Method for self-testing notification appliances in alarm systems
View Patent ↗A method for self-testing notification appliances in an alarm system, including the steps of measuring ambient noise at a notification appliance, comparing the measured ambient noise to a threshold ambient noise level, and performing a self-test of the notification appliance if the measured ambient noise does not exceed the threshold ambient noise level. The method may further include the step of recording a fail result for the notification appliance if the measured ambient noise exceeds the threshold ambient noise level. Performing the self-test of the notification appliance may include the steps of activating a notification feature of the notification appliance, measuring output of the notification feature, comparing the measured output to a predefined value, recording a pass result for the notification appliance if the measured output exceeds the predefined value, and recording a fail result for the notification appliance if the measured output does not exceed the predefined value.
1. A method for self-testing notification appliances in an alarm system, the method comprising:
measuring ambient noise at a notification appliance;
comparing the measured ambient noise to a threshold ambient noise level; and
in response to the measured ambient noise not exceeding the threshold ambient noise level, performing a self-test comprising:
activating a notification feature of the notification appliance, measuring output of the notification feature;
comparing the measured output to a predefined value;
recording a pass result for the notification appliance if the measured output exceeds the predefined value; and
recording a fail result for the notification appliance if the measured output does not exceed the predefined value
in response to the measured ambient noise exceeding the threshold ambient noise level:
recording a special test fail result.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the threshold ambient noise level represents a level of ambient noise that may be present during the performance of the self-test without affecting the result of the self-test.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the threshold ambient noise level is in a range between 100 dB and 130 dB.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the threshold ambient noise level is in a range between 8 candelas and 12 candelas.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of measuring ambient noise is initiated at an alarm panel that is remote from the notification appliance.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of measuring ambient noise is initiated by actuating an input device on the notification appliance.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein actuating the input device comprises disposing a magnet in close proximity to a magnetic switch in the notification appliance.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of measuring ambient noise includes activating a sensor of the notification appliance for an ambient noise detection period.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the ambient noise detection period has a duration in a range between 1 second and 5 seconds.