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Fire Detection Systems 0710 PDF
Fire Detection Systems 0710 PDF
contents
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:46 Page 5
Contact Closed
nuisance alarms.
when detector
inserted in base
For some control panel - detector
combinations, when a standard
base is used, there is an
incompatibility between the current
specifications of the detector and
panel, leading to incorrect reporting
by the control panel, for example
signalling a fault in place of an 0V
alarm, and in some cases damage
to the detector due to over current
in the alarm state. In these cases it
is necessary to use a base fitted
with a resistor in series with the Figure 2: Resistive end of line operation
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:46 Page 6
The simplest end of line device is removed detector, it will no longer head is removed, the diode is
a resistor, which will draw a current work, which contravenes the connected across the contact,
distinct from the quiescent and requirements of BS5839 part 1. To allowing power to continue to be
alarm currents drawn by the overcome this either all call points supplied to the remainder of the
detectors. Installation of detectors must be mounted at the start of zone, whilst still permitting the
into their bases closes a contact in each zone, or in completely removed detector to be monitored.
the base supplying the remainder of separate zones (both of these This is achieved in a number
the zone. Thus if the line is broken, solutions are often impractical and of ways.
or if a detector head is removed, too costly), or head removal
the current drawn by the zone will monitoring can be employed. An active end of line device uses a
fall, and a fault will be signalled switched resistor at the end of line
(See figure 2). Example zone current Active monitoring uses bases fitted and can thus be used with a
and voltage figures are with a diode across the contact in standard control panel. It sends a
given in figure 3. the base (fig 4). Whilst the detector periodic signal back along the
detection line, which is normally
quenched by the control panel.
Monitoring of detection line When a head is removed, the base
(example only) diode is switched into the line, and
Condition Current Voltage pulse can be seen. The Active end
of line then switches the resistor out
Open Circuit <3mA 24V
of the line, and a fault is signalled.
Normal 5mA (dependant on EOL device) 18V
Fire 50mA (dependant on control panel) 4 –15V If a capacitive end of line is used,
the panel periodically drops the line
Short Circuit High (dependant on control panel) 0V
voltage for a few milliseconds, and
Figure 3: Example resistive conventional system current and voltage figures
looks for the line voltage being held
up by the capacitor. When a head is
The problem with a simple resistive is mounted in the base, the base removed, the panel will see the line
end of line is that should a detector contact connects directly across the voltage drop immediately as the
head be removed, the remainder of diode, and links it out. There is capacitor's discharge will be
the zone beyond that detector is usually provision for manually inhibited by the diode, and thereby
lost and no alarm can be signalled linking the diode out to permit a fault can be signalled.
beyond this point. Should a call continuity testing during
point be mounted beyond the commissioning. When the detector A third type of end of line device is
a diode. With this the panel
+24V periodically reverses the line voltage
for a few milliseconds: If the line is
broken by the diode in the detector
base, then no current can flow in
E.O.L.
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:46 Page 7
to ensure that the detectors wires, see figure 5. In this instance, relay contacts are wired in series
are compatible with the type a base incorporating a change over with the normally closed contacts of
of monitoring being used. relay is used. This configuration is the detector relay base(s). Thus in
Reference must be made to known as a four-wire system, and is the normal state the detection
the panel manufacturer to often seen when a fire zone is circuit is closed; in the case of fire
ensure compatibility. integrated into a security panel. or power failure the relevant relay
contacts will open.
Figure 5 shows the simplest form of
remote LEDs four-wire system, as used with most Normally after an alarm, the
Most system smoke detectors are security panels. This is used where detectors are reset by disconnecting
equipped with a terminal to allow the monitor line is able only to the power to the relevant zone for a
the connection of a remote LED. register an open or closed circuit - short period by pressing a central
Remote LEDs are often used there is no distinction between a panel reset button. Fire panels have
outside bedroom doors in hotels so fault and a fire. By using a normally this facility built in, however many
that in case of a fire, it is easy for closed relay at the end of the power security panels are unable to do this
the fire brigade to identify the line, it is possible to monitor for a without turning the entire panel off.
location of the fire without needing power failure to the detectors. The Therefore to allow the use of
to enter every room in the building.
They may also be used where a - 24VDC
+ 24VDC
POWER SUPPLY
END OF LINE
RELAY COIL
+24VDC IN
- 24VDC OUT
- 24VDC OUT
- 24VDC IN
- 24VDC IN
+ 24VDC OUT
+ 24VDC OUT
MAINTENANCE
RELAY (N/O)
RELAY (N/O)
RELAY (N/C)
RELAY (N/C)
RELAY (N/C)
RELAY (N/C)
ALARM
FAULT
FAULT
Resistor
EOL
DETECTION CIRCUIT
fire detection signal be on separate
C NO NC C NO NC
will automatically reset (note that
Power Supply
(Nominal 12V
or 24V System)
the alarm condition should be
latched at the control panel.)
