Fire alarm monitoring and reliability cont.

Note that duplication of fire alarm sounder circuits throughout a building is not generally necessary and can even fail to achieve the objective outlined in the previous blog. In this case, if fire damages one circuit, it is also likely to damage any other circuit in the same area. However, in a large building with multiple sounder circuits, each serving a different area of the building, the above objective is satisfied. In a smaller building, which could, otherwise, be served by a single sounder circuit, additional measures will be necessary to ensure that, if this single circuit fails during a fire, at least one sounder (e.g. on a second circuit) continues to operate.

However, in buildings designed to accommodate the general public in large numbers, typically within a single space, the threat to life in the event of a fire may be such that additional fire alarm device circuits,
over and above those described above, is justified; this then addresses the remote possibility of failure or impairment of a single circuit serving a large public space at the time of a fire. Frequently, such buildings are served by a voice alarm system interfaced to the fire alarm system. In the case of such fire systems, BS 5839-8 recommends additional loudspeaker circuits in large, un-compartmented public spaces of public buildings such as transport
terminals, shopping malls, places of entertainment, large department stores and leisure centres. The size of the un-compartmented public space above which additional loudspeaker circuits are recommended by BS 5839-8 is entirely arbitrary but, for consistency, if such a large public space is protected by audible fire alarm devices, duplicated and evenly distributed fire alarm device circuits need to be installed within the space; such duplication is, however, not necessary in other parts of the building.

A Fire alarm system design needs to be arranged to limit the extent of impairments, whether as a result of faults or work on the Fire alarm system. A fault (but not fire) signal needs to be given at the control and indicating equipment in the event of any failure in the critical signal path (see 3.13).
Care needs to be taken in the use of multi-core cable for the wiring of more than one circuit. It needs to be
assumed that any fault that affects a multi-core cable affects all conductors of the cable; this precludes the
use of multi-core cable for certain applications in which the failure of more than one circuit as a result of a
single fault is precluded by the recommendations of this standard.

Fire alarm monitoring of external circuits

12.Fire alarm Monitoring, integrity and reliability of circuits external to control equipment
12.1 Commentary
External circuits external to the fire alarm control equipment, need to be arranged such that the probability of faults that could prevent the fire system from giving a fire warning is minimized. Such faults will, however, occur occasionally. Work on the fire alarm system, for
the purpose of modification, repair or routine fire alarm maintenance, may also cause an impairment of the fire alarm system to operate as designed in the event of fire.

Measures are incorporated within this code of practice to limit the probability of impairments, whether as a result of faults or work on the fire system, and to limit the duration of any impairment. The wiring of all critical signal paths is protected against mechanical damage and damage by fire. Critical signal paths are monitored, so that faults will be identified quickly. Compliance with the recommendations for fire alarm maintenance arrangements ensures that any such fault is quickly repaired. The probability that a fault will exist at the
time of a fire is, therefore, considered to be extremely low. In the event of fire, fire damage to wiring during the period required for evacuation is unlikely to occur in view of the recommendations of this code of practice for the fire resistance of cables.
As a result of the above considerations, duplication of, or redundancy in, external circuits is not normally necessary. However, in the case of circuits serving fire alarm devices, special measures need to be taken to ensure that, during, or following, evacuation, damage to any wiring, with resultant loss of the evacuation signal, does not imply to occupants of the building that it is safe to remain in, or re-occupy, the building.
This can be achieved by ensuring that, in the event of a short circuit developing on any fire alarm device circuit during a fire (e.g. at a cable termination), a minimum of one audible fire alarm device continues to
sound as a reminder that the system has not been silenced or reset. Normally, this sounder is located close to the control and indicating equipment, as this equipment will be sited in a suitable area (e.g. a reception area, security control room or main entrance foyer) at which the reminder needs to be given.

Fire alarm design recommendations

11.2 Recommendations
The following recommendations are applicable.
a) Fire alarm manual call points should conform to the requirements of BS EN 54-11 for Type A (“single action”) manual call points.
b) Fire alarm detection in the form of point heat detectors should conform to the requirements of BS EN 54-5 for Class A1 or A2 detectors, unless the foreseeable maximum ambient temperature in the protected area is 40 °C or above, in which case a Class B-G detector should be used as appropriate.                                          c) Fire alarm point smoke detectors should conform to BS EN 54-7.
d) Fire detection in the form of flame detectors should conform to BS EN 54-10.
e) Fire detection in the form of optical beam smoke detectors should conform to BS EN 54-12.

