GE Security 521CRXT, 541AXT, 541C-10PKG, 541CXT-10PK, 548C Installation

ESL 500 Series

TV Room

Dining
Room

Kitchen Bedroom

Bedroom

Bedroom

Living Room

Smoke Detector

Installation Instructions

Note

Please refer to the ESL Compatibility Index for a complete
listing of control panels and proper identifiers. For a copy
of the Compatibility Index, call 1-800-648-7424 or visit
www.sentrol.com for a copy to down load. Remember,
4-wire smoke detectors do not require a
compatibility listing.

Description

The ESL 500 Series Smoke Detectors offer 2-wire, 4-wire, 12VDC,
and 24VDC detectors for fire system applications.
Depending on the model, the smoke detector provides the following
features:

Detector/base lock

Discourages unauthorized removal of the smoke detector by requiring
a screwdriver to remove the detector from the base.

CleanMe®
Enables the control panel to receive a warning signal via a 505
module, or CleanMe compatible panel, indicating that the optical
chamber needs to be replaced. This feature is available on the 521/
528 Series 2-wire detectors only.
The detectors ship with the CleanMe feature turned off. To turn on
the CleanMe signal move DIP switch 2 on the back of the detector to
the “on” position. See Figure 1.

ON

1. On=A (6-12V) range
Off=C (12-24V) range

2. On=CleanMe signal on
Off=CleanMe signal off
(521/528 Series only)

Note

Turning the CleanMe signal
on without using the 505
module and/or compatible
panel will create a trouble
signal.

1 2

X

Correct Incorrect

ON

12

NO COM NC

Relay (CRXT) unit only

WARNING

This document is intended for licensed electricians/
alarm installers. Interlogix cannot provide technical
support to unqualified persons.

If you have questions, call Interlogix at 1-800-648-7424.

Selecting a Location

Selecting a suitable location is critical to the operation of smoke
detectors. This equipment should be installed in accordance with
the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) Standard 72.

A-8-1.2.1.a Where to Locate the Required Smoke Detectors in
Existing Construction. The major threat from fire in a family

living unit occurs at night when everyone is asleep. The
principal threat to persons in sleeping areas comes from fires in
the remainder of the unit. Therefore, a smoke detector(s) is best
located between the bedroom areas and the rest of the unit. In
units with only one bedroom area on one floor, the smoke
detector(s) should be located as shown in Figure 2 A.
In family living units with more than one bedroom area or with
bedrooms on more than one floor, more than one smoke detector
is required, as shown in Figure 2 B.

2 A

Dining
Room

Kitchen

Bedroom

Bedroom

Figure 1. Switches

Self-diagnostics

Includes automatic sensitivity testing. Once a day and immediately
upon first power up, each 500 Series detector performs a full
diagnostic test that includes a dynamic test of the sensing chamber
and internal electronics. This meets NFPA 72 field sensitivity testing
requirements without the need for external meters.

Drift compensation

The detectors automatically adjust sensitivity, up to a maximum of

1.0%/ft., as the detectors become dirty.

Using the 2-wire 521/528 Series with a panel that does not have 2­wire capabilities

The ESL 505 module can convert the 2-wire 521/528 Series to a 4­wire input on the control panel. The 521/528 Series is UL Listed as
compatible with the 505 module and will be fully UL compliant with
any UL listed 24 VDC control panel and panels that do not operate
below 12V. Each 505 module will accommodate up to 20 ESL 521/
528 Series smoke detectors. See the 505 module installation
instructions for more information.

Selectable voltage range for UL 2-wir e compatibility

The 500 Series 2-wire smoke detectors have a DIP switch that allows
the installer to choose between 12/24V operation and 6/12V
operation. See Figure 1 and Specifications.

