Operating Instruction Manual

Saturn Series S-001 Seismic Switch

Revision H
May 1, 2017

Earthquake Safety Systems

3987 Missouri Flat Rd Ste 340-364, Placerville, CA 95667
Tel: (951) 543-2121 info@eqsafetysys.com
www.eqsafetysys.com
Table of Contents
GENERAL DESCRIPTION.......................................................................................................................................... 1

FEATURES ................................................................................................................................................................... 1

SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................................................................... 2

INSTALLATION .......................................................................................................................................................... 3

START-UP .................................................................................................................................................................... 4

OPERATING PARAMETERS ..................................................................................................................................... 5

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................................................................................................ 6

MAINTENANCE .......................................................................................................................................................... 7

APPENDIX A: WIRING

APPENDIX B: INSTALLATION

APPENDIX C: WARRANTY STATEMENT

Revisions A – E: General formatting, text revisions for clarification, etc. No wiring changes.

Revisions F: Section 8, Maintenance, added.

Revision G: Mounting via baseplate addressed.

Revision H: Power adapter operation updated for multiple types of chargers.

Operating Instructions Revision G
Saturn Series S-001 Seismic Switch

1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

A fully integrated industrial quality seismic switch, with tri-axial solid-state accelerometers (for
transducing "P" & "S" waves) and 1-hour reserve battery power. Shipped complete; ready to install.

Seismic alarm and control setpoints (trigger levels) are user

adjustable in the field should local operating conditions or code
requirements change. Unit outputs Peak Ground Acceleration
(PGA) values for the most current event (L, V & T axis);
retrieveable via RS-232C serial port.

The internal terminal block (accessed via compression fittings on

the enclosure housing) provides simple field wiring terminations for
the external power supply and two heavy duty, 10 amp, single-
pole/double- throw (SPDT) control relays; enabling control of, or
feedback to, a variety of systems- including PLCs, fire control
panels, small solenoid operated devices, etc.

2 FEATURES

The digital, solid state, tri-axial Seismic Sensor unit is shipped factory calibrated and pre-programmed.
Except for periodic battery replacement every 2 to 3 yrs, it is generally maintenance-free and requires
little additional service during installation. Units installed in harsher, or humid environments should be
periodically inspected and tested to insure there has been no damage from corrosion or physical damage
from pests or vandals. Activation setpoints in units of acceleration “g” (trigger levels) are user
selectable and may be changed during system commissioning (or, at any other time) if required, refer to
seismic trigger manual supplied on CD-ROM and shipped with system. For client convenience, unless
specified otherwise at time of purchase, activation thresholds (trigger setpoints) are factory set as
follows: Vertical axis (P wave) – 0.175g (NOTE: for “Early Warning” applications the vertical axis
should be set at a lower setpoint, i.e. 0.02g). Horizontal axes (S wave) – 0.175g, normally used for
system shutdown - ASCE 25-97 seismic specification.

Powerful design features include: multi-setpoint sensor control, PGA output, self diagnostics, on-board
1-hour battery back-up (at maximum demand), maintenance free solid state tri-axial sensor provides
unparalleled accuracy and reliability, RS-232C serial port, Industrial quality NO/NC relay output user-
selectable, 10 Amp, 250 Vac with easy field termination, External visual system status indicator and test
/ reset switch, Fully assembled for fast installation.

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Saturn Series S-001 Seismic Switch

3 SPECIFICATIONS

Sensors Solid state, triaxial accelerometer in three orthogonal axes. Detects

vertical "P" and horizontal "S" wave earthquake accelerations (X, Y, and
Z axes). Captures Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) values upon setpoint
exceedance.
Frequency
Response: 0.5 Hz to 15 Hz. Digital filter protects from non-earthquake (industrial)
vibrations

Setpoints User selectable from 0.025 g-pk to 0.5 g-pk on each axis.

Communications RS-232C Serial port. Modem optional

Diagnostics Self-diagnostics at power on and reset. LED indicator: "Seismic Trip"

Seismic Activation Visual indicator and Level 1 and Level 2 alarm contacts (each SPDT)

Control Outputs Two independent relays available, user selectable from X, Y or Z axis; NO
or NC contacts, rated 10 Amps, 250Vac

Power Supply (UL) External, 120 Vac, 50/60 Hz (US spec) or 220 Vac, 50 Hz (specify).
NEMA 1 rated enclosure. Rechargeable 12Vdc, 1.5 Ah, Sealed Lead-
Acid battery. 1+ hours reserve at maximum demand. 3+ hours reserve at
minimum demand.