f) Aspirating smoke detectors should conform to BS EN 54-20;
g) Wireless fire alarm Components and systems using radio links should conform to BS EN 54-25;
h) Multi-sensor, optical and heat detectors should conform to either:
1) BS ISO 7240-15;
2) BS EN 54-5 and BS EN 54-7; or
3) CEA 4021.
i) Multi-sensor, carbon monoxide and heat detectors should conform to BS ISO 7240-8.
j) Carbon monoxide fire detectors should, in the absence of any relevant British, European or
International Standard, be capable of detecting a fire within 60 s if the carbon monoxide concentration exceeds 60 ppm, and should have a fire sensitivity (in combination with any other sensors within the fire
detector) sufficient to pass TF5 of BS EN 54-7 where the detector is declared to be suitable for installation instead of a smoke detector, or TF2 and TF3 of BS EN 54-7 where the detector is declared
only to be suitable for detecting smouldering fires. Any restrictions in the use of the detectors declared
by the manufacturers should be taken into account in the system design.
k) Control and indicating equipment should conform to BS EN 54-2.
l) Audible fire alarm devices should conform to BS EN 54-3.
m) Power supply equipment should conform to BS EN 54-4.
n) Cables should conform to the recommendations of Clause 26.
o) Those functions of the system that are recommended in this part of BS 5839, for which the storage of
programs and data is necessary to control the fire detection and alarm system, should comply with the
additional design requirements for software controlled control and indicating equipment in BS EN 54-2.
p) Where a PC is used as a user interface, e.g. in networked systems, it should be considered as a supplementary interface and there should be control and indicating equipment conforming
to BS EN 54-2 mounted adjacent, as it is unlikely that a PC would meet the requirements of BS EN 54-2.
q) Radio paging transmitters and receivers should conform to the relevant British or harmonized
European Standards applicable.

Fire alarm system components

The reliability of the fire alarm system to perform its functions on demand will, to a significant degree, be governed by the reliability of individual components. In general, it is advisable that all components that form the fire alarm system, such as manual call
points, detectors, control and indicating equipment and fire alarm devices, comply with relevant British Standards, and have undergone type testing to these standards. It is advisable to use components
having certification under a recognized product certification scheme (comprising third-party certification of product conformity against a relevant standard, based on testing and continuing surveillance, together with assessment of the manufacturer’s quality assurance systems against BS EN ISO 9000).

Where there is no relevant British, European or International Standard, it is advisable that care is taken to ensure, as far as possible, that the components are fit for their purpose. Third-party approval against an
appropriate test standard may provide assurance of this.
Compliance of an individual component with a recognized standard does not necessarily ensure that it will operate satisfactorily in conjunction with another component that complies with the relevant standard for that component. It is essential that compatibility between components is taken into account by the designer of the fire alarm system.

London based, fire alarm company, Fire Systems Ltd, design fire alarms using equipment from different manufactures. For example, we will purchase our fire alarm panels from Kentec Electronics and our detection from Argus.

Fire alarm systems to comply with current legislation

It is important, that fire alarms comply.

Every business needs to consider fire safety. This is a requirement by law and it is not only, but a legal requirement to carry out a Fire Risk Assessment on your company premises, but also to ensure that your fire safety equipment is in full working order and up to date in order to comply with the current regulations.

From conventional to wireless fire alarm systems and remote monitoring, these kinds of fire systems are important in detecting the presence of fire if an unfortunate incident was to occur in your building. As someone who is responsible for the organisation, you need to understand that this is a key component of fire safety.

You will find that there are a number of fire alarm systems available on the market so you may wish to speak to a fire safety specialist, such as a fire alarm company fire systems ltd, in deciding which would be most suitable for your business premises and that best meets your requirements.

When you have identified the right fire alarm solution, whether this is an entry level model or highly complex fire system, you can then make a purchase and arrange for it to be installed.

If you are looking for help with your fire safety compliance, you should get in touch with a BAFE approved fire alarm company that will be able to assist you.

Fire alarm systems in explosive environments

The important items to consider, when installing fire alarm systems in explosive gas or dust atmospheres

10.1 Commentary
If it is necessary to install fire alarm equipment or wiring in areas where an explosive atmosphere could result from the presence of flammable gases, vapours or mists, or the presence of combustible dusts, special protection measures are essential to ensure that the potential for ignition of the atmosphere by the fire alarm equipment or wiring is minimized.

10.2 Recommendations
The following recommendations are applicable.
a) Any fire alarm system (or part of a fire system) protecting an area, or with cables passing through an area, in which there may be an explosive gas, vapour or mist atmosphere should comply with the requirements of BS EN 60079-14.

b) Any fire alarm system (or part of a fire system) protecting an area, or with cables passing through an area, in which
there may be an explosive dust atmosphere should comply with the requirements of BS EN 50281-1-2.

