Incorrect information in user manual for fixed fire-fighting system
- Safety Flash
- Published on 19 July 2011
- Generated on 21 February 2026
- IMCA SF 07/11
- 2 minute read
A Member has reported that incorrect information was discovered in a user manual for a Pyrosense SP1 Pyrogen Fixed Fire-Fighting System.
A review of the manual revealed misleading information, with paragraphs 4 and 5 on page 6 of 49 contradicting one another.
The manual reviewed was PyroSense SP-1 Fire detection and fire suppression system: installation and user manual.
Paragraph 4 states that “a pulsating sound will confirm that manual discharge signal is activated. After 5 seconds the sound will stop pulsating and a uniform sound will be heard. At this point the MAG generator will be discharged into the protected enclosure”.
Paragraph 5, meanwhile, says that “in the event of a fire the visual and acoustic alarms will be conscious [sic: this is thought to be a misprint of ‘constant’], and turn to pulsating when the Pyrogen MAG generator is discharged”.
The audible alarm referred to in the user manual only sounds in the space where the release has been/will be triggered, and is not apparent outside. Should Pyrogen be released, there is no alarm (either audio or visual) outside the space other than a LED on the release panel.
The UK agent for the manufacturer has confirmed that the audible alarm is continuous changing to intermittent, thus paragraph 4 is incorrect.
Because the alarm is not audible outside of the space, our member has fitted the following appropriate visual warning lights:
- Amber indicates that the system is armed, and no entry is permitted until the system has been isolated by turning and removing the key.
- Red indicates that Pyrogen has been released, and no entry should be made until the space has been ventilated and fire extinguished.
An updated version of the manual can be downloaded on request from Pyrogen.
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