How do I install an Encore Firefighter FF345?

The Encore Firefighter FF345 should be mounted within six (6) inches of an existing smoke detector. It is a listening device, so its placement (relative to the existing detectors) is crucial. The two tabs on the microphone side of the unit should be aligned next to the existing detector.

There are two (2) versions of the FF345, with slight differences in capabilities and programming:

• Version 1.0:
  • Always Rectangular
  • Uses Loop 2
  • Does not support CO Listening
• Version 1.5+:
  • Can be rectangular or round
  • Uses Serial Number 1 (on sticker) with Loop 1 for Fire listening
  • Uses 2nd Serial Number (1-digit higher than SN on sticker) with Loop 1 for CO listening
  • The newest version device shows both serial numbers on the sticker. This helps prevent confusion when programming.

The FF345 is a wireless module designed to transmit an alarm signal when it hears the temporal-3 sound of a smoke detector in alarm or the temporal-4 sound of a carbon monoxide detector. It is perfect for incorporating existing high voltage or battery-powered smoke, heat, carbon monoxide, or combination detectors into an alarm system. These stand-alone or interconnected detectors are required by the building code.

Normally the high-voltage, hard-wired smoke and/or CO detectors that are installed during the construction of a building can't be incorporated into a low-voltage alarm system. The FF345 changes that. By mounting an FF345 within six (6) inches of an existing detector with a built-in sounder, that detector can be incorporated into the alarm system.

It's important to note that the Encore FireFighter FF345 transmits a wireless signal on the 345 MHz frequency. All LynxTouch and Lyric panels can support the FF345. VISTA panels with a 345 MHz receiver added can support it all 2GIG panels and any Qolsys panel with a 345 MHz daughter card installed can support it.

The Encore FF345 can also be used with the Honeywell Home PROA7 or PROA7PLUS or the Resideo PROA7C or PROA7PLUSC when a PROTAKEOVER module is installed. The PROTAKEOVER must be set to use Honeywell sensors (Dial set to 0). The best news yet, if your smoke, heat, carbon monoxide, or combination detectors are inter-connected, then a single FF345 may be able to take over an entire building's worth of life-safety devices!

By "Inter-connected" we mean that if any one device goes off, all like-devices sound. So, if a high-voltage, hard-wired smoke detector goes off on one side of the building, all inter-connected smoke detectors will begin to sound. An FF345 mounted next to an inner-connected smoke detector on the opposite side of the building can trigger the alarm system and transmit the alarm to a central station, if central station monitoring is being used.

The FF345 Installation and User Guide shows a diagram of the sensor in relation to a smoke detector. You can use this guide to learn how to program and test the Firefighter unit. Setting this unit up is a great way to protect your home or business without any additional wiring or replacement smoke detectors needed.

If you are moving from an older wired alarm panel such as the VISTA-20P to a more modern wireless system like the L7000 LYNX Touch, the firefighter is a great way to cut costs on replacing existing smokes. Traditionally, you would need to purchase and install new wireless smokes (i.e. Honeywell 5808W3) in order to integrate fire protection with a wireless panel. Now the Firefighter allows you to piggyback off the existing smoke detector infrastructure in your home. If you have low voltage smokes connected to a wired security system, you can keep this system powered on as a local noisemaker.

To install an Encore FF345, follow these steps:

1. Find a mounting location. With a system of inter-connected detectors it's best to install the FF345 next to one that is mounted in an area by itself. This is because when the life-safety detectors signal an alarm and they all begin to sound, they usually aren't synchronized. This can cause a cacophony of sound. If the FF345 is close enough to other detectors to hear their alarm sound, it may take longer to recognize the temporal-3 or temporal-4 cadence required to transmit a fire or carbon monoxide alarm.
2. Insert the battery. The CR123A battery and the FF345 module are packaged separately. Insert the included battery into the sensor base. Be sure to observe proper polarity as marked on the unit.
3. Enroll the FF345. Follow the instructions of your alarm panel to put the panel into zone enrollment mode. This will vary, per panel. You'll enroll the FF345 to the panel using the Learn Button located next to the tamper switch on the unit's printed circuit board. To transmit the smoke serial number press and immediately release the Learn Button. To transmit the carbon monoxide serial number press and hold the Learn Button for two (2) seconds then release it. You may need to perform this procedure more than once, depending on which panel you're using. Once the FF345 has been properly enrolled move on to the next step.
4. Close the cover. Once the FF345 has been powered on and enrolled with the panel you can close the cover. Insert the cover bracket into the base, then swing it closed as shown in the image below. Insert the two screws through the base to secure the unit closed:
   
   
   
5. Install the mounting bracket. The FF345 must be mounted within six inches of the life-safety detector it will be monitoring. On one side of the FF345, you will notice a series of small holes—this is where its microphone is located. Ensure that the FF345 is mounted with the microphone facing the sounder holes of the smoke, heat, carbon monoxide, or combination detector. Once you've chosen where it should be mounted affix the mounting bracket using either the provided screws or the double-sided foam tape.
6. Install the FF345. The back of the FF345 has keyhole slots that line up with tabs on the mounting plate. Line the slots up with the tabs, then slide the FF345 in the direction indicated by your mounting location so that the FF345 is tightly secured to the mounting plate.
7. Test the system. Be sure the system is on test with the monitoring station. If it has been more than an hour since you powered up the FF345 it is recommended that you remove the battery and reinsert it. This will put the FF345 into test mode for another hour. While it is in test mode, it only needs to hear a single round of temporal-3 or temporal-4 sounding to transmit an alarm. When it's not in test, it must hear and recognize two (2) rounds of temporal sounding before it transmits an alarm signal.
   Next, cause an alarm on the life-safety sensor. This is usually done by either hitting a test switch or by using canned smoke or canned carbon monoxide that has been listed as compatible with the device. Check the installation instructions or the user guide for the smoke, heat, carbon monoxide, or combination life-safety device for proper testing procedures. When the life-safety detector sounds, it should cause the FF345 to transmit either a fire or a carbon monoxide alarm signal to the alarm panel. Once it does, silence the alarm by entering a disarm command or otherwise instructing the panel to clear the alarm.