News & Events - New Duct Detectors InnorairFlex now replacing older styles. Questions and Answers

Common Questions and Answers regarding InnovairFlex

Q: If my application does not require remote test stations do any other options exist if my primary goal is to use a remote accessory to provide identification of the duct smoke detector location?

A: In many cases a remote annunciator could be used in lieu of a remote test station.  NFPA 72 5.16.5.8 is summarized by the following:
"Where duct smoke detectors are installed in concealed locations more than 3m (10ft) above the finished floor or in arrangements where the detector's alarm or supervisory indicator is not visible to responding personnel, the detectors shall be provided with remote alarm or supervisory indication in a location acceptable to the AHJ".

Note that the NFPA requirement is for remote alarm or supervisory indication, not remote test.  Therefore a remote annunciator (RA400Z) could be used in lieu of a remote test station.  In addition, the RA400Z does not require a DCOIL or 24V power when used in conjunction with the D355PL or D2 detectors.

Q: The legacy intelligent duct smoke detectors did not require a coil or external 24V power to enable functionality of a remote test accessory. What has changed that now requires these additional components/provisions?

A: Customer feedback overwhelmingly requested returning to a plug-in style head rather than the board-mounted sensor.  The change back to a plug-in style head reduces false alarms as well as service and maintenance costs but requires the addition of a DCOIL and external 24V power.

Q: If the DCOIL is required for remote test applications, why not include it with every D355PL or D2? 

A: Based on the total number of remote test stations sold vs. the total number of intelligent duct smoke detectors sold, remote test accessories are only included on 30-35% of all applications.  Therefore, System Sensor chose to not burden every D355PL or D2 with the additional cost of a DCOIL. 

Q: The additional requirement for the DCOIL and external 24V power in the D355PL and D2 with remote test applications increases the initial first / installation costs and makes retrofit applications much more costly and complex.  Do any other options exist? 

A: System Sensor is currently working on a design enhancement which would eliminate the need for the external 24V power in remote test applications. 

Q: I have several outstanding approved jobs which include intelligent duct smoke detectors and remote test stations; can I still obtain the old intelligent non-relay models? 

A: To help mitigate your exposure and bridge the gap between the old and new product, there will be a limited quantity of old intelligent non-relay duct smoke detectors available.  Contact your Customer Service Representative regarding availability.  It is recommended on all new quotes and projects that the new InnovairFlex be quoted with all associated required components and power provisions. 

Q: There is no longer an intelligent w/relay duct smoke detector, how can I meet this requirement?

A: Although there is no longer an intelligent with relay duct smoke detector, the D355PL can be fitted with a variety of addressable relay modules to meet this requirement.

Equipment Required

• D355PL
• Addressable relay module CRF-300

The power board side of the D355PL and D2 models includes a provision to allow the addressable relay module to be mounted within the InnovairFlex housing.

Q: Can I still use the flanged type ST sampling tubes with the new InnovairFlex duct smoke detectors? 

A: No, all new InnovairFlex duct smoke detectors require the use of DST sampling tubes.  The new DST sampling tubes can be installed from the front or back of the detector.  They also install without the need for any hardware or tools due to the new plug-in design which can reduce installation labor considerably.

Q: Are the old RA400Z, RTS451 and RTS451KEY remote accessories still compatible with the new InnovairFlex duct smoke detectors?

A: Yes, all remote accessories are still compatible with all InnovairFlex models.  System Sensor will be launching an updated version of these accessories later this year which will mirror the form, fit and functionality of the current accessories with an enhanced appearance similar to the mini-horn product line.

Q: Have the InnovairFlex duct detectors received all necessary agency approvals? 

A: All models are UL, FM, CSFM and MSFM listed (applicable models are ULC listed).  Due to the fact that the D355PL is labeled as a System Sensor model all listings reside under System Sensor and D355PL.   Each listing refers to "separately listed compatible detector head" rather than actually listing all applicable heads.  A list of compatible detector heads can be located on the System Sensor website (link below).  This chart has been updated to incorporate the D355PL since it is essentially a duct smoke detector base / housing.  The System Sensor D355PL installation manual refers to the System Sensor website for this base / sensor cross reference chart. 

Link to the base / detector compatibility chart:    http://www.systemsensor.com/pdf/base-detector-compatibility-chart.pdf

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