Monitor fault reporting contact via LAN network
All Ethernet‑based monitoring and control systems from Didactum are equipped with inputs for monitoring potential‑free / digital contacts. These inputs, commonly referred to as dry contacts, allow the connection of current‑free (relay) contacts to the TCP/IP‑based monitoring of Didactum monitoring systems.
Typical applications for monitoring potential‑free / digital contacts:
- Remote monitoring of fault‑alarm contact blocks from heating, ventilation, and air‑conditioning systems (HVAC)
- Monitoring of (fault) alarm contacts from security systems, video surveillance systems, and lighting controls
- Ethernet integration of UPS and emergency power systems (gensets)
- Integration of building automation and building‑services equipment into the network monitoring of the IT department
Overview of the individual Didactum monitoring systems (as of January 2020):
| Monitoring System 700 (EOL) | Monitoring System 600 (EOL) | Monitoring System 500 | Monitoring System 400 (EOL) | Monitoring System 100 | Monitoring System 50 | |
| Potential‑free inputs: | 16 | 16 | 16 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
Maximum number of potential‑free inputs on the main unit (requires expansion boards) | 100 | 36 | 16 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
Support for dry‑contact expansion units with additional 32 or 64 input contacts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Connection of the fault signal contacts to the monitoring system
The digital/potential-free contacts are connected to the inputs labeled "Dry Contacts" on the Ethernet-based monitoring and control system. Attach the two-wire cable of the fault signaling contact to the green Phoenix connector included in the package. Then, insert the Phoenix connector into the "Dry Contacts (IN)" terminal block.
Important note from the editor: Before connecting the potential-free fault signaling contact, check that it is indeed de-energized. The Dry Contact input must not be subject to more than +5V!
Configuration of fault reporting contacts in the monitoring system
Log in to your monitoring device using a web browser (Google Chrome, Safari, Mozilla Firefox). You will find the potential-free input contacts in the system tree under "Dry Contacts".
Set notifications and alarms for fault detectors
Every Ethernet-based alarm system from Didactum can send notifications and alarms via email, SMS (via LTE or GSM modem), and SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). If desired, the alarm system can also activate sirens and send alarms via TCP/IP network in the form of SNMP traps. Remote querying of the alarm contact status using an SNMP walk command is also supported by the field-proven Didactum monitoring hardware.