Glossary
G-2
P/N 446613 Issue I Rev. A
Ground Fault. A trouble condition in which a low resistance has been detected
between the system wiring and conduit ground.
Initiating Device. A manually or automatically operated device such as a manual pull
station, smoke detector, heat detector, waterflow switch or tamper switch.
Initiating Device Circuit (IDC). A circuit to which initiating devices are connected.
Labeled. Equipment or materials to which have been attached a label, symbol, or other
identifying mark of an organization acceptable to the “authority having jurisdiction” and
concerned with product evaluation, that maintains periodic inspection of the production
of such labeled equipment or materials, and by whose labeling the manufacturer
indicates compliance with appropriate standards or performance in a specified manner.
Listed. Equipment or materials included in a list published by an organization
acceptable to the “authority having jurisdiction” and concerned with product evaluation,
that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials and
whose listing states either than the equipment or material meets appropriate standards
or has been tested and found suitable for use in a specified manner.
NEC. National Electrical Code, also published as NFPA standard 70.
Notification Appliance. An electrically operated appliance used to indicate the system
status such as a bell, horn, strobe light or speaker.
Notification Appliance Circuit (NAC). A circuit to which notification appliances are
connected.
Power Supply. That portion of the fire alarm panel which provides the power needed to
operate all panel modules, as well as that needed to operate all electrically powered
initiating devices and all notification appliances.
Trouble Signal. An audible signal indicating trouble of any nature, such as a circuit
break or ground, occurring in the device or wiring associated with a fire alarm signal.
Quick Test. A term pertaining to the test mode of the system, that automatically resets
after a service technician tests initiating devices.
Supervisory Alarm. A signal indicating the operation of a supervisory device.
Supervisory Device. A device that monitors the condition of a sprinkler system such as
a gate-valve switch, water-level switch, low pressure switch, low temperature switch or
fire pump monitor.
Waterflow Switch. An assembly approved for service and so constructed and installed
that any flow of water from a sprinkler system equal to or greater than that from a single
automatic sprinkler head will result in activation of this switch and subsequent indication
of an alarm condition.
Zone. A designated area of a building. Commonly, zone, is interchanged with initiating
device circuit.
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