OVERVIEW
A major function of FireCAD is to enable the connection of a device (typically a system field component such as a detector or a notification applicance to a source (typically a circuit originating from a system control panel).
Control panels are generally set up in the database as Assemblies. An assembly can include cards. Cards can be the source of circuits.
The image below is a screen shot of the assembly editor showing the cards installed in an AutoCall A100-9311 fire alarm control panel.
ADDING A CIRCUIT TO A CARD
The A100-9621 is the source of a Digital Audio Circuit which will be used to connect the networked panels together. In this lesson we will add that circuit to this card.
The screenshot below shows the terminals (called DAR) where the circuit will originate.
In order to add the circuit to the card, we will need to open the Project Device Editor from the FireCAD ribbon.
THE PROJECT DEVICE EDITOR INTERFACE
Below is an overview of the project device editor using the Cadgen Database Management Utility.
To add the circuit we choose the tab entitled "Panel Circuit Templates (Output)" along the top of the window.
Below is an overview of the "Panel Circuit Templates (Output)" screen. We will explain each of the four quadrants and their functionality.
THE TEMPLATE GROUPS QUADRANT (UPPER LEFT)
We will use this quadrant to add a group specifically for the circuit we wish to add to this card.
We are prompted to give the new circuit group a name.
In this step we can use any name we wish. It is a good idea to be specific and as descriptive as possible.
Drag the "Slider Bar" to the right of the quadrant to view the Selection Group column.
We need to name the Selection Group. In this step we can use any name we wish. It is a good idea to be specific and as descriptive as possible.
THE ASSIGNED DEVICES QUADRANT (UPPER RIGHT)
We switch to this quadrant and select the "Add Device" button.
In the full text search box we enter 9621 to narrow the selection to the card we want. Then click on the "Add Devices" button.
The selected part is now included in THE ASSIGNED DEVICES QUADRANT (UPPER RIGHT) of our new template group.
THE TEMPLATE GROUP CIRCUITS QUADRANT (LOWER LEFT)
Use the full text search box to be sure you select the part we are adding.
In the Template Group Circuits quadrant (Lower Left), select the "Add Circuit" button.
You are prompted with the default name "New Circuit".
Enter the name you wish to call this circuit. In this case we call it "DAL". This name can be changed later here or in the project FireCAD palette.
Here it is also important to select the cable to be used for this circuit.
Now we fill in the details of this circuit by checking the boxes or entering information as we wish to configure it.
THE ADD LIMITS TO TEMPLATE GROUP CIRCUITS QUADRANT (LOWER RIGHT)
In the lower right quadrant, we click the "Add Circuit Limit" button.
We select the drop-down box to choose a circuit type for a limit.
We choose "DIGITAL AUDIO LOOP"
Then we add "CLASS A RETURN"
Select the "Save Changes" button.
Click the Cube.
Select "Exit"