Actuation of other fire alarm systems or safety facilities cont.

Interfacing fire alarms together, or actuating other systems, is discussed in the section.

The following recommendations are applicable in the case of fire alarm systems intended to actuate other fire alarm systems or safety facilities (e.g. by triggering an automatic fire suppression system, closing fire resisting doors, shutting down an air handling system or grounding lifts).
a) The fire alarm system should comply with the recommendations of any applicable part of BS 7273 for fire suppression.
b) If no part of BS 7273 is applicable, any special requirements for system design should be identified in
the purchase specification or design proposals.

c) If operation of the fire alarm system during routine testing would have an undesirable effect on other
fire systems or equipment, means should be provided for disabling the automatic actuation of the fire suppression system or equipment. The facility for disablement, and the indication of disablement, should comply with BS EN 54-2.
d) The other equipment or systems should not draw power from the fire alarm system in the non-fire state, other than for indicators and interface devices (e.g. relays). The power consumption of any such
indicators and interface devices should be taken into account in the calculation of battery capacity(see 25.4).

Fire Alarm detector, using Air Sampling

 

Fire alarm detection using air Sampling is one of the most sensitive forms of fire detection currently available. By detecting smoke at an very early stage and taking appropriate remedial action the damage caused by fire and smoke can often be avoided.

Fire alarm maintenance, design and commission of these sensitive fire alarm detection systems is a specialist task and should only be untaken by a professional fire alarm company, such as Fire Systems Ltd.

Fire Systems Ltd, have been installing and maintaining Air Sampling Systems since 1992. Our staff have a great deal of experience in this field. We work with and install fire alarm systems from all the major manufacturers, by being independent and not tied to any one manufacturer, our advice is completely impartial

Air-sampling Smoke Detectors work by:

1. Continually drawing air into a pipe network attached to a detector unit.
2. Passing the air through a dual stage filter to remove dirt
3. Sending the clean air to a laser detection chamber for smoke detection.
4. Measuring the light scatter caused by any smoke
5. Processing the detector signal and presenting the smoke level graphically
6. Communicating the information to a fire alarm control panel, a software management system or a building management system.

Installing a fire alarm using Air-sampling smoke detectors provide the early warning of an imminent fire hazard. Why is this important? It buys time. Time to investigate a smoke alarm. Time to take action. Time to avoid the danger, damage and disruption caused by fire.

Another, advantage of using air sampling is with regards to the fire alarm maintenance, as the maintenance engineer does not have to test individual detector.

A fire alarm company such as fire systems ltd, is independent and have been installing fire alarm systems since 1992.

Conventional fire alarm

Fire Alarm Systems fall broadly in to two groups - Conventional fire alarm Systems or Analogue Addressable Systems.

A fire alarm maintenance is required for both types of systems.

'Conventional' Fire Alarm Systems, in their various forms, have been around for many years and have changed little in that time in terms of technology although design and reliability have improved significantly. However, Conventional fire alarm system are a well-proven technology protecting many hundreds of thousands of properties worldwide. A Conventional Fire Alarm System is often the natural choice for smaller systems or where budget constraints exist.

Incorporating the Multipoint detector with built-in sounder means the whole system cab be installed using only one pair of wires.

Using the Multipoint detector as part of the Twinflex 2-wire fire alarm system means that when a detector is wired in, a sounder is too - with no extra wiring. This greatly reduces the number of points that need to be installed and the time it takes to install them.

Fire Systems Ltd, offer the complete range of fire alarm maintenance packages.

Fire alarm system at the workplace

The assurance that your workplace has a fire alarm gives peace of mind, and makes a healthy and conducive working environment. Having a fire alarm in the workplace makes your employees and visitors comfortable, and thus, the business will be smooth and worry-free. The people in the workplace are easily alerted even before fire breaks out. Having a fire alarm increases greatly the possibility to put out the fire, before it gets too large to be extinguished. Otherwise, the people in the area will be given an ample time to escape.

When it comes to an investment in the health and safety of you and your staff, a fire alarm is a must. Not only is the system protecting you, but it is also, protecting your assets.

If you are concerned about the amount of disruption that may be caused by the installation of a fire alarm system, why not consider a wireless fire alarm? A wireless fire alarm is quick and easy to install, and is a viable cost effective option.

Fire systems ltd, specialise in the design, installation and commission of all types of wireless fire alarms.

Why should I consider installing a fire alarm?

A fire alarm could be one of the most important investments you make.

