Wire an FACP to FAI

Learn how to wire your fire panel to the access controllers based on the type of input it provides

Updated over a week ago

The access controller features 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. You can configure this setup in both Normally Open (NO) and Normally Closed (NC) configurations.

Recommendation: Before beginning an installation, complete the Verkada Certified AC Partner training to understand the proper wiring configuration.

Note: If you have an AC41, see this article.

Fire alarm interface

The FAI has a total of 5 ports that can be wired - FAI +, FAI -, FAIP, and 2 L ports. The first 3 ports (FAI -, FAI +, and FAIP) are used to take input from the FACP. The L ports are mainly used for latching, along with these NO, NC relays are included in the interface.

Fire alarm control panel

The FACP is the device that takes input from various fire alarms. The FACP sends 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 varies.

Note: For assistance with FACP wiring and other related issues reach out to your FACP manufacturer.

NO input from FACP

For fire alarms that provide a NO signal, the inputs can be wired to the FAI + and FAI- ports. The FAI is not activated when the circuit is open, but triggers once the circuit closes.

When the circuit closes effectively, it disables power for all 16 relays for 12V/24V. Wet locks effectively turn into dry locks.

NC input from FACP

Required. FAI+ and FAIP must be locally jumped in this configuration.

For NC inputs coming from the FACP, the inputs should be wired to FAI - and FAIP. In this setup, when the circuit is closed, the FAI remains deactivated. But when the contact opens up, breaking the circuit, it causes 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 remains 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 are repeated on the secondary (daisy-chained) unit.


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