The GS-SDD duct smoke detectors are fitted with a mounting base that
will accept 2 models:
- Ionization Detector (GS-SDDI): 4 wire ionization smoke detector
(Listed for high temperature applications)
- Photoelectric Detector (GS-SDDP): 4 wire photoelectric smoke
detector
The duct unit supports 2 sets of form “C” and 1 form “A” Alarm
Contacts and 1 form “C” Trouble Contact. The trouble contact
supervises the presence of the input power and removal of the
detector head.
The trouble contacts (terminals 4-15-5) are shown in the non-
energized condition.
The trouble contact will not operate in the event of a smoke alarm.
The GS-SDD Series will operate on one of the following input voltage
sources: 24VAC, 24VDC, 115VAC and 230VAC.
The duct smoke detector units are designed to operate in duct widths
from 12 inches to 10 feet wide with an air velocity between 100 and
4,000 feet per minute. To verify correct installation, the pressure
differential between the input and exhaust tubes should be measured
using a Magnehelic pressure gauge or equivalent. An acceptable
reading must be between 0.01 and 1.2 inches of water.
For a Smoke Duct Detector unit to operate correctly, it must be
installed 6 duct widths from any obstruction i.e. elbows, deflector
plates, filters, dampers, etc. In situations where the criteria cannot be
met, deviations are acceptable providing they meet the pressure
differential requirements.
Sampling Tubes
The principal of operation of a duct detector is based on the Venturi
effect. Two tubes extend into the HVAC duct. Air flowing through the
duct is forced into the air intake tube via the air intake holes, and
passes over the detector head. The air will be drawn out via the
exhaust tube back into the HVAC duct. (7” exhaust tube provided in
the installation kit.) When the particles of smoke suspended in the air
stream reach the alarm threshold of the detector head, the unit will go
into alarm.
Duct Unit Installation
Duct Smoke Location Prerequisites
This guideline contains general information on duct smoke detector
installation, but does not preclude the NFPA documents listed.
Distech Controls assumes no responsibility for improperly installed
duct detectors. To determine the correct installation position for a GS-
SDD Series Duct Smoke Detector, the following factors must be
considered.
1. A uniform non turbulent airflow of between 100 ft/min to 4,000
ft/min. must be present in the HVAC duct. To determine the
duct velocities examine the engineering specifications that define
the expected velocities or use an Alnor model 6000P velocity/meter
(or equivalent).
2. In order to prevent stratification, duct smoke units, where possible,
must be located a minimum of six duct widths downstream from a
source of turbulence (i.e. elbows, deflector plates, filters, dampers,
and inlets). In installations where it is impossible to adhere to the
six duct width requirement, units can be installed closer but as far
from inlets, bends or deflector plates as possible. Should this
situation arise, check velocity readings in the duct prior to the duct
smoke unit installation. Ensure the duct smoke unit pressure
differential complies with the unit specifications. The pressure
differential between the input sampling tube and exhaust tube for
the GS-SDD series duct smoke unit should be greater than 0.01
inches of water and less than 1.2 inches of water.
3. Identify a location for the installation of the duct unit that will permit
easy access for viewing and serviceability.
4. Install duct units in the return air side of an HVAC unit prior to the
air being exhausted from the building or diluted with outside air.
5. When installing duct smoke units down stream of filters, fires
occurring in the filters will be detected, but If the filters become
blocked insufficient air flow through the duct unit will prevent the
correct operation of the duct detector.
6. Where possible, install duct detectors upstream of air humidifiers
and downstream of dehumidifiers.
7. To prevent false alarms, the duct detector should not be mounted
in areas of extreme high or low temperatures, in areas where high
humidity exists or in areas where the duct may contain gases or
excess dust.
Figure 3. Duct Unit Installation.