Physical Size, 8"W x 8"D x 5"H

Enclosure NEMA 4 Standard
NEMA 4X optional
Compression fitting penetrations.
Operating temperature, -20oC to +70oC
Humidty, 0%-100% (non-condensing)
Weight, 9 lbs. including battery (approx.)

Installation Horizontal via four mounting tabs

Mounting plate optionally available.

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Saturn Series S-001 Seismic Switch

4 INSTALLATION

CAUTION!: Earthquake trigger installation and testing will, generally, annunciate

an alarm condition. The automatic closure of valves or relays may occur- possibly
resulting in audible alarms, supply or product flow interruption and shutdown of
monitored processes. Make certain the installation of this equipment is properly
scheduled with your Operations and/or Facilities department.

Remove all packing materials and other loose objects from inside enclosure.

The seismic sensor is integrally

mounted within the SATURN
enclosure via a single mounting
screw. This screw may be loosened to
easily remove the sensor for testing.
The Horizontal (standard) version of
the S-001 unit is shown to the left.
Securely fasten the enclosure to the
concrete slab via the four mounting
tabs on the box or via the baseplate as
shown in ESS Drawing 700387;
employing your preferred anchoring
method (typically concrete anchors). The mounting method
should result in a strong, immobile installation transducing
acceleration on the target structure (usually ground motion
through a concrete floor). For most applications, mount the
seismic switch in the horizontal plane (not wall-mount)-
unless, of course, you have a vertical mount version. Do not
allow items such as carpet or insulation between unit and concrete. Precise leveling is not
required. Generally, it is best to choose a location in which the switch is attached to a large, inertial
seismic mass such as the building’s foundation or a thick, isolated concrete pad. For vertical mount
units, select a location as low as practicable on a load bearing column or reinforced concrete wall.

The external power adapter should already be connected. If not, disconnect the sensor’s green mating
conector. refer to the Appendix A wiring diagram. Use a voltmeter carefully energize the adapter and
identify the +/- charging leads. De-energize the power adapter. Route the leads from the power adapter
through one of the bulkhead compression fittings. Land the (+) lead from the power adapter to
Terminal 1 and the (-) lead to Terminal 2. As shipped, the positive battery lead is disconnected and
secured to the top of the battery. Connect the battery lead to the battery’s “fast-on” terminal. Use the
voltmeter to verify proper battery charging. Verify enclosure is properly grounded for electrical safety.
Re-connect the sensor’s green mating connector. After approximately 15 – 30 seconds the digital sensor
will complete its boot cycle and the digital sensor’s LED indicator will illuminate continuously. The
front-panel indicator on the box is normally extinguished.

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Saturn Series S-001 Seismic Switch

Vertical mount version shown in photograph to left.

Plug the external power supply (NEMA 1 rated) into a

standard, North American 110 Vac three-prong outlet
and verify batteries begin charging (yellow indicator).
Some power adapters plug directly into the 3-prong
outlet as shown below. Others have a 110 Vac cable
that plugs into the outlet. In either case, secure the
external power supply to prevent accidental disconnect
from the 110 Vac outlet. Depending upon the Saturn
Switch operating parameters and current, the external
power supply may operate continuously with the yellow
(or red depending upon the adapter model) charging
indicator (i.e. never switch to a green indicator). This
occurs when the electrical current draw of the seismic
sensor mimics a charging battery.

Loosen and remove the mounting screw holding down the Mitigator digital sensor. Shake the digital
sensor (approx-imately 1 inch peak-peak at about 2 to 3 Hz) to verify NO and NC contacts change state.
Verify front panel "System Triggered" visual annunciator is illuminated. Verify all other applicable
panel alarms or signals are activated by the "shake" test. This
constitutes a functional test (not setpoint verification) for the
seismic switch. At least annually, more comprehensive tests
should be performed providing objective setpoint verification
(see Section 8, Maintenance).

