4 Basic operation of the fire detection control panels Series BC216
The basic functions of the fire detection control panels Series BC216, together with their operation, are
described in this chapter. Almost all necessary operations can be executed by the use of the menu. For
a few operations some special buttons are mandated by standards. Also described is the operation of
the fire detection control panel by using a connected fire brigade control unit.
No principle differences exist between operation possibilities via the key pad of the fire detection con-
trol panel BC216-1 and the network fire detection control panel BCnet216. At least one BCnet sec-
tional control panel with key pad exists in a control panel of type BCnet216 which was defined by the
installer as main operating unit. All operating actions on this main operating unit are the same as the
operation of a compact control panel of type BC216-1.
If a fire detection control panel BCnet216 consists of several operable BCnet sectional control panels
the operating possibilities can be regulated differently, depending on the corresponding application or
country specific regulations. Following combinations are provided:
The main operating unit is the only operating unit which is active in normal condition. All other op-
erating units are blocked. Only after multiple line faults of the network lines have interrupted the
connection of a BCnet sectional control panel to the main operating unit the operation of this sepa-
rated BCnet sectional control panel is automatically activated.
All operating units are of equal rank. The operation of further units can still be partially or com-
pletely blocked (depending on country specific regulations) during operating an operating unit.
"Area operating units" are implemented besides the main operating unit. These are designated for
the operation of limited areas of the fire detection control panel (e.g. limited on one floor of a build-
ing) only. The globally effective operating procedures (e.g. by the button 'Panel reset') however, act
on the whole fire detection control panel BCnet216.
Please retrieve the information on which operating possibilities and operating restrictions are provided
especially in your fire detection control panel from the engineering data of your fire detection system.

4.1 Operating authorization

The whole operation and setting of parameters of the fire detection control panels Series BC216 is
made in four hierarchically arranged levels of authorization according to international standards.
Authorization level 1
Admissible operations basically are restricted to displaying information and to silencing the built-in
buzzer. No permanent modifications of conditions such as, e.g., the disablement of a detector zone,
can be made in this level of authorization. Anybody who has access to the keypad of the control
panel has authorization level 1.
Authorization level 2
The unrestricted operation of the fire detection control panel is possible. The modification of site-
specific parameters is not possible in this level of authorization. You enter authorization level 2 by
entering a 4-digit numeric code ("user code") on the keypad of the control panel in authorization
level 1. This ensures that only persons who are authorized by the user can enter this level of
authorization.
Different user codes can be programmed for single operable BCnet sectional control panels of a net-
work fire detection control panel BCnet216.
By entering authorization level 2 various important parts of the system such as, e.g., transmitting
devices, actuations, etc. can be put out of operation automatically, depending on regional regula-
tions and restrictions.
Due to this, do not stay in authorization level 2 longer than needed for operation! Return to
authorization level 1 immediately after completing the task, so that the disabled parts can be put
into operation again.
HB216AE.SAM / 0130 / AN9161202
ZN5002/73/29
User Manual Series BC216 / Part A Chapter 4 • Basic operation of the fire detection control panels Series BC216 29