PSINovember2017

TEST
(continued from p14)
‘hearing’ the alarm. There is a series of beeps
from the unit while the unit goes through the
procedure. You can adjust the sensitivity of the
unit by using the supplied tool in the small screw
in the front of the DoorSense. Note: it is
recommended that each DoorSense on sound
driven release mode is checked weekly.
Due to its simplicity
there is very little that
can actually go wrong
when installing and
setting up the unit -
there are a number
of LED and beep
combinations that
can warn you of any
problems (low
battery, incorrect
insertion etc)
9.0 out of 10
Timer settings are determined by using the
adjustor tool on three of the four switches on the
rear of the unit. The position of the switches set
the release and reset times and whether or not
there is an audible warning sound on release.
When the batteries are inserted correctly, and to
show the unit is working properly, a red LED will
flash once every 32 seconds. The DoorSense unit
can now be fitted to the door.
Fitting
The unit should always be fitted to the lock edge
of a door - and not on the hinged side. The box
contains a template that should be held up
against a closed door with the arrows pointing to
the lock side edge. This template gives you the
four points to mark from drilling (using a 1.5mm
bit). Once the unit has been fitted to the door
using two of the screws in the slotted holes check
that the door opens and closes without catching
and the plunger contacts with the floor when
pushed down. If this is not the case then adjust
the height of the unit until it does and fit the final
two screws and tighten.
There are two floorplates to choose from, one
with a stopper to protect walls from being hit by
door hardware and one without a stopper for use
in open spaces. Obviously, before fitting to the
floor check for pipes, cables etc. Open the door to
an angle of at least 65°, slide the footplate under
the door and check that the stopper locates into
the recess. Mark the position of the plate and fix
to the floor.
Alarm driven release
To use the sound driven release function you will
need to arrange for the fire alarm to sound for 30
seconds so that the unit recognises the tone.
While the alarm is sounding during set-up the LED
will flash every 1.3 secs to show the unit is
Manual use
As mentioned there are a number of options when
it comes to releasing the DoorSense plunger
however to open the door the procedure is the
same; open the door so that it lines up with the
floorplate recess and depress the foot pedal. To
manually release the door tap the pedal back
towards the door or push the door further back.
Either of these actions will cause the plunger to lift.
Performance
Using the alarm driven release mode the door was
closed in 13 seconds of the alarm activating and
the unit gave out an audible two-tone beep eight
times until it reset itself.
In manual mode the plunger depressed
without much downward pressure being required
and released with a light tap backwards while
using the timer function the door was closed at
the designated time (9pm) following an audible
warning.
Conclusion
Fire doors have a specific role in the safety of
personnel and premises and so any certified
solution that prevents risks being taken when it
comes to keeping doors open is vital.
The DoorSense does exactly what it should do
and even though it looks like it weighs a ton it is
actually extremely light for a motorised unit and
therefore does not affect the effort required in
everyday use of the door.
While the setting and fitting of some
technology can seem a little fiddly the DoorSense
is fairly straightforward so will not have you
scratching your head the first time you fit one.
Furthermore due to its simplicity there is very
little that can actually go wrong when installing
and setting up the unit - there are a number of
LED and beep combinations that can warn you of
problems (low battery, incorrect insertion etc).
Given the heightened concern over fires in
public buildings any RRO “responsible person”
should take a look at this unit to prevent
problems if fire doors are being propped open
with wedges.
DoorSense is an easy to install and use safety
device that certainly meets its requirements.
14
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