How to troubleshoot Ground Fault in FPD-7024 or D7024 panels?

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This article provides instructions for troubleshooting Ground Fault in the FPD-7024 or D7024

 

Step-by-step guide

How to troubleshoot Ground Fault in FPD-7024 or D7024 panels.

FPD-7024:

The panel will display TROUBLE GRND FLT, the Ground Fault LED will illuminate, and the history log file will display SYS FLT 21. Occasionally the monitoring station will report Trouble PT 021 when the automation software interprets System Fault 21 as a point trouble. Check the history log for SYS FLT 21 (Ground fault- wiring short) to confirm the panel is reporting Ground Fault. 

To troubleshoot an existing ground fault condition.

• Using a Digital Multi Meter (DVM), measure the DC Voltage between Earth Ground and Common for 5.95 VDC. A ground fault is present if not reading 5.95 VDC.
• Remove connected wires from the panel to isolate which wire(s) is causing the ground fault.
• Disconnect power input from the panel and remove connected devices such as the 4-zone expander or multiplex card. Reconnect panel power and recheck voltage between Earth Ground and Common for 5.95 VDC.
• If the voltage between Earth Ground and Common returned to 5.95 VDC, power down the panel again and reinstall the card. Restore power and meter voltage again. Occasionally the problem is resolved by reseating the card.
• If the problem was isolated by removing a wire, half-split the loop to determine the source of the ground fault.
• If all wires except for AC are removed and the ground fault remains (GF voltage is not at or near 5.95 VDC), remove the panel from the enclosure and measure again. If still not at or near 5.95 VDC replace the panel.

D7024, DS9400, DS9400I, & DS9400M:

The panel will display TROUBLE GRND FLT and the history log file will display SYS FLT 20. Occasionally the monitoring station will report Trouble PT 020 when the automation software interprets System Fault 20 as a point trouble. On these occasions, check the history log for SYS FLT 20 to confirm the panel is reporting Ground Fault.

To troubleshoot an existing ground fault condition.

• Using a Digital Multi Meter (DVM), measure the DC Voltage between Earth Ground and Common for 3 VDC. A ground fault is present if not reading 6.3 VDC.
• Remove connected wires from the panel to isolate which wire(s) is causing the ground fault.
• Disconnect power input from the panel and remove connected devices such as the 4-zone expander or multiplex card. Reconnect panel power and recheck voltage between Earth Ground and Common for 6.3 VDC.
• If the voltage between Earth Ground and Common returned to 6.3 VDC, power down the panel again and reinstall the card. Restore power and meter voltage again. Occasionally the problem is resolved by reseating the card.
• If the problem was isolated by removing the 4-zone expander or multiplex card, power down the panel again, reinstall the card and meter again as reseating the card may resolve the problem. Restore power to the panel and meter voltage again.
• If the problem was isolated by removing a wire, half-split the loop to determine the source of the ground fault.
• If all wires except for AC are removed and the ground fault remains (GF voltage is not at or near 6.3 VDC), remove the panel from the enclosure and measure again. If still not at or near 6.3 VDC replace the panel.