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:46 Page 8
power supply may be required. In 470 Ohms is placed in series with to operate when a voltage is applied
this case if the device is connected each alarm contact as indicated in in one direction, but not when the
to a fire control panel, able to order to shunt the detector zone. voltage is reversed. When the
distinguish between different Note that a separate reset signal system is in standby, the panel
detector states, the circuit can be may be required to reset some applies a voltage in the 'wrong'
routed to provide full monitoring for beam detectors direction, so that the sounders do
alarm and fault. Figure 6 shows not operate and do not draw any
typical wiring for a beam detector, current. An end-of-line resistor
which includes it's own internal
fire alarm (sounder) draws a constant monitoring
maintenance and fault monitoring. zone operation current, which allows the panel to
With this layout all fault and Similarly to detection lines, it is verify that the wiring is intact.
maintenance contacts are wired in important to monitor fire alarm Should the panel sense that no
series, and all alarm contacts in zones to ensure that the cable has current is being drawn, it signals an
parallel with the end of line device. not been broken, disconnected or open circuit fault. In the case of a
In the case of a fault or shorted. However the operation of short circuit, a high current is drawn
maintenance signal, the end of line alarm zones is different from from the zone, the voltage drops
will be disconnected, and a fault detection lines. towards zero and a fault condition
can be signalled at the panel. To is shown. To activate the sounders,
distinguish between an alarm and Fire alarm sounders contain a the control panel reverses the
short circuit, a resistor, typically polarising diode, which allows them polarity of the voltage to the zone.
Standby
24VDC
EOL
Alarm
24VDC
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:47 Page 9
ISOLATOR intelligent
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM OK
28 January 2004
14:01
system types
SYSTEM OK There are two methods commonly
FIRE ALARM
FAULT used for implementing intelligent
CONTROL fire systems:
EOL
SYSTEM RESET
MODULE
CONVENTIONAL
INTELLIGENT ALARM ZONE The most common type of system is
FIRE ALARM
CONTROL “Analogue”. In this case the detector
PANEL
(or sensor) returns a value to the
ISOLATOR
panel representing the current state
MONITOR
of its sensing element(s).
EOL
MODULE
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:47 Page 10
digital communications) but to the manufacturer to manufacturer, but • Analogue Signal - i.e. the
variable nature of the response from generally comprises switching of the current sensor value
the detector to the control panel. 24V supply voltage to other voltage
• Alarm Signal if
levels to achieve communication.
appropriate
In “Addressable” type intelligent
systems, mainly used to meet the A typical basic protocol comprises • Status of module output
requirements of the French market, two main parts (See Fig 9): A query
• Remote test status
detector sensitivity is programmed or poll of a device by the control
to each device by the control panel panel including the device address • Manufacturer code
or is preset in the factory. and control information, and a
Most commonly, each device on the
response from the device giving its
loop will be polled in turn, however
The detector compares its current status and other information.
to increase speed around a loop,
sensor value with the configured Precise details of the information
some protocols allow polling of
threshold to make the alarm transferred will depend on the
groups of devices on a single
decision, which is then transmitted manufacturer, but normally will
communication.
to the panel when the sensor is include:
interrogated.
Note that since different
manufacturers have their own
In many systems the features Poll: Control Panel to device: protocols, it is important to
offered by the two detection
• Device address ensure compatibility between the
techniques are so similar that it is
detectors and control panel you
not particularly relevant which • Control of device LED - intend to use. Some detector
technique is used to make the alarm blink to indicate polling, manufacturers produce intelligent
decision. It is better to select a switch on when device is detectors with different
system based on the features in alarm communication protocols for
offered by the system as a whole. different customers, so two
• Control of device self-test detectors which look virtually
• Control of module output identical in appearance may not
3 6 3 6
Test Status
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:47 Page 11
• 7-bit binary or sounders, input and output In order to give tolerance against
hexadecimal DIL switch modules) may be connected to short circuits on the loop, short
a loop. circuit isolators are placed at
• Dedicated address
intervals on the loop. Should a short
programmer
circuit occur on the loop (Figure 12)
• Automatic, according to
physical position on the
system fault the isolators directly on either side
of the fault will isolate that section.
loop tolerance The panel will detect the loss of the
• Binary ‘address card’ devices, signal a fault and drive the
Due to the looped wiring method
fitted in the detector base loop from both ends, thereby
used for analogue systems, they are
enabling the remainder of the loop
• Decimal address switches more tolerant to open and short
to operate correctly and ensuring
circuit wiring faults than minimum loss of coverage.
