Installation & Operation Manual Merlin 1000BH
Rev: 09 03-21
7
General Maintenance
Cleaning
Keep your system in good working order - follow these basic principles;
Remove any dust/debris from the outer enclosures regularly using a slightly damp cloth.
Never use detergents or solvents to clean your gs detection devices.
Never spray air fresheners, hair spray, paint or other aerosols near the devices.
Never paint devices. Paint will seal vents and interfere with the safety equipment.
Concentrations of alcohol found in many products may damage, deteriorate or affect the gas sensing
elements such as; wine; deodorants; stain removers and thinners. Other gases and substances to avoid are;
corrosives (i.e. chlorine & hydrogen chloride); alkali metals; basic or acidic compounds; silicones; tetraethyl
lead; halogens and halogenated compounds!
Bump Test (Gas Response Check)
What is a Bump Test?
Gas response checks are often referred to as a ‘bump test’. Bump tests are important to make sure a device is able
to detect a release of gas as early as possible. The aim of the bump test is to make sure a detector is working at its
optimum by briefly exposing the unit to a known concentration of the target gas that usually exceeds the highest
alarm point. If the detector goes into alarm and all signals/outputs activate, then the system is working safely. If the
system fails to operate as intended in an alarm state, the gas detector must not be used until a full inspection and
service has been conducted.
Why is it important?
A detector may visually appear in good working order, but its sensitivity can be inhibited by external factors. Dust,
humidity, temperature fluctuations, cleaning products, contaminants or sensor drift (ageing) can cause a decline in
sensitivity and eventual failure.
How often?
Regular bump tests are important to make sure the detector is able to detect a release of gas as early as possible
and usually takes seconds (gas type dependant i.e. CO sensors will take over a minute) and is often completed
alongside a scheduled fire alarm test, however the frequency should be determined following an appropriate risk
assessment by the end user. Remember, bump testing does not remove the need to have gas detectors inspected,
calibrated and serviced periodically by a competent person.
What do I need?
Contact your S&S Northern representative for details of suitable bump testing kits and gases. Kits usually consist of
a certified gas cylinder; flow control regulator, tube pipe and applicator cone. We recommend only using S&S
Northern calibration gas kits to ensure correct flow rates meet S&S Northern technical requirements. A bump
testing gas is usually a concentration mix that exceeds the highest alarm set point.