Verify alarm signal is transmitted to the end closure element

(valve, solenoid, PLC, fire alarm panel, etc.). Re-attach the
digital sensor to its mounting plate via the single mounting
screw. Tighten the sensor mounting screw finger-tight until
sensor is snug. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN! Any
modification to factory installed wiring without ESS written
authorization will void Earthquake Safety Systems, Inc.
warranties.

5 START-UP

SATURN Series Systems are factory configured with the user-specified default settings (if
provided at the time of order). The datasheet shipped with unit has the specific setpoints. If the
default settings are OK, then just apply power to the unit. After about 15 – 30 seconds the digital sensor
will complete its boot cycle and the digital sensor’s light (located on the digital sensor inside the
enclosure) will illuminate continuously.

When a seismic event occurs, the front panel indicator (either a discrete LED or, an LED imbedded in
the Control Switch) will illuminate and the industrial output relays will actuate. An ASCII string
containing the X, Y and Z peak acceleration values is repeatedly (once per second) written to the RS-

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Saturn Series S-001 Seismic Switch

232C port until reset via keyswitch or soft command.

If the digital sensor operating parameters must be changed, refer to the following section of this manual
and the Mitigator CD provided with the SATURN Series Unit.

6 OPERATING PARAMETERS

Altering the factory default operating parameters requires an RS-232C connection to a PC running the
KMICON.EXE terminal program. The user may install the Mitigator KMICON communication
program and related files from CD onto your computer system following the instructions provided by
the "setup" program.

Connect an RS-232C cable from your SATURN unit to your IBM-compatible PC RS-232C serial port.
Using the KMICON.EXE program establish communication with Saturn unit. Default baud rate, as
shipped from Earthquake Safety Systems, Inc., should be 38400 baud. If characters are received but, are
scrambled, try other baud rates. If no characters are received at any baud rate, verify the cables are
securely connected, verify there is power to the SATURN unit. If no characters are received, try
inserting a "null modem" into the RS-232C cable (reverses pins 2 & 3).

When you have a good connection the SATURN unit will respond to <CR> keystrokes with the ">>"
command line prompt. At the >> prompt, type EDIT. This will place the system in "Edit" mode.
(Note: User input is in bold. Text after the ";" mark is comment only.)

KMI Mitigator Application code v1.3

S/N 147
>>EDIT; user types EDIT to place module in parameter edit mode
EDIT>>RELAY 1 I P 0; user input to set relay 1, inverted, monitor power
EDIT>>RELAY 2 N T 0; user input to set relay 2, normal, threshold, latching
EDIT>>RELAY 3 N T 6000; user input to set relay 3, normal, threshold, 6 seconds
EDIT>>LOWVDC 11.5; user input to set voltage level for “low voltage” alarm
EDIT>>THR 1 11.5 11.5 11.5; user input to set relay 1 (power monitoring)
EDIT>>THR 2 4.1 4.1 4.1; user input to set relay 2, x0.041g y0.041g z0.041g (0.025g to 1g range)
EDIT>>THR 3 8.2 8.2 8.2; user input to set relay 3, x0.082g y0.082g z0.082g (0.025g to 1g range)
EDIT>>RELAY; review relay use / settings
EDIT>>THR; review relay threshold settings
EDIT>>BAUD 38400
EDIT>>EXIT ;QUIT to discard changes
>>SYSRESET ;restart unit
Note: User input is in bold. Text after the ";" mark is comment only.

Relay 1 is reserved for indicating the presence of power and system default conditions. Using the above
example, the user should be able to latch one or both of the remaining relays. The user should also be
able to change trigger setpoints based on the preceding example. If a different configuration is required,
refer to the Mitigator CD provided with the SATURN Series Unit for other relay options. NOTE:
changing the function of Relay 1 may alter the performance/function of the S-001.

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Saturn Series S-001 Seismic Switch

7 TROUBLESHOOTING

SYMPTOM: Power On indicator on the SENSOR (internal) unit does not illuminate within 30
seconds of Start-Up. CHECK: Verify 110/220 Vac is going to charger. Verify +12 Vdc is present. Verify that any
external breaker switches or fuses are reset or properly seated, as applicable. Verify +12 Vin directly at the Mitigator (digital
sensor), Terminal 1 = +12V, Terminal 2 = Power Common. If power is present and the LED on top of the digital sensor does
not illuminate within approximately 15 to 30 seconds after +12Vdc is applied, contact ESS for further information and
instructions. If the digital sensor LED does illuminate, verify the digital sensor Relay 1 output contacts, Terminal 7 = C,
Terminal 8 = NC (or NO), Terminal 9 = NO (or NC), change state at the same time that the digital sensor LED illuminates.

