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Bilge Alarm - 310.413.7868 - Bilge Alarm
Tech Support Fail-Safe Systems
The following explains how to test the Control Panel and Sensor(s) individually on all BilgAlarm™ Fail-Safe Systems.
For BilgAlarm™ Standard Systems click here.
Control Panel
To test the control panel with one or more sensors disconnected, place a "470K 1/4 watt resistor" between the No. 1 and No. 2 terminals (where black and red cable leads would normally connect). Do this for each disconnected sensor. The control panel should now behave normally when the test and mute buttons are depressed.
Next, moisten/wet your finger and place your finger across the resistor leads for a sensor. The panel lamp for that compartment should light immediately and the siren should sound after 5 seconds. Try this for each resistor for each sensor. This simulates actual flooding with out the sensor(s) being attached to the control panel.
Note: The resistors are used for testing only and should be removed before reconnecting sensor(s).
Notice the 6 resistors above. There is 1 resistor for each sensor. (12 Sensor Control Panel Shown)
Sensor
In each sensor, the black lead is connected to one electrode and red lead is connected to the other electrode. There is a 470K resistor across the electrodes. When checked with an ohm meter the resistance across the red and black sensor leads should be near 470K. There are no other connections between these leads outside of the control panel. This arrangement is what makes it possible to continuously and automatically test the complete system 24/7 without having to go into the bilge with a cup of water to test each sensor individually. Of course you may press the test button at any time for manual testing.
No continuity between a sensor black lead and a red lead, or a short circuit between either a black or red lead is an indication that the sensor cable has been damaged somewhere along it's length. A short circuit will give a false indication of high bilge water with a "red" panel lamp". An open circuit is indicated with a "green" panel lamp. If either condition exists, it is necessary to examine the sensor cable to find the damage and to make repairs. The main precautions in repairing the cable is to solder any splices and to protect the repaired area from water.