Do not let fire be one of the worries of your business. Business premises must have in them complete fire safety equipment installed. Having extinguishers, fire safety boxes, and fire blankets in the workplace is not enough. Along with these indispensable safety equipments is the fire alarm. Why is this fire alarm system necessary in making the workplace optimally safe? Why should this tool be installed in every workplace?

The most devastating accident that can befall a business is not bankruptcy. Rather, it is a fire incident. How disrupting it is for a business to replace very important things lost from a fire. The effected business will have to spend a lot of time and effort to do so. Worse, some business properties, such as essential data, can never be replaced once lost. And how horrifying can it be for a business to have to deal with the ordeal of losing an employee in a fire outbreak? This is why every workplace must have fire alarm, especially in the locations which has the highest probability to cause fire.

Fire alarm company, Fire Systems Ltd, specialise in the installation of wireless fire alarm systems. If you require a new or an upgrade of your existing fire alarm system, why not let them survey and show you the latest in their range of wireless fire alarm systems.

Fire Alarm Maintenance

Fire Systems Ltd, provide fire alarm maintenance.

You may ask what are the benefits?

A fire alarm maintenance gives you Peace of Mind

You depend on your fire alarm system to provide the earliest possible warning of a fire for your staff and visitors. The earlier the warning, the more time you have to leave the building safely.

The fire alarm has been installed to protect life, as well as property and will, when required, be expected to operate correctly in an emergency. So it makes sense that your fire alarm system is kept in optimum condition, with 24 hour emergency cover that you can always count on if it is needed.

A fire alarm maintenance saves you money.

Regular servicing will also ensure the maximum component life and result in lower system downtime. You will also save money by avoiding non-contracted hourly rates.

A fire alarm maintenance ensure you are compliant

With British Standards, Fire Legislation and your insurance company requirements.

A fire alarm maintenance reduces false alarms

Reduce the risk of false fire alarm activations, which can save money and business disruption, as well as protecting your response levels from the emergency service, who may not attend your premises if you have a high number of false alarms.

Addressable fire alarm systems

Analogue addressable fire alarm systems overcome the limitations of conventional fire systems, where each fire detecting sensor or call point is electronically coded with a unique identification or 'address' which is programmed into the device during fire alarm installation. The control panel is then able to conduct two way communication with any of the addressable fire alarm devices connected to the fire alarm system by using the unique address number to define which device it wishes to communicate with. Under normal conditions the fire control panel continuously interrogates each device in sequence using a low power digitally pulsed signal, and analyses the reply to determine the status of the sensor or callpoint. In this manner, the fire alarm system panel can ascertain whether each device is functioning correctly and also discover the amount of smoke or heat that the device is currently sensing.

This technology allows the fire alarm panel to make intelligent decisions as to the appropriate action to take based on the information it receives from the individual sensors. In addition to providing simplified installation, enhanced suppression of unwanted alarms and precise location of any incidents, analogue technology also allows greater control of the response of the fire system to a fire alarm being triggered. Analogue addressable fire alarm can be interfaced with building management systems, and can also be used to interact with other services such as ventilation or warden call systems. For the largest sites, several systems can be linked to form a complete network providing total coverage

Cooper finally release wireless fire alarm panel

At long last Cooper has finally released it’s long awaiting wireless fire alarm panel

For both business and leisure wireless technology is now common place. Such are the advances made in wireless technologies in recent years that most people use wireless devices without a second thought.

Using the new Cooper wireless fire alarm panel, with protocol the CW9000 provides a fire alarm system using secure wireless connections between the field fire detection and the fire control panels.

Based on well proven components the sensors, sounders, beacons and call points give CW9000 wireless fire alarm a highly reliable foundation into which the wireless technology has been integrated to provide a fully featured analogue addressable fire detection and fire alarm system.

The development of CW9000 has tracked the progress of the European standard EN54-25 "Fire detection and fire alarm systems. Components using radio links", and has therefore been designed to conform fully with all aspects of this document.

Benefits and Features

• Addressable 250 device system
• Range greater than 1km in free air
• Low profile aesthetics
• Touch screen technology
• Soft addressing
• Meets the requirements of EN54-25

Kentec’s new fire alarm panel

Faster set-up time” for two-wire fire alarm panels

Kentec’s new AlarmSense two-wire fire alarm system, takes less time to set up than a standard four-wire fire system, the company has said.

Kentec's two-wire fire alarm panel

In a press release about its new product, Kentec said the benefit of its two-wire fire alarm panels was that “all devices in a given zone can be wired to the same pair of cables”.

