January, 2016 196-3
Model FT196 Multi-Spectrum IR Portable Flame Detector Test Lamp
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
A re is composed of heat and light , both visible and
invisible. And during the combustion process, smoke
may be generated. A re will emit specic radiation in the
infrared and ultraviolet spectrum. A ame detector uses
specialized sensors to detect these radiation to report and
conrm a re.
The Model FT196 Flame Detector Test Lamp is a specically
designed portable source of infrared (IR) radiation for
testing Safety Systems Technology’s Multi-Spectrum IR
ame detectors. The test lamp is used to test and conrm
the operation of the ame detector. It tests the viewing
window of the detector is clean and unobstructed as well
as verify its internal electronics operation is functioning
normally similar to how a built-in internal automatic self-
test works. Furthermore, it will conrm the operation of the
detector’s critical alarm outputs such as the contact relays,
4-20 mA alarm output, and the system’s wiring terminals,
cabling and its connections, functionality of the re alarm
panel, proper audible and or visual alarm notication, and
the suppression system if required.
Operational Description
Inside the unit is a source lamp for infrared. The test lamp emits IR radiation which pulsates
at a slow rate to simulate the “icker” in a real re. Because all ame detectors are line-of-
sight devices, the test lamp also veries that the window of the ame detector is unobstructed
which will allow the transmission of the IR signals from the test lamp to reach the sensors.
Any obstruction such as dust, dirt, grease, or debris on the lens of the ame detector will
prevent it from seeing the simulated re from the test lamp. The test lamp must be within
10 feet or 3.0 meters of the detector and in the vicinity of the eld-of-view of the detector to
operate. The ame detector, depending on the settings, should respond to the test lamp
within seconds. And once the detector has detected an alarm condition, it should activate
the critical alarm outputs conrming normal operation.
Housed inside the test lamp is a state-of-the-art electronics module that controls the IR source
lamps to simulate a real ame. The test lamp uses a highly specialized sapphire lens which
allows transmission of the IR radiation. Always handle the test lamp with extreme caution
to prevent damage to the special lens. The test lamp functions on internal batteries which,
when fully charged, will allow operation for an extended period of time. The test lamp uses
a momentary switch and must be pressed and held to activate and operate the unit while
testing a ame detector. This prevents the test lamp from being left on and to conserve
battery power.
