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.