fire alarms

[burntwire]

Hi,

I have been asked for some advice on a fire alarm system in a small simulator shop. I do not have much knowledge in this area except for pulling in cables and connecting smoke heads as an apprentice. There is currently no system there at all.

I have a few questions.

1) What requirements does such a system need to meet?

does it need break glass etc etc.

2)Do all systems need commisioning afterwards by an approved person?

3)Can a domestic style system be used?

4)Can anyone perform periodic fire alarms tests (with enough knowledge) or is it a specialised trade?

5)What is the best publication to learn more from?


I was working at a childs nursery and the previous electrician had installed domestic aico alarms linked together throughout the building. Is this suitable for the apllication ?

Thanks BW

 

[Taylortwocities]

Like so many things you must be competent to install such systems.

I'm guessing that you are not.

First of all, you are even confused if you are going to be installing

a Fire Alarm system
In which case the answer to all of your questions is BS 5839-6:2004

or a Smoke Alarm system
in which case the answer to all of your questions is probably BS 5446: Part 1

 

[burntwire]

Thank you for your answer, I am confused hence the post.

I am not competent regarding fire alarms, so I do not normally get involved with them. However if a small project is something I could take on to improve my knowledge then I would like to, with the necessary research before undertaking the works.

However to clarify.

I am confused why a nursery school has a domestic style 'smoke alarm system' I would not have thought this is suitable. There are no break glasses, although I believe that Aico now do a whole range of appliances for these systems.

Personally I would have thought a commercial style system would and should be installed in commercial premises, however I do not know what the minimum requirements are - hence the confusion.

To be classed as 'competent' must you gain any further qualifications regarding fire alarms as well as having the appropriate knowledge, or do fire alarm companies employ 'qualified electricians' that specialise in fire alarms?

Thanks BW

 

[RF Lighting]

If you have any doubt what so ever about designing or specifing a fire alarm system, as you clearly do, then get a professional to design and specify the whole system for you.

Install to their spec, and then you know it's up regs.

My local wholesaler offers a free fire alarm design service.