The AlarmSense Sigma CP-A 2, 4 and 8 zone fire alarm control and indicating panels are also compliant with European standards, according to Kentec.

Fire alarm company, Fire Systems Ltd, who have a good relationship with Kectec, will be trying out the new fire system. Fire alarm maintenance and one man testing is also an important feature.

A spokesman for the fire detection company said: “Apollo Alarmsense devices, including smoke and heat detectors, call points, base sounders, base sounder, beacons and relay units, can all be wired to the same pair of cables, with rapid system configuration for common, zonal or two-stage fire alarm using simple menu options on the fire alarm panel.

“False alarm management is particularly efficient, with alarm verification via the general and local alarm facility on AlarmSense sounders and beacons, a significant feature for houses of multiple occupation.”

This type of fire system, could save a fire alarm company time when setting up the system.

For more information on fire alarm maintenance and installation, you can contact fire systems ltd on www.firesystems.co.uk.

Visual alarms on fire alarms continue

We are continuing once again from the previously blog on the visual units on fire alarm systems.

The introduction of a mandated harmonised standard sets a base level for product performance. Fire alarm system engineers can therefore be reassured that when approved fire alarm equipment such as strobes are installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, they will provide the defined level of illumination in the protected premises. Under the specification, manufacturers have to classify their products as C, ceiling mounted; W, wall mounted; or O, open class devices. In a fire alarm system, both C and W devices will be the primary types used, with some specialised applications having type O devices as well. The C class units often taking the form of a detector base sounder-strobe, fitted between the fire detection in the form of a multi-sensor, smoke or heat detector and its base. W class devices will be either stand-alone strobes or combined sounder-strobes. The key performance indicators are that the output of the device must be greater than 2 candela (cd) and less than 500cd, and the flash rate must be between 0.5 and 2.0Hz.

Ceiling-mounted strobe coverage

The critical requirement from a fire detection manufacturer’s point of view is that each model must be tested to demonstrate compliance with the standard’s requirements. For ceiling-mounted fire alarm devices, the manufacturer must define the maximum height at which it can be installed, set at a standard 3m, 6m or 9m. A wall-mounted fire alarm system device must be installed at a minimum of 2.4m from the floor. The coverage volume, defined by the manufacturer, in which the output meets the minimum required illumination of 0.4 lumens/m² (lux) on a surface perpendicular to the direction of the light emitted from the device is the key performance measure.

Wall-mounted strobe coverage

Further relevant documents are BS 8300, which concerns the design of buildings to meet the needs of disabled people, and LPS1652, Code of Practice for Visual Alarm Devices used for Fire Warning, currently at Draft 1.0 status and published by LPCB.

Visual alarms on fire alarm systems

Continuing from our last blog on visual units on fire alarm systems.

The product standard EN54-23: Fire alarm devices – Visual alarms defines the performance requirement of visual alarm devices on a fire alarm, was published by BSI in June 2010. Typically, for fire detection and fire alarm product standards produced to satisfy the EU Construction Products Directive (Harmonised Standards), there is a 36-month transition period from the time the standard becomes available to national standards bodies.

In the case of EN54-23, the date by which national conflicting standards must be withdrawn is March 2013.

At the end of this transition period products which do not satisfy the harmonised standard (indicated by a CE Mark), will no longer be able to be put on the European market.

The standard specifies the requirements, test methods and performance criteria for visual fire alarm devices in a fixed fire alarm installation, intended to signal a visual warning of a fire initiated by the fire detection and fire alarm system. It covers only those devices that derive their operating power by means of a physical electrical connection to an external source, such as a fire alarm system, and it applies only to pulsing or flashing visual alarm devices – for example Xenon or rotating beacons and devices that rely on software for their operation.

All change for visual fire alarms

 The recent publication of EN54-23, the new product standard for visual indication on fire alarms, presents a challenge to the way in which these devices are made and installed. Will Mason of Fire Systems Ltd explains.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) makes service providers and employers responsible for ensuring that disabled people do not receive less favourable treatment than the able bodied. Since its introduction, the fire alarm industry has responded by providing fire alarm systems that generate both audible and visual warnings when a fire is detected.

A Fire alarm company, now has to take the above into consideration, whether it be a wired or a wireless fire alarm.

Normally, a visual alarm is only used in a fire alarm system to reinforce a warning from the primary audible warning device such as a bell, siren or voice alarm but it is never the primary method of raising the alarm. However, in a building in which deaf and hard of hearing people are present, a risk assessment may indicate that a visual alarm will have to become as important as the normal audible alarm in attracting their attention. In such cases, the strobe units or beacons must produce a sufficiently high light output to achieve the objective.

