Kentec Loop Explorer: How to Design and Manage Fire Systems with Ease
Kentec Loop Explorer: A Powerful and Flexible Configuration Software for Fire Detection Systems
Introduction
In this article, we will explore what Kentec Loop Explorer is, what are its main features and benefits, and how it can help you configure complex fire detection systems with ease. We will also provide some examples of how to use Loop Explorer to create customised configurations for different applications and scenarios.
Kentec Loop Explorerl
What is Kentec Loop Explorer?
Kentec Loop Explorer (LE2) is a configuration software that allows you to design, program, and manage fire detection systems using Kentec's range of analogue addressable, conventional, and extinguishant control panels. LE2 is compatible with various detector protocols, such as Apollo, Hochiki, Argus Vega, Nittan, and SecuriFire.
How does Kentec Loop Explorer work?
Kentec Loop Explorer works by connecting your computer to the fire panel via a USB or Ethernet cable. You can then use the graphical user interface (GUI) to create and edit the configuration of the fire system, such as zones, devices, labels, cause and effects, groups, network settings, and more. You can also upload and download the configuration to and from the panel, as well as monitor the status of the system in real-time.
Who can use Kentec Loop Explorer?
Kentec Loop Explorer is designed for fire system installers, engineers, integrators, and commissioning agents who need to configure and manage fire detection systems using Kentec's products. LE2 is highly configurable and customisable, enabling you to set the language, colour scheme, company logo, and exposure to single or multiple detector protocols for each user.
What are the main features and benefits of Kentec Loop Explorer?
Kentec Loop Explorer offers many features and benefits that make it a powerful and flexible configuration software for fire detection systems. Here are some of them:
Easy to use
LE2 has a user-friendly GUI that makes it easy to use even when producing the most complex configurations. You can drag and drop devices onto the loop map, edit device properties in a spreadsheet format, copy and paste settings across devices or loops, import and export data from Excel or CSV files, and use keyboard shortcuts for faster operation.
Powerful standard templates
LE2 provides a number of standard templates that allow you to create rapid configurations for common fire system applications, such as high-rise buildings or hotel rooms. You can also create your own custom templates and save them for future use.
Advanced cause and effect
LE2 allows you to configure complex cause and effect logic for your fire system using a graphical editor. You can use various operators, such as AND, OR, NOT, TIME, ZONE, GROUP, etc., to create conditional actions for devices or groups based on inputs from other devices or groups. For example, you can set up a cause and effect that activates a sounder in zone A if a detector in zone B goes into alarm within 10 seconds.
Flexible grouping
LE2 enables you to create groups of devices that are not necessarily in the same zone. Groups can be used for cause and effect logic or for testing purposes. For example, you can create a group of all manual call points in the building and test them together.
Multi-protocol support
LE2 supports multiple detector protocols on the same panel or network. You can select the appropriate protocol for each loop card or device from a drop-down menu. This gives you more flexibility and compatibility when designing your fire system.
Web-based access
LE2 is accessible via a secure web server, so you can access it from any computer with an internet connection. You don't need to install any software on your computer or update it manually. You will always have access to the latest version of LE2 with the most recent enhancements.
How to use Kentec Loop Explorer to create customised configurations?
In this section, we will provide some examples of how to use Kentec Loop Explorer to create customised configurations for different applications and scenarios. We will assume that you have already installed LE2 on your computer and connected it to the fire panel.
Example 1: Configuring a fire system for a hotel
In this example, we will configure a fire system for a hotel using Kentec's Syncro AS analogue addressable panel and Apollo XP95 detectors. The hotel has 10 floors, each with 20 rooms, a lobby, a restaurant, and a kitchen. We will use the following steps:
Open LE2 and create a new configuration file. Name it "Hotel Fire System".
Select the panel type as "Syncro AS" and the detector protocol as "Apollo XP95".
Go to the "Loop Map" tab and add 10 loop cards to the panel. Each loop card will correspond to one floor of the hotel.
Go to the "Zones" tab and add 11 zones to the configuration. Name them as follows: "Floor 1", "Floor 2", ..., "Floor 10", and "Common Areas". Assign each zone to the corresponding loop card.
Go to the "Devices" tab and add devices to each loop card. For each floor, add 20 optical smoke detectors, one for each room, and label them as "Room 1", "Room 2", ..., "Room 20". Also, add one heat detector for each lobby, restaurant, and kitchen, and label them accordingly. For the common areas, add one optical smoke detector for each stairwell and one manual call point for each exit.