Using the Decimal Address Method conventional systems.
differences in the protocol between Short circuit isolators are available
detectors and modules allow them Under normal conditions, the loop as separate modules and
to have the same address without will typically be driven only from one incorporated into a detector base.
interfering with each other, and end. If the loop is broken (See figure
normally address 00 (the factory 11.), the panel will detect the loss of Some products have isolators built
default setting) is not used within communications with the detectors into each of the loop devices. With
a system so that the panel can beyond the break, signal a fault, and this configuration, since only the
identify if a device address has not switch to drive the loop from both section of wiring between the two
been set: Hence a total of up to ends. The system therefore remains adjacent devices is isolated there
198 devices - 99 detectors and 99 fully operational, and can possibly will be no loss of coverage should
modules (including call points, even indicate the area of the break. a short circuit occur.
Isolating
Impedance
24V
Line break
24V Isolators on either side of
SYSTEM FAULT: OPEN CIRCUIT:
Zone 2 Module 01 SYSTEM FAULT: SHORT CIRCUIT:
the short circuit switch an
FIRST FLOOR CANTEEN
Panel detects the loss of Zone 2 DETECTOR 03
FIRST FLOOR CANTEEN
impedance onto the line
SYSTEM OK to isolate it.
devices after the break, SYSTEM OK
FIRE ALARM signals a fault and powers FIRE ALARM Devices between the two
FAULT from both ends of the loop FAULT isolators are lost,
to retain full coverage. Short Circuit however the remainder of
SYSTEM RESET SYSTEM RESET
the circuit still operates
INTELLIGENT correctly.
INTELLIGENT
FIRE ALARM FIRE ALARM Isolators automatically
CONTROL PANEL CONTROL reset the line when the
short circuit is removed
PANEL 24V
24V
Isolating
Impedance
Figure 11: Open circuit fault Figure 12: Short circuit fault
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:47 Page 12
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:47 Page 13
activated by direct command from connected on one circuit. Although therefore recommends the division
the panel. Loop powered sounders intelligent systems allow the precise of the loop as to limit the effect of a
tend to have lower wiring costs, device that initiated an alarm to be short circuit with the use of short
however the number permissible identified, zones are still used in circuit isolators. The placement of
on the loop may be restricted by order to make programming the these isolators should typically limit
current limitations. system and interpreting the location the loss of coverage to less than
of a fire easier. The control panel 2,000 m2 nor more than one floor
On larger sites, it may be desirable may have individual fire indicators (figure 14). Allowances are made for
to use zoned alarms. This allows a for each zone on the system, and the floor above and below but this
phased evacuation to be carried the control panel response to an is limited as not to affect more than
out, with areas at most immediate alarm is often programmed five devices on these floors.
risk being evacuated first, then less according to the zone of the
endangered areas later. device in alarm rather than its
individual address. remote LED’s
Most system smoke detectors are
The division of a loop into zones is
fire system achieved within the panel software,
equipped with a terminal to allow
the connection of a remote LED.
zones however, as multiple zones are
physically connected onto the same
Remote LEDs are often used outside
Conventional fire alarm systems bedroom doors in hotels so that in
cable, a short circuit can affect the
group detectors into ‘zones’ for case of a fire, it is easy for the fire
operation of a large area of
faster location of a fire, with all the brigade to identify the location of
detection devices unlike a
detectors in a particular zone being the fire without the need to enter
conventional system. BS5839 part 1
every room in the building. They
may also be used where a detector
is concealed in loft space, for example,
to provide a visual indication that
the detector is in an alarm state.
interface
modules
Input and Output modules can be
used to provide an interface
between a fire loop and a variety of
types of electrical equipment.
Output or control modules can be
used to operate sounders or shut
down electrical equipment by
command from the panel in case of
a fire. Input or monitor modules are
used to monitor volt-free switch
contacts, for example from a
sprinkler supervisory switch or an
Figure 14: Intelligent system fire zones
existing conventional fire panel.
