Fire Alarm Interface
The access controllers feature a fire alarm interface (FAI) that facilitates the integration of your fire alarm control panel (FACP) with the access controllers, enabling the automatic deactivation of locks during emergency scenarios. This setup can be configured in both NO or NC configurations.
NOTE: If you have an AC41, please refer to this article.
The FAI has a total of 5 ports that can be wired - FAI +, FAI -, FAIP, L,L. The first three inputs FAI -, FAI +, and FAIP are used to take input from the FACP. The L,L are mainly used for latching, Along with these NO, NC relays are included in the interface.
FACP
The FACP (Fire Alarm Control Panel) is the device that takes input from various fire alarms. The FACP will send a signal to the access controller's FAI input to indicate that a fire alarm has been triggered. The exact location and functionality of the FACP will vary, you will need to read the appropriate documentation and understand the proper wiring configuration.
Shown below is an example of what the FACP might look like, there is a port which when wired will go directly into the FAI.
NOTE: It is on the Verkada Certified AC Partner to read the appropriate documentation and understand the proper wiring configuration. Verkada Support does not troubleshoot FACP related wiring and issues.
NO (Normally Open) input from FACP
For fire alarms that provide an NO signal, The inputs can be wired to the FAI + and FAI- ports, The FAI will not be activated when the circuit is open but will trigger once the circuit closes.
When the circuit closes effectively it will disable power for all 16 relays for 12V/24V. Wet locks will effectively turn into dry locks.
NC (Normally Closed) input from FACP
Important note: FAI+ and FAI_P must be locally jumped in this configuration.
For normally close inputs coming from the FACP the inputs should be wired to FAI - and FAIP. In this setup when the circuit is closed the FAI will remain deactivated but when the contact opens up breaking the circuit it will cause all 16 relays to disable power for 12V/24V.
Latching
An optional latching input from the FACP may be connected in a normally closed configuration across L and L. When latching is enabled, FAI is active; it will remain active until reset. A reset is achieved if FAI is deactivated and the latching input is temporarily open.
Daisy Chaining
Two access controllers FAI can be daisy-chained. The FAI (and latching states) from the primary access controller will be repeated on the secondary (daisy-chained) unit.