Simplex 4100U So many errors

Fire Alarm Help
1

Hello everyone,

First, I would like to mention that I am a beginner and recently started working in fire protection after obtaining my certification. I’m currently handling fire safety duties in a large building.

The issue began when a new store moved into the building, and a worker accidentally damaged a sprinkler flexible hose, causing water to enter the detector.

I quickly replaced the affected detector, but there was no pulse signal, and after checking the graphical interface, I noticed several changes:

  • The detector that had water damage still shows “No Answer” even after replacing it with a new one.
  • 1 “Head Missing.”
  • 2 “Bad Answer” (these detectors are located far from the construction area).

All of these detectors are connected to the 4090-9118 relay module with address 5. The detectors in the construction area are not receiving a pulse signal, while those outside the area are receiving the signal.

I checked the voltage, and it was 34V (normally, a working detector should read between 24-26V). Suspecting a short circuit, I disconnected the detectors, but the graphic interface still shows that they are connected normally.

I replaced the 4090-9118 relay module, but the issue persists. The 4100U system is reporting the following troubles:

  • CARD 10, IDNET2 CARD - IDNET FAULT SEARCH
  • CARD 10, IDNET2 CARD - IDNet+ Earth Fault
  • CARD 10, IDNET2 CARD - IDNet EXTRA DEVICE
  • TRUEALARM SENSITIVITY MODIFIED - TROUBLE POINT
  • No Answer, Bad Answer, Head Missing…

I currently believe the problem lies with the Simplex 4100-3109 | IDNet 2 Module. Most of the errors are related to card 10.
I also noticed that one of the boards connected to the motherboard has a red light on it (while other 4100U systems I checked had a green light).

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I’m not sure which board this is, but it seems to be related to data communication since it uses fiber optic cables.

What do you think could be the most likely issue?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I’m working in South Korea, and it’s very difficult to obtain information here.

2

Looks like a 4100ES(4100u doesn’t have compact flash). The card on the left is a network card. Looks like the reason why the voltage is so high is likely because the detector was not reinstalled correctly and it’s causing ground faults and other wiring issues. I would suggest figuring out the layout of the card(for example it covers floors 1-2-3-4) and then open the circuit from an area in between so the problematic installation is isolated. If it’s a wiring issue then the only troubles left would be missing devices, otherwise the other faults would remain and it could be a damaged card.

3

Thank you for your response.
This building was completed four years ago, and the area currently under construction is where a new brand store is moving in.
The issues started after the construction workers accidentally triggered the sprinkler, causing water to enter the detectors.

Due to many restrictions, it is difficult to inspect the situation in detail. Currently, more than 1,000 people visit our building daily, and over 4,000 detectors are installed.

I want to call a technician, but I would like to diagnose the issue accurately first.
For now, I suspect that one of the detectors may have been connected to the wrong wire. The reason is that the wire termination seems poorly done.
I plan to use a wire tracer to find the issue.

However, before that, I already disconnected the wire from the detector, but the 4100ES didn’t show any noticeable change, and there was no difference in the graphical display either.
Could this be an issue with the IDNet2 Card (4100-3109)?
As far as I know, the IDNet2 Card collects and reports the status of devices connected to the IDNet.

4

I’ve seen an idnet card before that had an internal ground fault before so it could be part of the issue. If you truly have 4000 detectors you probably have multiple idnet cards and maybe even multiple panels to cover such a big system. Unfortunately the problem seems so big, basic troubleshooting on your end won’t save you much. Unless you start opening circuits to isolate the problems, most of what you would comfortably do a tech would do it in less than 30m. I strongly suggest getting this looked into before something happens and the system owner is held responsible.

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