A typical beacon installation in a factory

By definition, as a life safety industry, anything that improves the effectiveness of an automatic fire alarm system is an advance to be welcomed, particularly if it provides enhanced protection for all occupants of the protected building. Until now, however, there has been no product standard specifying the performance requirements of visual alarm devices..

For further information you can contact a London based fire alarm company Fire Systems Ltd, who also specialise in wireless fire alarms.

Fire Alarm System components

The reliability of the fire alarm system to perform its functions on demand will, to a significant degree, be governed by the reliability of individual components. In general, it is advisable that all fire alarm components, such as manual call points, fire detection, fire panel and indicating equipment and fire alarm devices, comply with relevant
British Standards, and have undergone type testing to these standards. It is advisable to use components having fire alarm certification under a recognized product certification scheme (comprising third-party certification of product conformity against a relevant standard, based on testing and continuing surveillance, together with assessment of the manufacturer’s quality assurance systems against BS EN ISO 9000).
Where there is no relevant British, European or International Standard, it is advisable that care is taken to ensure, as far as possible, that the fire alarm components, fire alarm panel and fire detection,are fit for their purpose. Third-party approval against an appropriate test standard may provide assurance of this.
Compliance of an individual component with a recognized standard does not necessarily ensure that it will
operate satisfactorily in conjunction with another component that complies with the relevant standard for
that component. It is essential that compatibility between components is taken into account by the designer of the fire system.

Fire Alarms in explosive areas

10. Fire Alarm Systems in explosive gas or dust atmospheres.

If it is necessary to install fire alarm equipment or wiring in areas where an explosive atmosphere could result from the presence of flammable gases, vapours or mists, or the presence of combustible dusts, special fire protection measures are essential to ensure that the potential for ignition of the atmosphere by the fire alarm
equipment or wiring is minimized.

10.2 Recommendations
The following recommendations are applicable.
a) Any fire alarm system (or part of a fire system) protecting an area, or with cables passing through an area, in which there may be an explosive gas, vapour or mist atmosphere should comply with the requirements of BS EN 60079-14.

b) Any fire alarm system (or part of a system) protecting an area, or with cables passing through an area, in which there may be an explosive dust atmosphere should comply with the requirements of BS EN 50281-1-2.

Special care and attention is require to ensure the fire alarm maintenance is carried out in accordance with the relevant standards.

The fire alarm maintenance should be conducted every six months as required.

Fire Systems Ltd, carry out fire alarm maintenance of all types of systems.

Fire design recommendations

9.2 Fire alarm design recommendations
The following recommendations are applicable in the case of fire alarm systems intended to actuate other fire protection systems or safety facilities (e.g. by triggering an automatic fire suppression system, closing fire resisting doors, shutting down an air handling system or grounding lifts).
a) The system should comply with the recommendations of any applicable part of BS 7273 for fire suppression.
b) If no part of the fire suppression code BS 7273 is applicable, any special requirements for fire alarm system design should be identified in the purchase specification or design proposals.

c) If operation of the fire alarm system during routine testing would have an undesirable effect on other fire systems or equipment, means should be provided for disabling the automatic actuation of the system or equipment. The facility for disablement, and the indication of disablement, should comply with BS EN 54-2.

d) The other equipment or fire alarm system should not draw power from the fire alarm system in the non-fire state, other than for indicators and interface devices (e.g. relays). The power consumption of any such indicators and interface devices should be taken into account in the calculation of battery capacity

Actuation of other fire alarm systems or safety facilities

9 Actuation of other fire protection systems or safety facilities

Any of the fire alarm Categories, whether wired or a wireless fire alarm, may be used to actuate other fire alarm systems, fire protection systems or trigger safety facilities, whether for the purpose of life safety, property protection or a combination of the two.
To ensure correct operation, fire alarm maintenance is important,If the fire alarm is to be used for the actuation of other fire protection systems or safety facilities, the recommendations of this part of BS 5839 might, or might not, be necessary or sufficient. The system might have special requirements in respect of the number, zoning and siting of fire detection, provision of power supplies, control, indication or other facilities, or monitoring and fire resistance of interconnecting wiring.
It needs to be ensured that the interconnection of other fire systems or fire alarm equipment with the fire alarm system does
not prejudice the reliability of the fire alarm system.

Fire alarm maintenance is required on all types of systems, whether it be a wired or wireless fire alarm.

Fire Systems Ltd, offer the complete package when it comes to providing fire alarm maintenance.

