How Do I Use a FG701 to Test a Honeywell 5853 GBD?

There is much confusion in the security industry about how to properly use the FG701 Glassbreak Simulator to test a Honeywell FlexGuard glassbreak detector, such as the 5853, for proper operation. In addition to proper technique, you should always be sure the batteries in the FG701 are fresh, as this can affect operation, and test outcome.

Once you've mounted the 5853 according to the Installation Instructions provided, and set the dip switches for the appropriate distance to be covered, it's time to test for proper operation. Remember when testing, you want to take into account normal impediments to the sounds of glass breaking, such as curtains, blinds, or any other object that may come between the protected glass and the 5853. When performing your test, be sure these objects are in their most obstructive position (curtains closed, blinds drawn, etc). On the FG701, set the switches as shown (switches toward Activate and Man):

From a distance of no more than 15 feet, point the FG701 speaker toward the 5853 to be tested and press the Red Button. It will send an activate signal to the 5853 and the Green LED on the glassbreak should begin to blink once per second. This indicates the 5853 is in test mode. If the 5853 does not enter test mode, change position and repeat until the 5853 enters test mode. (Exit test mode by performing the same procedure).

Testing in FLEX Mode: Now, set the switches on the FG701 as shown below (switches toward Test and Flex):

Position the FG701 at the furthest point of the glass to be protected with the speaker pointed directly at the 5853. Be sure any window coverings are between the FG701 and the 5853. Press the Red Button, the FG701 will click and start an 8 second “armed" period. Generate a “Flex" signal by lightly thumping the glass with the side of your fist, opposite your thumb, or with a cushioned tool. The FG701 will detect this “Flex" signal, and will generate a burst of glass break “audio". If both the “Flex" and the “Audio" signals are received properly by the 5853, the red “Alarm" LED will light, and it will generate a fault to the alarm panel, if programmed. If the alarm LED does not light on the 5853, you can attempt the test in that spot again. Each “Flex" signal, if received within the 8 second arming period, will “re-arm" the FG701. If it stops activating the “audio" burst, simply press the Red Button again, and it will re-arm. Depending on the size of the glass, it is recommended that you test all four corners and the center of the glass to be protected. You should be able to get an alarm indication from the 5853 in each of these positions. If so, you can reasonably assume the glass is protected. If you have difficulty getting an alarm indication from the 5853, follow the steps below. This will help you determine if the issue is in detecting the “Flex" or the “Audio" signal.

Testing in MAN (manual) Mode: Set the switches on the FG701 as shown below (switches toward Test and MAN):

Place the FG701 near the glass to be protected. Press the Red Button which will cause the FG701 to generate a burst of glass break “audio". The green LED on the 5853 should FLICKER if it detects this “audio" sound. Once again, do this test in all four corners and the center of the glass. If audio is received from each location, you know the issue is with the “Flex" signal. If not, you know it's with the “audio" side. Make sure the glass you're attempting to protect falls within the guidelines for the 5853, see the chart below, also available in the Installation Instructions.