and also fault volt-free relays alert other systems to any faults and their location. “The XT+’s interoperability and intelligent functionality have been meticulously designed to accommodate a wide range of fire-safety scenarios, providing user convenience and the very highest standards of safety,” adds Kevin. “It is also one of the first products of its kind to be listed to UL864 (10th edition).” The XT+ unit is equipped with a 5.25 A power supply (120 VAC or 240 VAC).