Fire Alarm category L2 design - (19 e)

In a Category L2 wired fire alarm system,or a wireless fire alarm the rooms or areas protected should comply with the recommendations for a Category L3 system, but, in addition, automatic fire detection should be installed in rooms in which the fire risk is high enough to warrant individual fire protection.

NOTE 6 Any reference to a Category L2 system (e.g. in a specification, proposal or submission to an enforcing authority) should
clearly identify the rooms or areas in which these additional detectors are to be installed and should identify the type of detector
(e.g. heat, smoke or combustion gas) required.

f) In a Category L1 or P1 fire alarm system or a wireless fire alarm, automatic fire detectors should be installed in all rooms and areas of the building, but the following rooms or areas need not be protected if they are of low fire risk — toilets, shower rooms and bathrooms;
NOTE 7 In some public buildings, such as hospitals and shopping centres, toilets might not be of low fire risk, owing to the
potential for arson.
— stairway, lobbies" and toilet lobbies;
— small cupboards (typically, less than 1 m2);

NOTE 8 A riser in which there is a fire resisting floor and ceiling may be treated as a cupboard.
— some shallow voids (less than 800 mm in depth).
g) In a Category L1 fire alarm system or a wireless fire alarm, the detectors within escape routes should be smoke detectors, or fire detection. In a Category P2 fire system, the rooms or areas to be protected by automatic fire detection should be clearly identified in the specification or proposal. There should be physical barriers between protected and unprotected areas to limit the spread of smoke and hot gases in, at least, the early stages of fire.

NOTE 9 It is not necessarily the case that these physical barriers should have a recognized period of fire resistance.
NOTE 10 The physical barriers described above might be unnecessary where detectors are installed to detect fires in specific
equipment.

Radio fire alarms are the way forward

Fire Systems Ltd, specialise in the installation of Radio fire alarms.  An independent fire alarm company, with a long history as a fire alarm installer, the fire alarm company has made the decision to predominately install Wireless fire alarm their primary systems line.

Installing a Radio fire alarm is quick and easy, with reduce labour time, and little disruption to the business.

A fire alarm company should be competent to design a fire alarm system to BS5839-1.

A lower, but often adequate, standard of property protection may be afforded by a Category P2 Radio fire alarm system. In a
Category P2 system, automatic fire detectors are provided only in specified rooms or areas of the building.
The protected areas are usually those in which the fire hazard level is high, or from which there is significant
potential for fire to spread and cause damage to contents of high value. Since the determination of these factors will depend on a fire risk assessment, it is important that whoever specifies a Category P2 system
qualifies this description with details of the rooms or areas that are to be protected.

The highest standard of property protection when designing a Radio fire alarm, will be afforded by a Category P1 . In a Category P1 system, automatic fire detectors are installed in all areas of the building. This Category of Radio fire alarm system might be appropriate if the system is intended to satisfy the requirements of fire insurers, if the building or its contents are of high value, or if the facilities provided within the building are critical to the operations of an
organization.

Fire Alarm design category L3

(19 d) In a category L3 fire alarm system, fire detection should be installed in all rooms that open onto the escape routes, except that rooms opening onto corridors of less than four metres in length need not be protected, provided fire resisting construction, including
doors separates these corridors from any other section of the escape routes.

fire alarm Installations of this type are easier if using a wireless fire alarm, or Radio fire alarm system.

An open plan area of accommodation, in which occupants will quickly become aware of fire, need not be protected in a Category L3 or L4 fire alarm system, even though occupants within the area clearly need to pass through the area in the first stage of escape, unless it forms part of the escape route from other areas. However, in a Category L3 fire alarm system fire detection, should be installed on the accommodation side of any door that opens into an escape stairway, a corridor of more than four metres in length (or alternatively, where stairways are approached through low fire risk lobbies, any door that
opens onto the lobby).

Fire Systems Ltd, is a fire alarm company based in Kingston Upon Thames. Fire Systems, are a well renowned fire alarm installer who specialise in the installation of wireless fire alarm systems, or also known as Radio fire alarms.

Fire alarm design recommendations

(18) The following fire alarm recommendations are applicable.
a) Fire System documentation, including any purchase specification, tender document, design proposal,submission to enforcing authorities or insurers for approval and the certificate issued by the Designers
, should clearly identify the fire alarm system Category as well as, where appropriate, the areas to be protected and any specific proposals for the type(s) of detector to be used.
b) Any specification or proposal for a Category L5 fire system should clearly identify the rooms or areas that are to be protected by automatic fire detection.

NOTE 1 There might also be benefit in giving a simple description of the objective of the protection proposed, particularly in
submissions to enforcing authorities.

