RELEASE DEVICES
MADE IN THE U.S.A.
ADVANCE FIRE CONTROL MODEL LM21-AFC MANUAL
The LiftMaster Fire Control (LM21-AFC) Release Device/Control Panel is UL/CUL listed normally energized fail-safe device
incorporating state of the art electronic control circuitry. The LM21-AFC is designed to be used with manual doors or motorized
doors incorporating a reversing feature safety edge to create an automated door closing system.
DO NOT install this unit on a motorized door without a safety edge.
The LM21-AFC high performance control panel responds to emergency conditions generated by manual or automatic initiating
devices. Upon activation from such a device, the unit will then automatically close a motorized door or release a manual door. If
the alarm is still present and power is available to the operator, a motorized door can be opened by depressing the open switch of
the operator, after which the door will close again. If the door meets an obstruction while in alarm, the door will reverse and make
three attempts to close, after which the motor will be shut off and the door will rest on the obstruction or the LM21-AFC can be
optionally set to open to the limit and subsequently mechanically release the fire door onto the obstruction. The unit can be factory
ordered with cycle count from 1 through 10 (3-count standard), as well as continuous cycling capability. A safety timer within the
unit will turn the motor off and perform a mechanical release if the lower limit is not detected within a predetermined time period.
Verify factory-installed options to desired features during initial testing.
The LM21-AFC features include a selectable 10-second or 20-second time delay on alarm, remote test, motor voltage sensing,
form-C relay output, lower limit detection, safety timer, battery support for release device logic, smoke detectors, standard
annunciators and trouble diagnostic capabilities (does not support motor). Operating voltage is 120 VAC.
CAUTION: Review all installation instructions, procedures, referenced publications, cautions and warnings contained within this
manual prior to installing and/or servicing this product. As with all releasing device systems, maximum fire protection is provided
when installed in accordance with factory specifications and used with fuse link systems.
DO NOT install this unit without a fuse link system.
TEST WEEKLY TO ASSURE PROPER OPERATION OF RELEASE DEVICE/CONTROL PANEL
Installation and testing to factory specifications shall be performed by factory authorized personnel for proper operation in
accordance with the latest National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), National Electrical Code
(NEC), local, state, county, district and/or other applicable building and fire standards, guidelines, regulations and codes including,
but not limited to, all appendices and amendments and the requirements of the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS – Installation to be performed by factory authorized personnel only. The following installation
procedures must be followed to assure performance of the LM21-AFC Release Device/Control Panel to factory standards.
MOUNTING PROCEDURE
Typical installation configuration (figure 1) may not accurately depict door manufacturer’s recommendations. See door
manufacturer’s recommendations for use of this product with specific door being utilized. The door installer or manufacturer shall
supply all hardware required. Use only hardware approved or recognized by the appropriate testing and listing agencies in
conjunction with the installation of this product. (Figure 1)
1. The release device shall be mounted on a vertical surface with chain end link exiting side of enclosure as illustrated in
Figure 1.
2. Release device enclosure shall be mounted with minimum #10 size fastening screws or bolts for securing to structures other
than masonry. Masonry applications shall utilize 1/4" or greater anchors or studs as required to insure proper mounting
strength.
3. Release device and associated hardware (sash chain or 1/16 cable, eyebolts, fuse links, turnbuckles) shall be installed as per
figure 1 or door manufacturers recommendations. Note should be taken that the end link direction of pull is perpendicular to
the enclosure side. An eyebolt installed at a minimum distance of 12 inches from the release device should adequately
redirect sash chain pull as illustrated in Figure 1. DO NOT use this device without fuse links installed.
4. Complete hardware installation by connecting fuse links, sash chain, S-hooks and turnbuckles where required. Press
mechanical reset plunger in to allow insertion of end link through release device side opening. Push end link completely in
and release mechanical reset plunger to latch end link. Remove sash chain or cable slack by adjusting turnbuckle.
* DO NOT exceed maximum pull rating of 40 lbs. on releasing device.