SYMPTOM: Unit does not reset.

CHECK: Momentarily short the digital sensor RESET Line (Terminal 6) to Power Common (Terminal 2). Forcing the
digital sensor RESET Line low in this manner immediately causes its LED to change from 1 pulse-per-second flashing mode
to constant illumination. Also, try "soft" resetting the SATURN system using the SYSRESET command. Establish serial
communication with the SATURN unit per the instructions given in the preceding section of this manual; "Parameters". At
the ">>" command line prompt type,

SYSRESET<CR> ; where <CR> represents the "Enter" key.

Resetting the digital sensor in this manner causes the LED to extinguish for approximately 15 seconds before switching to
constant illumination.

If the unit still does not reset, try increasing the default trigger thresholds by a factor of 4 or more. Re-program the trigger
thresholds as described in the preceding Section; "Parameters". Then restart the SATURN unit. If the system still does not
reset, contact ESS for further information and instructions.

SYMPTOM: Unit does not send out a remote alarm signal.

CHECK: Loosen the screw holding down the Mitigator digital sensor. Gently shake the digital sensor from side-to-side
(horizontal motion) at 3-to-5 cycles/second but, no greater than 15 cycles/second in order to simulate earthquake induced
activation. If the LED on top of the digital sensor begins to flash at a rate of 1 pulse/second, then the digital sensor has
triggered. Verify that the output relays are properly seated in their receptacles. Check for +12 Vdc across the contacts on the
rear of the front panel indicator. If +12V is present but the indicator is not illuminated then the front panel ndicator may
require replacement. If +12 Vdc is not present across the contacts for the front panel indicator, check for loose or faulty
wiring. Check for incorrect wiring logic. If the digital sensor LED flashes but, the industrial output relays do not change
state, edit the digital sensor Relay 2 and 3 parameters for the proper function, threshold and hold-on time per the example
given in the "Parameters" Section of this manual. For additional digital sensor configurations, refer to the Mitigator CD
supplied with the SATURN System. If the digital sensor LED does not flash, edit the digital sensor Relay 2 and 3 parameters
for the proper function, threshold and hold-on time per the example given in the "Parameters" Section of this manual. Be sure
to "EXIT" the EDIT mode in order to save your changes (QUIT does not save your changes). Restart the SATURN unit,
wait 30 secons for the power-on self-test to complete and re-test the digital sensor. If actuation still does not occur, contact
ESS for further information and instructions.

SYMPTOM: Unit does not communicate over the RS-232C serial port.
CHECK: Verify your computer serial port is OK by connecting to another RS-232C device and communicating
successfully with it using a simple "terminal" program (i.e. Hyperterminal). Note which PC COM port is being used. Then
connect to the SATURN serial port using the same "terminal" program. Try a 38400 baud connection. Verify the correct
PC COM port is selected. Press the <CR> or <Enter> key several times. A successful link will return the ">>" command
line prompt. If characters are received but, are scrambled or graphical in nature, then the baud rate is probably not correct.
Close the current session, change the "terminal" program's baud rate to 19200 and try communicating again with the
SATURN system. If necessary, repeat this step again using 9600. Once you have established communication, set the digital
sensor baud rate to 38400 by typing the following:

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Saturn Series S-001 Seismic Switch

>>EDIT
EDIT>>BAUD 38400
EDIT>>EXIT ;user input is in bold

Close down the non-9600 baud session, set the "terminal" program to 38400 baud and open a new communication session at
38400 baud. The ">>" command line prompt should appear.

If no characters are received at any baud rate, then the RS-232C TxD and RxD lines may be reversed. Insert a "null modem"
adapter or otherwise, reverse pins 2 and 3 of the RS-232C serial cable being used. Try once again to communicate with the
SATURN system at multiple baud rates. If characters are received but, are scrambled or graphical in nature, then the baud
rate correction described above is probably required. Once you have established communication, set the digital sensor baud
rate to 38400 by typing the following:
>>EDIT
EDIT>>BAUD 38400
EDIT>>EXIT ;user input is in bold

Close down the non-9600 baud session, set the "terminal" program to 38400 baud and open a new communication session at
38400 baud. The ">>" command line prompt should appear.