NOTE 2 The standard of protection (extent of coverage) of a Category L5 fire system might be lower or higher than that afforded by
Category L2, L3 or L4 fire systems.
c) In Category L3 and L4 fire systems, smoke detectors, or a mixture fire detection.
should be provided in the following:
— all escape stairways;
— all corridors;
— any other areas that form part of the common escape routes.
NOTE 3 Main access and egress stairways normally form part of escape routes, and should be treated as escape stairways.

Fire Alarm not working results in prosecutions

A not functional fire alarm and a suitable fire risk assessment at a London-based food factory has resulted in the owner being prosecuted and fined, under the Fire Safety Order.

The importance of staying on the right side of Fire Safety Order regulations was recently highlighted by the prosecution of the manager of a food production factory by London Fire Brigade.

A £20,000 fine was given to Mong Liu of New Kong Nam Food Production Company after pleading guilty to serious breaches of fire safety legislation following the indictment.

She admitted guilt on seven breaches of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, including not having an suitable fire alarm, fire alarm maintenance and adequate fire detection at her Brettingham Road, Edmonton premises.

In addition to having inadequate emergency lighting in place, a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment had also not been completed. She also had no emergency plan in place and there was no evidence of fire safety training.

"Knowing about fire safety is not an option; if you are the responsible person it is a necessity," commented Steve Turek, the fire brigade's assistant commissioner for fire safety regulation.

Fire Systems Ltd, can assist you in ensuring you fire alarm is operational, and a fire alarm maintenance  is in place.

fire alarm and fire doors, City Bed and Breakfast owner fined over £8,000 for fire safety breaches

February 4, 2010

PERSISTENT breaches of fire safety regulations have led to a bed and breakfast owner being faced with a bill of more than £8,000. Fire doors and fire detection not working on the fire alarm, was the mean reason for the action.

Michael Scott-Hake, 51, of the Edwardian Hotel, in Heavitree Road, Exeter, had denied two charges of failing to comply with enforcement notices issued by Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, but changed his plea at Devon Central Magistrates’ Court, in Exeter, yesterday.

Prosecuting, Oliver Carlyon told the court that during fire safety inspections in 2007 and 2008 the hotel was found to have fire doors which did not comply with the latest regulations and the fire detection on the fire alarm was missing smoke alarms in several important areas.

Mr Scott-Hake was given several opportunities to carry out work to bring the hotel up to standard, but failed to do so, despite being offered advice by the fire service, the court heard.

In defence, Mark Shell said the hotel was fitted with fire doors that at one stage complied with regulations, but the rules had changed and his client had not been able to afford the necessary alterations. He said there were several fire alarm smoke detectors at the hotel.

The chairman of the bench gave credit for a guilty plea, but, fining Scott-Hake £3,415 and ordering him to pay costs of £4,900, he said the breaches were serious.

“When one is dealing with a hotel, where people are paying to stay, there’s a huge responsibility to comply with all current safety requirements,” he said.

Group Commander James Holgate, of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said after the hearing that the work required to bring the hotel up to standard was relatively inexpensive when compared with the size of the fine and legal bill.

“Our fire safety officers work closely with businesses to help them comply with the Fire Safety Order but, when their responsibilities are not taken seriously, the service will always consider prosecution,” he added.

“I would advise business owners that fire safety is a legitimate overhead that needs to be taken into account”.

The decision of the magistrates is another reminder to all businesses to ensure they comply with the requirements of the law.

This clearly demonstrates how the service is committed to ensuring the safety of the community.”

Mr Scott-Hake, was given 28 days to pay the fine and costs. He was not available for comment.

if you need assistance with your fire alarms or fire safety equipment, why not contact Fire Systems Ltd.

Protection of Property fire alarm design

The highest standard of fire alarm property protection will be afforded by a Category P1 system. In a Category P1 fire system, automatic fire detection is installed in all areas of the building. This Category of fire system might be appropriate if the fire system is intended to satisfy the requirements of fire insurers, if the building or its contents
are of high value, or if the facilities provided within the building are critical to the operations of an organization.

A lower, but often adequate, standard of property protection may be afforded by a fire alarm designed to an Category P2 system. This is usually determine by a fire risk assessment.  In a Category P2 system, automatic fire detection, is provided only in specified rooms or areas of the building.
The protected areas by the fire alarm are usually those in which the fire hazard level is high, or from which there is significant potential for fire to spread and cause damage to contents of high value. Since the determination of these factors will depend on a fire risk assessment, it is important that whoever specifies a Category P2 system qualifies this description with details of the rooms or areas that are to be protected.