Interlogix 521NCSXT, 541NB, 541NCSRH Installation Guide

Dining
Room

Kitchen

Bedroom

Bedroom

Bedroom

Living Room

TV Room

Dining
Room

Kitchen Bedroom

Bedroom

Bedroom

Living Room

C

S

ESL 500N Series
Smoke Detector

Installation Instructions

WARNING

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

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

Description

The ESL 500N Series conventional 2-wire and 4-wire photoelectric
smoke detectors have intelligent software and digitally processed
sensing capabilities. This intelligence coupled with the ESL patented
optical sensing chamber means the ESL 500N Series quickly and
accurately detects smoke. CleanMe® compatible software, self­diagnostics, and dust (drift) compensation are standard in every unit.
The ESL 500N Series offers application flexibility with optional
auxiliary relays, rate-of-rise/fixed temperature heat sensors, isolated
heat sensors and/or 85dBa temporal 3 sounders.

All models ship standard with the following features:
Detector/base lock

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

Self-diagnostics

Includes automatic sensitivity testing. Once a day and immediately
upon first power up, each 500N 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 (dust compensation)
The detectors automatically adjust sensitivity, up to a maximum of

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

Automatic voltage range selection for UL 2-wir e compatibility

The 2-wire 500N Series detectors automatically determine if the
detector is connected to a 6/12V panel or a 12/24V panel. There are
no switches to set.

Depending on the model, the smoke detector provides the
following features:

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 500N
Series 2-wire detectors only.

The 500N Series 2-wire detectors enable the CleanMe function by
recognizing voltage polarity at installation. If the + and - terminal
connections are reversed, the CleanMe function is enabled. New
500N Series detectors are compatible on the same loop with previous
500 Series detectors if proper wiring is observed. See Figure 5.

Integral T emporal 3 Sounder

In the 500N models with sounder, a piezoelectric horn produces an
interrupted 85dBa tone when the detector alarms or when the polarity
is reversed. Sounder follows input voltage in reverse polarity.

In order for all sounders to activate when the panel alarms, the panel
must reverse the supply voltage polarity to the loop on alarm. If the
panel does not implement polarity reversal, an ESL 405 Polarity
Reversal Relay Module must be used. (Refer to the installation
instructions for the ESL 405 Polarity Reversal Relay Module.)

ESL 500N Series

U

¤

L

LISTED

Auxiliary and end-of-line relays

U

Auxiliary relays are form C and operate at 1A @ 30VDC to
allow for the addition of auxiliary notification devices to the
smoke loops. Products with an “R” in the suffix signify the
auxiliary relay feature.

An end-of-line relay operates as a power supervision relay and
is normally energized and will release with the loss of power.
Products with an “E” in the suffix signify the end-of-line
feature.

Heat sensors

Some models come with both a rate-of-rise and fixed tempera­ture heat sensors which allows the unit to detect changes in
temperature that may signal a fire event. Models with an “XT”
in the suffix have a heat sensor included.

Some models are available with an isolated heat sensor. If the
unit senses a temperature change it will alert the panel and
signal an alarm independent of smoke in the photoelectric
chamber. The heat alarm output is on the alarm relay and the
smoke alarm output is on the auxiliary relay. Models with an
“H” in the suffix have an isolated heat sensor which is both rate­of-rise and fixed temperature.

Convertible inputs

The 2-wire 500N Series can be converted using the ESL 505
module to a 4-wire input on the control panel. The 500N 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. Up to 20 ESL 500N
Series smoke detectors can be accomodated on each 505
module. See the 505 module installation instructions for more
information.

Compatibility

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 download. Remember,
4-wire smoke detectors do not require a compatibility listing.

1 A

1 B

1 C

Bedroom

Living
Room

Basement

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

Figure 1. Detector placement

Bedroom

Dining
Room

1

Selecting a Location

1ON2

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 1 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 1 B.
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 1 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.

Installing the Detector

All wiring must conform to the National Electric Code (NEC) and/
or local codes having jurisdiction. Use 12 to 24 AWG (16 to
22AWG recommended) 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 2.

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. The detector fits standard
single gang boxes and 3 1/2” and 4” round ceiling boxes.

4. Line up and attach the mounting base to the electrical box,
wall or ceiling using the screws provided. Use the wall
anchors if necessary. See Figure 3.

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

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 and test the detector. See Smoke Testing the

Detector.

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

Figure 2. Detector/base lock

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.

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

Figure 3. Detector installation

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.

2

Figure 4. Mounting

ESL 500N Series