Go to the "Groups" tab and create two groups: "Sounders" and "MCPs". Add all sounder devices to the "Sounders" group and all manual call point devices to the "MCPs" group.
Go to the "Cause & Effect" tab and create a cause and effect matrix. Set the following rules:
If any device in any zone goes into alarm, activate all sounders in that zone.
If any device in the common areas goes into alarm, activate all sounders in all zones.
If any manual call point is activated, activate all sounders in all zones and send a fire signal to the fire brigade.
Save the configuration file and upload it to the panel.
Example 2: Configuring a fire system for a warehouse
In this example, we will configure a fire system for a warehouse using Kentec's Sigma XT+ extinguishant control panel and Hochiki ESP detectors. The warehouse has four sections: A, B, C, and D. Each section has a different type of stored goods and requires a different type of extinguishing agent. We will use the following steps:
Open LE2 and create a new configuration file. Name it "Warehouse Fire System".
Select the panel type as "Sigma XT+" and the detector protocol as "Hochiki ESP".
Go to the "Loop Map" tab and add one loop card to the panel.
Go to the "Zones" tab and add four zones to the configuration. Name them as follows: "Section A", "Section B", "Section C", and "Section D". Assign each zone to the loop card.
Go to the "Devices" tab and add devices to the loop card. For each section, add two smoke detectors, one heat detector, one manual call point, one sounder beacon, one extinguishant release indicator, and one extinguishant release switch. Label them accordingly.
Go to the "Extinguishant Zones" tab and add four extinguishant zones to the configuration. Name them as follows: "Section A Extinguishant", "Section B Extinguishant", ..., etc. Assign each extinguishant zone to the corresponding fire zone.
Select the type of extinguishing agent for each extinguishant zone. For example, select CO2 for Section A, FM-200 for Section B, Novec 1230 for Section C, and water mist for Section D.
Set the parameters for each extinguishant zone, such as delay time, discharge time, lockout time, etc.
Go to the "Cause & Effect" tab and create a cause and effect matrix. Set the following rules:
If any two detectors in any zone go into alarm (double knock), activate the sounder beacon in that zone and start the countdown for releasing the extinguishing agent.
If any manual call point in any zone is activated, activate the sounder beacon in that zone and release the extinguishing agent immediately.
If any extinguishant release switch in any zone is activated, release the extinguishing agent in that zone.
If any extinguishant release indicator in any zone is activated, indicate that the extinguishing agent has been released in that zone.
Save the configuration file and upload it to the panel.
Conclusion
Kentec Loop Explorer is a powerful and flexible configuration software for fire detection systems. It allows you to design, program, and manage fire systems using Kentec's range of analogue addressable, conventional, and extinguishant control panels. It supports multiple detector protocols, such as Apollo, Hochiki, Argus Vega, Nittan, and SecuriFire. It has a user-friendly GUI that makes it easy to use even for complex configurations. It also provides standard templates, advanced cause and effect logic, flexible grouping, and web-based access. With Kentec Loop Explorer, you can create customised configurations for different applications and scenarios with ease.
FAQs
What are the system requirements for Kentec Loop Explorer?
Kentec Loop Explorer requires a Windows PC with a minimum of 4 GB RAM, 1 GB free disk space, and a screen resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. You also need a USB or Ethernet cable to connect to the fire panel.
How can I get Kentec Loop Explorer?
Kentec Loop Explorer is available for download from Kentec's website. You need to register an account and provide your company details to access the download link. You can also request a CD-ROM version of LE2 from Kentec's sales team.
How can I update Kentec Loop Explorer?
Kentec Loop Explorer is automatically updated via the web server whenever there is a new version available. You don't need to download or install anything manually. You will be notified when an update is available and you can choose to update or skip it.
How can I get technical support for Kentec Loop Explorer?
Kentec provides technical support for LE2 via phone, email, or online chat. You can contact Kentec's technical support team at +44 (0)1322 222121 or support@kentec.co.uk. You can also visit Kentec's website for more information and resources on LE2.
How can I learn more about Kentec Loop Explorer?
Kentec offers training courses on LE2 for fire system installers, engineers, integrators, and commissioning agents. You can find out more about the training courses and book your place on Kentec's website. You can also download the user manual and watch video tutorials on LE2 from Kentec's website.
: [Kentec Loop Explorer 2](https://kentec.co.uk/loop-explorer-2/) dcd2dc6462