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:47 Page 14
Conventional zone monitor modules Other optional features may also be the location of a fire to be
are also available, providing an programmed using the keypad. The precisely located from the
interface between a zone of sensitivity of each detector on the control panel
conventional detectors and an system can be configured for high
• The use of looped wiring
analogue fire detection loop, and sensitivity if the detector is installed
allows the system to
are often used when existing in a clean smoke-free area, or for function normally even
conventional systems are upgraded. low sensitivity if the area is subject with an open circuit in the
to cigarette smoke, for example. loop wiring
Complex intelligent systems offer
• The use of short circuit
programming many user-programmable features
that can be time-consuming to enter isolators allows correct
of intelligent manually using the keypad. In this
case, many panels have the facility
operation of most, if not
all of the system even
fire alarm to connect a portable PC by means with a short circuit in the
loop wiring
panels of a serial data link.
• Detectors are constantly
Most small intelligent systems can The user is supplied with a monitored for correct
be programmed with ease without specialised piece of software, which operation
the need for any specialised enables the entire configuration of
the system to be programmed into
• The use of a ‘pre-alarm’
equipment. The control panel has an
the PC, away from site if necessary.
feature alerts staff to
alphanumeric keypad, which is used
check whether a fire
to enter data into the system. It is then a simple matter of
condition exists before
Typically a password is required to temporarily connecting the PC to
the alarm is raised
set the panel to ‘engineering mode’, the control panel and downloading
allowing the panel to be the system configuration to the • Different detector
programmed. Many control panels panel. Once the information has sensitivities can be used
have an ‘auto-learn’ facility, been downloaded, it is permanently for diverse applications
whereby the control panel polls stored in the control panel, and the
• The use of addressable
every address on the system, and PC can be removed.
loop-powered sounders
detects which addresses have been allows the same wiring to
used, and what type of detector or be used for sensors, call
module has been connected to each
address. As a default, the panel will
advantages of points and sounders
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:47 Page 15
down
system. This is normally determined automatic fire detection in order to Paper
Store Office Office
by a fire risk assessment, and reduce the risk to life. This category
should be provided as part of the of system may also include manual
fire system specification. BS5839 fire protection.
Part 1: 2002 defines three basic
categories of fire detection system. Canteen Kitchen Pantry category L2: Objectives are similar
to category L3, however additional
protection is provided for rooms at
category M systems
higher risk. Protection should be as
Category M systems rely on human for category L3 plus smoke
down
Paper
Store Office Office give the earliest possible notification
of a fire in order to allow maximum
down
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:47 Page 16
Similarly to class M systems, all detectors should be installed Manual call points should be
alarm signals given in a category L throughout a building. mounted on all escape routes, and
system must be sufficient to warn at all exit points from the floors of a
all those people for whom the In a category P system, unless building and to clear air. It should
alarm is intended to allow for a combined with category M, it may not be possible to leave the floor of
timely evacuation. be adequate for alarm signals a building without passing a manual
simply to allow fire fighting action to call point, nor should it be
Kitchen
Canteen Pantry
be taken, for example a signal to necessary to deviate from any
alert a responsible person to call the escape route in order to operate a
fire brigade. manual call point. Call points
mounted at the exits from a floor
Electrical Plant Materials
may be mounted within the
down
Storage
Paper Office
Store
Office
accommodation or on the stairwell.
In multiple storey buildings where
phased evacuation is to be used
call points should be mounted
down
Computer
Equipment
within the accommodation to
category P systems
avoid activation of call points on
Category P systems are automatic lower levels by people leaving
fire detection systems whose the building.
primary objective is to protect
manual call points
property. The category is subdivided In order to provide easy access, call
as follows: People can often still detect a fire points should be mounted between
long before automatic fire detectors; 1.2 and 1.6m from the floor, and
category P2: Intended to provide hence manual call points are should be clearly visible and
early warning of fire in areas of high important components of fire identifiable. The maximum distance
hazard, or to protect high-risk detection systems in occupied anyone should have to travel in
property. Automatic fire detection buildings to ensure timely order to activate a manual call point
should be installed in defined areas evacuation in the case of fire. All is 45m, unless the building is
of a building. call points should be approved to occupied by people having limited
EN54-11, and should be of type A, mobility, or a rapid fire development
Electric Plant Materials
that is once the frangible element is is likely, in which case the maximum
Storage
broken or displaced the alarm travel distance should be reduced
condition is automatic. to 20m. Call points should also be
Pantry
down
Kitchen
Computer Canteen
Equipment
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:47 Page 17
ionisation smoke
detectors Without smoke: Chamber is designed so that light from the IR-LED
does not reach the receiver
Ionisation smoke detectors use a
weak radioactive source to ionise
the air between two electrodes,
creating positive and negative ions
and so allowing a small current to
flow across the chamber. Smoke
particles attract these ionised
particles, and allow positive and
negative ions to recombine, thus
reducing the number of ions and
hence the current flow.