If serial communication can not be established contact ESS for further information and instructions.

8 MAINTENANCE

Saturn S-001 Seismic Switches contain a few

components which require periodic inspection and
testing. These include batteries, charger, indicator lamp
and the seismic switch sensor unit (digital trigger). One
(1) annual comprehensive test by a qualified testing
agency is recommended, including:

 Battery condition both quiescent and under load,

 Verify control of ancillary equipment,
 Verify local & remote alarm signals, as applicable,
 Replacement of consumables- both scheduled and as
required,
 Verification of monitor control circuits,
 Verification of circuit reset,
 Sensor functional test,
 Sensor acceleration trip point verification,
 Digital trigger parameter review and adjustment, as required.

The battery should be replaced every 2 years. A battery testing device or load test may be employed to
annually assess the battery condition.

The charger should, under normal operating conditions, maintain the batteries at a voltage between 12.5
Vdc and 14.2 Vdc.

Incandescent indicator lamps, if any, should be replaced, as required.

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Saturn Series S-001 Seismic Switch

Annual testing should produce objective evidence of instrument operability (sample below).

NOTE: test plot courtesy of American Geophysical Brokerage (AGB); a Licensed Testing Agency for
the City of Los Angeles.

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APPENDIX A: WIRING DIAGRAM
CONTROL RELAY SETUP (STANDARD CONFIGURATION NOTED)
NOTE: Configurations may vary, consult wiring schematic shipped with unit. Control relays may be multiplexed
outside of control panel if desired.

Refer to Section 6, OPERATING PARAMETERS, for setpoint adjustment instructions. Acceleration level
adjustment does not require a factory consultation. However, changing the sensor function should only be done
after factory consultation as the operation of the front panel indicator switch may change.
APPENDIX B: INSTALLATION
 1/4-20
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1/4-20
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General Page 2
APPENDIX C: WARRANTY
 WARRANTY STATEMENT
2/2017

Earthquake Safety Systems, Inc.’s (ESS) products are warranted solely to the purchaser of the
product, or the primary end-user in the case of commercial or industrial applications; free from
defects in material and workmanship for a period of twenty four (24)1 months from the date of
sale. Defective units returned by the purchaser (pre-pay shipping) during this twenty four (24)
month period will be repaired or replaced, at the option of manufacturer. Manufacturer will pre-
pay return shipment of product to purchaser. The repaired or replaced equipment will then be
warranted for the balance of the initial 24 month warranty period or for ninety (90) days,
whichever is longer. Repair or replacement will be without charge provided that the equipment
has been installed by qualified/trained personnel or an ESS certified technician and maintained in
accordance with ESS’s recommended procedures and has not been abused, repaired, modified2
or subject to excessive forces. Repair or replacement that does not qualify for free warranty
service will be charged to the purchaser at the manufacturer’s service rates then in effect.

THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS

OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. THE PURCHASER’S EXCLUSIVE REMEDY WITH RESPECT
TO ANY AND ALL LOSSES OR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY
CAUSE WHATSOEVER, SHALL BE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS
SPECIFIED ABOVE. MANUFACTURER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, HOWEVER
OCCASIONED, AND IN NO EVENT SHALL MANUFACTURER’S
LIABILITY EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT.
NOTES:
1. Except the SIRC-RT Series and all power systems (including batteries), which is twelve (12) months.
2. Modifications authorized in writing by ESS are fully covered by this warranty.
3. Any claim made under terms of warranty must be supported by written evidence that Recommended
Maintenance procedures (see below) have been observed.
4. Parts and materials (buyout items) procured through ESS, but not delivered as an integral component of an ESS
product, are covered by the respective OEM’s warranty. Specifically, they are not covered by ESS’ warranty.

RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE.

Under normal environmental conditions, this product requires minimal service.

As with any active safety device such as fire alarms and other critical systems, this product
should be periodically inspected & tested to ensure integrity. The manufacturer recommends
that at least annually, a thorough system inspection, test and preventative maintenance
procedure be performed by a qualified technician, testing agency or owner’s trained personnel,
and a system performance log be maintained for reference.

IF ASSISTANCE IS REQUIRED PLEASE CONSULT FACTORY.