SMOKE DETECTOR INSTALLATION
When installing smoke detectors with this unit refer to NFPA 72 and NFPA 80, paragraph 6-6, for instructions concerning proper
placement and detection coverage. See the Electrical Connections sections for wiring information. End of Line Devices shall be
installed for supervision of electrical power to 4-wire smoke detector. DO NOT interface this unit to 4-wire smoke detectors if
electrical supervision is not provided by means of a UL/CUL listed End-of-Line Device used in conjunction with the LM21-AFC.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
Installation of all wiring and connections, including Class 1 and Class 2 circuits, shall be performed in accordance with, but not
limited to, the latest NFPA, UL and N.E.C. standards and codes. In addition, all installations subject to Canadian standards shall be
performed in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, with respect to wiring material type, wiring gauge related to
power capacity requirements and circuit length and wiring methods. This unit is designed to be used on manual doors or motorized
doors incorporating a reversing feature safety edge.
DO NOT use this unit on a motorized door if a safety edge has not been installed.
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Figure 2 - Interior View
SEE Figures 2 through Figure 7
Verify wiring configuration with that recommended by door manufacturer for use of this product with specific door and
accessories being utilized. All wiring beginning at step 4 is low voltage. 18-gauge wire is recommended.
1. Turn off power supply sources for the LM21-AFC as well as the door operator before beginning.
2. Verify voltage rating of power source being utilized is 120 VAC. Verify that power is disconnected at fuse box before proceeding!
3. Connect 120 VAC (single phase) power source inputs to TB2, “Hot” to screw 1 and “Neutral” to screw 2. TB2, screw 3 shall
be utilized for earth ground where applicable (Figure 2). Do not connect battery at this point.
4. Initiating devices (All operators) Note: There is a 4-detector maximum.
a) Normally open “2-Wire”, class B style A, 12V DC initiating devices - remove supervisory resistor from positions 2 &
3. Connect wiring from N/O initiating device loop to positions 2 & 3. Place UL/CUL listed supervisory resistor (2.2k
Ohm @ ¼ Watt) across the terminals of the last initiating device as illustrated in Figure 3. Observe proper polarity, 2
(+), 3 (-). Wiring is illustrated in Figure 3. (Supervised, current-limited circuit)
b) Normally open “4-Wire” class B style A initiating devices - Connect wiring from N/O 4-Wire initiating device loop to
positions 2 & 3, making sure UL/CUL listed end-of-line supervisory resistor (2.2 K ohm @ ¼ Watt) is installed at a UL/
CUL listed end-of-line relay. (Do not share alarm loop with other alarm circuits). +12V DC Auxiliary power for smoke
detectors may be obtained from 1 for +24V DC. Ground can be obtained from 4. Wiring is illustrated in Figure 4, there is
a 4-detector maximum and an end of line relay device must be used as per UL 864. (Supervised, current-limited circuit)
Note: End of line devices must be installed adjacent and after the last initiating device. Initiating device loops are supervised
and cannot be directly series or paralleled between multiple release devices or shared with other alarm equipment. For proper
wiring configurations from multiple smoke detectors or signaling for simultaneous closure on multiple doors call technical
support (
Figure 3 – Two-Wire Smoke Detector Wiring Figure 4- Four-Wire Smoke Detector Wiring
a) Auxiliary Lower Limit switch (All operators). Connect wiring from N/O electrical loop (switch closed when door is closed) to
b) Auxiliary Upper limit switch (Motorized doors only). Connect wiring from N/O electrical loop (switch closed when door is up)
570-450-6613). Incorrect wiring between units may cause damage to the release control circuit and void warranty.
5. Operator Connections. Make the remainder of connections to the operator as illustrated in Figure 6. Note: When used
on motorized doors, the LM21-AFC requires an electric safety edge.
6. Connect motor control sensing voltage (24-30V ac or dc) from motor controller transformer (motorized doors only)
secondary to screws 11 (+) & 12 (-). This connection must be made or the unit will perform a mechanical release in all
alarm conditions when the door is not closed. (Figure 6)
7. Limit Switches – Figure 5.
13 & 14. This input precludes the door mechanism from releasing if a lower limit is detected (door is already closed). This
circuit also turns off sounders in down limit. (Current-limited circuit)
to 14 & 15. Connection to an auxiliary up limit switch is required for 3-cycle obstruction count feature. Set aux. limit to toggle
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