IR WIKI

Inception Maintenance

3 min read

Inception Maintenance

Overview

Routine maintenance is essential for ensuring system reliability and compliance with standards (e.g., AS/NZS 2201.1:2007 SECTION 5 and 6). Maintenance should be performed at least once per year.

Technical Details

Maintenance Specifications

  • Interval: Mandatory routine maintenance must be performed at least once per year.
  • Battery Life: Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA) backup batteries have a typical service life of 3-5 years but MUST be replaced every 3 years for security compliance.
  • Firmware Cycle: Check for updates annually to ensure latest vulnerability patches and protocol stability.

Automated System Monitoring

Inception features internal self-diagnostics:

  • Voltage Monitoring: The controller continuously monitors the LAN voltage and battery health.
  • Automatic Battery Test: If enabled, the system periodically sheds the load onto the battery to verify its capacity under discharge.

Scheduled Tasks

Annual Checklist

  • Power Supply: Check that all mains operated modules are connected and operational.
  • Battery Test:
    • Test DC Voltage across battery terminals. Expected: 13.75V +/- 2% under normal conditions.
    • Test Battery Charge Voltage across “BATT+” and “BATT-” terminals. Expected: 13.75V +/- 2% (Ranges from 11V to 13.75V while recharging after an AC fail).
    • Test under load by disconnecting AC mains.
    • Replace Sealed Lead-acid batteries every 3 years or as specified by the manufacturer.
  • Detector Supply Voltage: Test DC Voltage across “VOUT +/0V” and “DET+”/“DET-” terminals. Expected: 13.75V +/- 2%.
  • Wiring & Conduits: Inspect all visible wiring and conduits for damage, dust, moisture, condensation, or vermin ingress.
  • Enclosures: Check for dust, moisture, or condensation. Rectify cable entry points if necessary.
  • LCD Terminals: Verify all keys and backlighting are operational. Check display characters.
  • Real Time Clock: Ensure the system clock is accurate via LCD terminal or web interface.
  • Readers & Inputs: Test all access readers and zone inputs (Area Walk Test).
  • Warning Devices: Test the operation of each audible and visible warning device.
  • Communications Testing: Test the Primary and Secondary Communications formats by triggering reporting events and confirming success with the Central Monitoring Station.

Automated Testing Features

Inception provides built-in tools to assist with maintenance:

  • Periodic Test Reports: Configure in [Configuration > General > Alarm Reporting].
  • Automatic Battery Testing: Enable in [Configuration > General > System]. Individual modules must also be enabled for battery testing in their respective [Configuration > Hardware] pages.
  • Area Walk Test: Start from [State / Control > Area Walk Test] to verify detector functionality without triggering alarms.

Administrative Procedures

Firmware Updates

  • Firmware updates can be performed via the web interface.
  • Procedure: Navigate to [System > Firmware Update]. Upload the new firmware file and follow the on-screen prompts.
  • Note: Ensure a recent database backup is taken before updating.

Database Backup

  • Manual Backup: Navigate to [System > Backup / Restore]. Click “Download Backup” to save the configuration to your device.
  • USB Backup: If a USB drive is connected to the controller, the “Download Backup to USB Drive” option can be used.

Factory Default Procedure

To reset the Inception controller to factory settings:

  1. Power down the controller.
  2. Apply a jumper to the DEFAULT header on the PCB.
  3. Power up the controller.
  4. Remove the jumper once the system has booted (Status LED will indicate the reset).
  5. Caution: This wipes all programming and user data.

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