Routine Servicing and Maintenance
WHY IS SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE SO IMPORTANT?
INTRODUCTION
The following provides a guide and specification for the Service and Maintenance of your intelligent lighting and blind control system, along with the associated devices, such as scene plates, sensors and control devices.
Individual parts of a control system cannot be looked at in isolation, as the successful operation depends upon all the constituent components functioning and interacting properly. This is particularly important in the areas of lighting and blind control where poorly maintained equipment can cause intermittent network faults across the system, resulting in component failure if left unaddressed.
SERVICE SPECIFICATION
Before our engineer commences with their routine maintenance procedures, our client will be consulted with regard to any changes, and/or problems, which may have occurred since the previous maintenance activity.
The maintenance/service in respect of the lighting and blind control system will be carried out by a suitably qualified and experienced Engineer capable of exercising professional standards of judgement and discretion in relation to individual systems. It is essential that the system integrity and software/application is checked and the requirements reviewed at regular intervals.
Maintenance Procedures
The following check list applies to all types of systems and requires all safety precautions and safe works practices are observed.
Dimming Racks
Check mechanically for security of fixings, incoming cables and terminal connections for tightness
Check incoming supplies are within manufacturer's recommendations
Clean any dust or contaminants from all recesses within dimmer rack enclosures, make sure all vents are clear to avoid overheating
Visually inspect all component boards within the enclosure
Make visual inspections of wiring and termination. Note long incoming wires are the most likely source of noise, which can result in audible harmonics. Ensure wiring is kept as far from node boards as possible
Connect laptop to network and check all devices are communicating correctly and check for network integrity
Check condition of the cooling fans and clean if necessary (if fitted)
Visually check dimmer racks for signs of damage (i.e. ingress of dust/moisture)
Inspect and clean filters as necessary
Scene controllers
Check for security of mountings
Inspect for physical damage
Check for cleanliness. Obstruction of IR sensors with dust will reduce sensitivity and affect the signal
Check cable terminations for tightness and corrosion
Verify correct location and installation as per customer’s instructions and check for any extraneous influences
IR sensors
Light level sensor/presence detectors
Check for interference or obstruction, which can affect the signal
Test for correct operation and carry out calibration procedure if required
Timed Event Programmers
Check for satisfactory operation and correct time
Check settings in unit memory and adjust if necessary
Check correct data within the memory for particular application. Add, delete or adjust if necessary
Check condition of battery back-up and replace if required
Key Switching Units (Volt Free)
The key switching unit operation will be sample tested for both automatic and manual operation. This will only be completed if no disruption. When central controller signals are sent on 8000 systems the signals are global, hence large areas of lighting may be switched on or off. Weekend visits are often required.
Software Bindings (if held)
Check existing bindings against current database, log any customer modifications
Correct time and date if corrupted
Review current operating parameters according to client's needs, and modify if required
Check for software fault logs. Log details
Check and log issues of any associated software
Check manual overrides and effect on system.