
Installation Instructions
Model FDO421
Photoelectric Detector
Figure 1
FDO421
These instructions are written in accordance with the installation
guidelines of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, The Installation
of Fire Alarm Systems.
CAUTION
Detection Device Storage
DO NOT install this detection device until all construction
is completed.
DO NOT store this detection device where it can be
contaminated by dirt, dust, or humidity.
DETECTOR PLACEMENT
Although no specific spacings are set for the detectors used for
a clean air application, use 30 foot center spacing (900 sq ft)
from NFPA Standard 72 initiating devices chapter, if practical,
as a guide or starting point for a detector installation layout.
This spacing, however, is based on ideal conditions–smooth
ceiling, no air movement, and no physical obstructions. In some
applications, therefore, considerably less area is protected
adequately by each smoke detector. This is why it is mandatory
to closely follow the installation drawings. In all installations place
the detector on the ceiling, a minimum of 6 inches from a side
wall, or on a wall, 6 inches from the ceiling.
If you have any questions regarding detector placement, follow
the drawings provided or approved by Siemens Industry, Inc.,
or by its authorized distributors. This is extremely important! The
detector placements shown on these drawings were chosen after
a careful evaluation of the area that is protected. Such factors
as air currents, temperature, humidity, pressure, and the nature
of the fire load were carefully considered. Especially noted were
the room or area configuration and the type of ceiling (sloped or
flat, smooth or beamed). Siemens Industry, Inc.’s extensive
experience in the design of the system assures the best detector
placement by following these drawings.
TO AVOID NUISANCE ALARMS
Do not locate the detectors where excessive smoke
concentrations exist under normal conditions, or in areas of
prolonged high relative humidity where condensation occurs.
Do not locate the detectors next to an oil burner, kitchen, or
garage where exhaust fumes can trigger an alarm. Other causes
of false alarms are dust accumulation, heavy concentrations of
steam, heavy pipe or cigar smoke, and certain aerosol sprays.
AIR CURRENTS
Before a detector can sense a fire, the products of combustion
or smoke must travel from the fire to the detector. This travel is
especially influenced by air currents; therefore, consider air
movement when designing the system. While combustion
products tend to rise, drafts from hallways, air diffusers, fans,
etc., may help or hinder the travel of combustion products to the
detector. When positioning a detector at a particular location,
give consideration to windows and doors, both open and closed,
to ventilating systems, both in and out of operation, and to other
factors influencing air movement. Do not install a detector in the
air stream of a room air supply diffuser. It is better to position a
detector closer to an air return.
The distance that products of combustion or smoke travel from
a fire to the detector is not usually the shortest linear route.
Combustion products or smoke usually rise to the ceiling, then
spread out. Average ceiling heights of 8 to 10 feet do not
abnormally affect detector response. High ceilings, located in
churches, warehouses, auditoriums, etc., do affect detector
response and should be considered.
SPECIAL CEILING CONSTRUCTION FACTORS
Ceiling obstructions change the natural movement of air and
combustion products. Depending on the direction of smoke
travel, joists and beams can slow the movement of heated air
and smoke, while pockets between them can contain a reduced
level of smoke. Take obstructions created by girders, joists,
beams, air conditioning ducts, or architectural design into
consideration when determining area protection. Refer to the
Initiating Devices chapter of NFPA Standard 72 for Location and
Spacing requirements for specific types of construction; e.g.
beam, suspended, level, sloped and peaked ceilings. The
detector is also compatible with the following mechanical
protection guard model: STI-9604 (see www.STI-USA.com for
details).
TEMPERATURE – HUMIDITY – PRESSURE – AIR
VELOCITY
The temperature range for the FDO421 detector is 32°F (0°C)
to 120°F (49°C). Use the detector in environments where the
humidity does not exceed 95% (non-condensing). Normal
changes of atmospheric pressure do not affect detector
sensitivity. The air velocity range is 0-4000 ft/min for open areas
applications and direct in air duct applications. Follow detector
spacing and location requirements in NFPA 72 Chapter for High
Air Movement Areas and Control of Smoke Spread.
LED INDICATOR OPERATION
The Model FDO421 contains an LED indicator capable of
flashing either one of three distinct colors: green, yellow, or red.
