ARCODE

Test Instructions
Self-monitoring of the Machine Brakes
Self-monitoring of the correct functioning of the machine brakes
as part of protection against unintended car movement (UCM)
1) Introduction

The self-monitoring of the machine brakes is carried out by checking that each single brake drops at
every run, preventing the next normal start of the lift if dropping fails. After detection a brake
malfunction within a certain operation frame, the lift is kept out of service, even if the main power
is switched off and on again. Only a competent person intervention can make the lift to restore the
operation.

2) Firmware version

Self-monitoring of the machine brakes compliant to +A3 is available with all firmware versions of
ARCODE.

3) Connection

The status of the micro-switches (generally two) mounted on each brake is controlled by means of
two separated digital inputs. These inputs are assigned as programmable ARCODE inputs. The
micro-switch contacts must be normally close (N.C.). When brakes are closed, these inputs must be
ON.

PI11 and PI12 inputs are set in factory defaults for connection of the brake micro-switches. These
inputs are not obligatory. They can be changed from the menu.

BR1 BR1: N.C. contact of 1st brake micro-switch

PI11
BR2 BR2: N.C. contact of 2nd brake micro-switch
PI12
ARCODE
Inputs are ON when brakes are closed.
100 Inputs are OFF when brakes are open.
+24V

4) Parameter setting

To activate the self-monitoring function of the machine brakes, the following setting is required:
On AREM:
Tools Device parameters Protection and monitoring settings Other protection settings
mechanical brake monitoring: ON
Tools Device parameters Protection and monitoring settings Other protection settings
mechanical brake-2 monitoring: ON

Note: These parameters are set to Off in factory settings. It should be adjusted as On only after
wiring the brakes and micro switches. Otherwise, ARCODE continuously gives error and blocks the
lift.

And also:
Tools Device parameters Programmable inputs ARCODE controller inputs
PI11: (BRC) Mechanical brake checkback
PI12: (BRC2) Mechanical brake-2 checkback
(Another available programmable inputs can be used. But, the connections should be done
respectively.)
5) Description of the self-monitoring function

a) Self-monitoring after stopping

After releasing the brake relay MBR (This is assigned as programmable ARCODE relay outputs
PR2), ARCODE waits input PI11(BRC) and PI12(BRC2) to be activated (24Vdc) within a certain
time period. If there is no signal at the end of this period, ARCODE gives Er12 Holding of
mechanical brake not sensed error. This is not a permanent blocking error. (*2) It will be reset
after input PI11 and PI12 inputs are activated again (*3) If this error repeats 2 times consecutively
(*4), it goes to permanent error. And on the top of AREM screen you will see Er12 Holding of
mechanical brake not sensed (permanent). This blocks the system.

In order to turn the system to normal running mode, the permanent error must be cleared, then
system should be reset:
AREM: Tools System tools Clear permanent error
AREM: Tools System tools Reset system

b) Self-monitoring before starting

After activating the brake relay MBR, ARCODE waits inputs PI11(BRC) and PI12(BRC2) to be
de-activated (open circuit) within a certain time period. If the signal is not de-activated at the end of
this period, ARCODE gives Er13 Release of mechanical brake not sensed error. This
error is not a permanent blocking error (*2). It will be reset automatically after a certain time. If this
error repeats 2 times consecutively (*4), it goes to permanent error. On the top of AREM screen,
you will see Er13 Release of mechanical brake not sensed (permanent). This error is a
permanent blocking error and blocks the system permanently.

In order to turn the system to normal running mode, the permanent error must be cleared, then
system should be reset:
AREM: Tools System tools Clear permanent error
AREM: Tools System tools Reset system

*2: According to EN 81-1 + A3, when the self-monitoring function detects an error, only a
competent person intervention can make the lift to restore the operation. This error shouldn't be
reset even if the main power is switched off and on again. This type of error is defined as
permanent blocking error in this document.

*3: This feature is added with the approval of Liftinstituut (NB) in order to avoid unnecessarily
blockings of the elevator in case of accidental error detections. Elevator already will be permanently
kept blocked as long as a brake micro switch remains in the same position.

*4: The error counter is increased each time a malfunction is detected. When the error counter
reaches 2 consecutively, it will be a permanent blocking error.

6) Resetting the permanent blocking error

The permanent errors cant be cleared even by switching the main power off and on again.
As mentioned above, the permanent errors can only be cleared by the followings with:
AREM: Tools System tools Clear permanent error
7) Trips

No Message Description
12 Holding of "(P0045) Mechanical brake monitoring" parameter is set to "On" and brake
mechanical brake relay (MBR) has dropped but (BRC)/(BRC2) inputs are still inactive.
not sensed
13 Release of "(P0045) Mechanical brake monitoring" parameter is set to "On" and brake
mechanical brake relay (MBR) has picked but (BRC)/(BRC2) inputs are still active.
not sensed
8) Testing the self-monitoring function
a) PI11(BRC) or PI12(BRC2) input open circuit
No Test Procedure
1 While the elevator is idle, disconnect the
cable from inputs PI11
2 Re-connect the cable to input PI11
3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 respectively
4 Re-connect the cable to input PI11
5 Turn the main power off and on again.
6 AREM: Tools System Tools Clear
permanent error
AREM: Tools System Tools Reset
System (*5)
7 Repeat the same steps for PI12(BRC2)
b) PI11(BRC) or PI12(BRC2) input short circuit (+24V)
No Test Procedure
1 While the elevator is idle, make a bridge
from terminal 100(+24V) to input PI11
2 Give a command
3 Give another command
4 Remove the bridge from input PI11
5 Turn the main power off and on again.
6 AREM: Tools System Tools Clear
permanent error
AREM: Tools System Tools Reset
System (*5)
7 Repeat the same steps for PI12(BRC2)
*5: Alternative ways for "Reset System" are:
- switching ARCODE's power OFF and then ON again or,
- turning the Recall switch to "1" position and then back to "0" position.
Result
ARCODE gives Er12 Holding of
mechanical brake not sensed error.
This is not a permanent blocking error.
Error will be reset automatically.
ARCODE gives the same error number
with permanent. Because this is the 2nd
error consecutively. It blocks system
permanently.
ARCODE continues to give the same
error.
ARCODE continues to give the same
error.
Error will be reset and ARCODE will start
to operate in normal mode.
Result
ARCODE gives Er13 Release of
mechanical brake not sensed error.
1st error is not a permanent blocking error.
Error will be reset automatically.
ARCODE gives the same error number
with permanent. Because this is the 2nd
error consecutively. It blocks system
permanently.
ARCODE continues to give the same
error.
ARCODE continues to give the same
error.
Error will be reset and ARCODE will start
to operate in normal mode.