ESL 500 Series

Living Room

2 B

2 C

Bedroom

Living
Room

Basement

= Required smoke detectors
= Additional smoke detectors required for new construction

Figure 2. Detector placement

Bedroom

Bedroom

Dining
Room

1

In addition to smoke detectors outside of the sleeping areas, the
installation of a smoke detector on each additional story of the family
living unit, including the basement, is required. These installations
are shown in Figure 2 C. The living area smoke detector should be
installed in the living room or near the stairway to the upper level, or
in both locations. The basement smoke detector should be installed in
close proximity to the stairway leading to the floor above. Where
installed on an open-joisted ceiling, the detector should be placed on
the bottom of the joists. The detector should be positioned relative to
the stairway to intercept smoke coming from a fire in the basement
before the smoke enters the stairway.

A-8-1.2.1.b Where to Locate the Required Smoke Detectors in New
Construction. All of the smoke detectors specified in A-8-1.2.1.a for

existing construction are required and, in addition, a smoke detector
is required in each bedroom.

A-8-1.2.1.c Are More Smoke Detectors Desirable?
The required number of smoke detectors might not provide reliable
early warning protection for those areas separated by a door from the
areas protected by the required smoke detectors. For this reason, it is
recommended that the householder consider the use of additional
smoke detectors for those areas for increased protection. The
additional areas include the basement, bedrooms, dining room,
furnace room, utility room, and hallways not protected by the
required smoke detectors. The installation of smoke detectors in
kitchens, attics (finished or unfinished), or garages is not normally
recommended, as these locations occasionally experience conditions
that can result in improper operation.

Important: Regulations pertaining to smoke detector installations
vary from state to state. For more information, contact your local fire
department or local authority having jurisdiction.

Installing the Detector

All wiring must conform to the National Electric Code (NEC)
and/or local codes having jurisdiction. Use 12 to 24 AWG wire
to install the detector.

1. If you are using the detector/base lock, remove the detector
knockout and break off the tab on the mounting base. See
Figure 3.

2. Remove the red plastic cover from the detector. The
detector is shipped with a cover for protection against
construction site dust.

3. Run system wiring to the detector location and mount
electrical boxes if necessary.

4. Line up and attach the gasket (if the detector comes with a
gasket) and mounting base to the electrical box, wall or
ceiling using the screws provided. Use the wall anchors if
necessary. See Figure 5.

5. Strip the system wires and connect them to the appropriate
terminals on the detector. See Figure 6.

6. Attach the detector to the mounting base as follows:

- Line up the raised tab on the side of the detector with the
arrow on the mounting base. See Figure 4.

- Insert the smoke detector into the base and turn
clockwise approximately 15 degrees. It should snap
firmly into place.

7. Apply power.

8. Test the detector. See Smoke Testing the Alarm.

In addition to NFPA 72, use the following location guidelines to
optimize performance and reduce the chance of false alarms from the
detector:

• Locate ceiling-mounted smoke detectors in the center of a room
or hallway at least 4 inches (10cm) from any walls or partitions.

• Locate wall-mounted smoke detectors so the top of the detector
is 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30cm) below the ceiling.

• Do not locate detectors in or near bathrooms or kitchens.

• Locate in a suitable environment as follows:

- Temperature between 32°F (0°C) and 100°F (37°C)

- Humidity between 0 and 95% non-condensing

• Locate away from air conditioners, heating registers, and any
other ventilation source that may interfere with smoke entering
the detector.

• Mount smoke detectors on a firm permanent surface.

Figure 4. Mounting

Smoke Testing the Detector

Smoke detectors should be tested in place annually using smoke
or canned aerosol simulated smoke. Follow the instructions on
the canned smoke or use the following steps to test the detector
with smoke:

1. Hold a smoldering punk or cotton wick close to the smoke
entry openings.

2. Gently direct the smoke into the detector for 20 seconds or
until an alarm is indicated.

Be sure to extinguish the smoke source after testing! The
detector LED should stay on and an alarm should be indicated at

Figure 3. Detector/base lock

2

the control panel. Use the system reset switch to reset the
detector.

ESL 500 Series