During each flash interval, the microprocessor-based detector
monitors the following:
• Smoke in its sensing chamber
• Smoke sensitivity is within the range indicated on the
nameplate label
• Internal sensors and electronics
A6V10323926_a_en_--
Siemens Industry, Inc.
Building Technologies Division

Based on the results of the monitoring, the LED indicator flashes
the following:
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• Route wires away from connector terminals.
TO INSTALL DETECTOR HEAD:
• Rotate detector
it until the detector seats fully into base.
• Then rotate the detector clockwise until it stops and locks in
place. Insert optional locking screw (Order Model LK-11).
TO REMOVE DETECTOR HEAD:
• Loosen locking screw, if installed. Then rotate the detector
counterclockwise until stop is reached.
• Pull detector out of base.
DETECTOR TESTING
Only qualified service personnel should test. To assure proper
operation of the detector, both the Sensitivity and Functional
DETECTOR PROGRAMMING
Each detector must be programmed to respond to a unique
system address between 001 - 252.
• To program the detector address, use the Model DPU
Device Programming Unit. Refer to the DPU Manual, P/N
315-033260.
• Record the loop and device number (system address) for
the detector on the detector label and on the base to
prevent installing the detector in the wrong base. The
optional DPU label printer can be used for this purpose.
Each detector provides pre-programmed parameter sets which
can be selected by the panel. Please follow the corresponding
descriptions of the panel used.
• Sensitive
• Standard
• Robust
• Air Duct
When using this detector direct in air duct
applications, be sure the detector is set to the
parameter “Air Duct.”
Test should be conducted. The minimum test schedule may be
found in the current edition of NFPA 72.
SENSITIVITY MEASUREMENT
The sensitivity of FDO421 detectors can be tested individually
using the DPU. Refer to the DPU Manual, P/N 315-033260. The
sensitivity can also be measured by the panel. Follow the
instructions of the panel used.
FUNCTIONAL TEST
Perform a functional (Go, No-Go) test by activating the detector
using Test Gas, P/N 500-649750, following the instruction on
the gas canister label. This test is simply used to ensure that
smoke can enter the sensing chamber and alarm the control
panel when the detector reaches the programmed obscuration
(concentration) level.
The FDO421 detectors can also be tested individually using the
DPU. Refer to the DPU Manual, P/N 315-033260.
DETECTOR MAINTENANCE
The control unit automatically indicates the trouble message for
the FDO421 detector whose smoke chamber changes to the
level where the set sensitivity cannot be maintained. In such
circumstances, the detector may require replacement.
WIRING
Detector bases for Model FDO421 should be connected as
shown in Figure 2.
DETECTOR MOUNTING
To ensure proper installation of the detector head into the base,
be sure the wires are properly dressed at installation:
• Position all wires flat against the base.
CAUTION: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS THE
DETECTOR HEAD TO BE DISASSEMBLED. NO REPAIRS
SHOULD BE ATTEMPTED.
DO NOT PAINT
The detector/base plastic is marked DO NOT PAINT. This is
intended to prohibit painting during routine maintenance of the
occupancy which can affect proper operation of the detector.
• Take up all slack in the outlet box
Figure 2
LINE 1**
TO INITIATING
CIRCUIT OF
SIEMENS
INDUSTRY, INC.
COMPATIBLE
CONTROL UNIT
LINE 2**
DETECTOR BASE
MODEL DB-11/DB-11E
561a
*The relay contacts are shown after System reset, which represents the non-alarm condition.
**FDO421 is a polarity insensitive detector. Line 1 and Line 2 can be either line of the loop.
1b
OPTIONAL
REMOTE
ALARM
INDICATOR
MODELS
RL-HW/RL-HC
TB1
TB2
TB3
REMOTE RELAY
BASE MODEL DB2-HR
5+
NO
C
6–
NC
RELAY*
CONTACTS
3A, 120 VAC
3A, 30 VDC
561a
Installation and Wiring Diagram
counterclockwise while gently pressing on
TO NEXT BASE
5+
1b
NO
6–
NC
TO NEXT BASE
DO NO
USE AN
END OF
LINE
DEVICE
C
DO NO
USE AN
END OF
LINE
DEVICE
Building Technologies Division
Florham Park, NJ
Building Technologies Division
2 Kenview Boulevard
Brampton, Ontario L6T 5E4 Canada
Siemens Canada Limited
A6V10323926_a_en_--Siemens Industry, Inc.