Environmental regulations
concerning the radioactive source
used in ion detectors means that
Smoke present: Light from the IR-LED is reflected off the smoke particles
they are now becoming obsolete,
onto the receiver, triggering an alarm signal
and most major manufacturers are
no longer including ionisation Figure 16: Operation of optical chamber
detectors in new ranges.
figure 16). They are now largely choice in an environment where a
replacing ionisation detectors as a slow burning fire could be expected,
photoelectric smoke
general purpose detector. such as a room containing modern
detectors fabrics and furnishings.
Photoelectric or optical smoke Photoelectric smoke detectors are
detectors work by generating pulses tested across the complete range of
of infra red light and measuring any EN54 fires, however they are most
multi-criteria detectors
diffracted light. If smoke is present sensitive to smoke containing large Multi-criteria detectors comprise two
in the sensing chamber, the light is particles from around 0.4 to 10 or more sensors within the same
diffracted by the smoke particles microns, such as that given off by housing, integrated by the detector
onto a photodiode, which senses smouldering fires. A photoelectric electronics or software to give a
the presence of the smoke (see detector would therefore be a good rapid response to a broader range
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:47 Page 18
CO detectors Up to 100M
Emitter /
Receiver Unit
incipient fires whilst giving good
assurance against nuisance alarms.
However the chemical cells used in
these detectors have a limited life
span, and they cannot detect fast
burning fires due to the low CO
levels produced.
heat detectors
Heat detectors are normally used in Figure 18: Operation of reflective type optical beam smoke detector
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:47 Page 19
(Figure 18). There are two forms of Since an optical beam detector arenas, warehouses and
beam detector: emitter and receiver senses smoke across the entire shopping malls.
separate (single path), requiring smoke plume, it tends to be less
separate wiring both to the emitter affected by smoke dilution as the Beam detectors are more complex
and receiver, and reflective in which ceiling height increases than point to install than ordinary point smoke
the emitter and receiver are type smoke detectors. In addition, a detectors and it is advisable to
mounted in the same box, and the single beam detector can protect a consult an application guide for the
beam is shone onto a reflective large area; hence they are use of projected beam smoke
material at the far side of the room particularly suitable for protecting detectors before considering the
(dual path). large high rooms such as sports use of these detectors.
Ionisation smoke General purpose smoke detector Areas subject to smoke, steam,
detector – better for fast flaming fires dust or dirt during normal use
Optical smoke General purpose smoke detector Areas subject to smoke, steam,
detector – better for smouldering fires dust or dirt during normal use
Photo-thermal multi- General purpose detector – good Areas subject to smoke, steam,
criteria detector for smouldering and fast flaming fires dust or dirt during normal use
Optical beam smoke Large and high rooms Areas subject to smoke, steam,
dust or dirt during normal use
Rate of rise heat Areas subject to smoke, steam, dust Areas subject to rapid changes
detector of dirt during normal use of temperature or temperature
over 43ºC
Fixed temperature Areas subject to smoke, steam, dust Areas subject to temperatures
detector (58ºC) or dirt and rapid changes of over 43ºC
temperature during normal use
High temperature Areas subject to smoke, steam, dust Areas subject to temperatures
fixed detector (78ºC) or dirt and temperatures over 43ºC over 70ºC
during normal use
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:47 Page 20
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:47 Page 21
ceiling height requirement is met, but care needs If the depth of an obstruction such
Smoke or heat detectors can only to be taken if the detectors are to as a beam is less than 10% of the
detect fires once a certain amount be stood away from the roof, for height of the ceiling, but greater
example mounting on an open than 250mm deep, then detectors
of smoke or heat has reached the
lattice suspended ceiling. should not be mounted any closer
sensor. As the height of a ceiling
than 500mm to the obstruction.
increases, the time taken for smoke
or heat to reach a sensor will Another problem that should be
considered is the possibility of Where an obstruction such as a
increase, and it will become diluted
stratification of the air in a room into beam or a light fitting is less than
with clean, cool air. As a result,
hot and cold layers, causing the 250mm in depth, detectors should
maximum ceiling heights are limited
smoke or heat to stop at the not be mounted any closer to the
as indicated in figure 22 below.
boundaries. This particularly affects obstruction than twice its depth
Detector type Maximum high rooms or atria, where beam (see figure 23)
ceiling detectors are often used.
height Stratification is very difficult to Where a ceiling comprises a series
predict, and can vary, even within of small cells, for example a
Point smoke
the same room as environmental honeycomb ceiling, or a series of
detector
conditions change. closely spaced beams, for example
conforming to
floor of ceiling joists, the
EN54–7 10.5m
recommended spacing and siting of
Heat detector ceiling obstructions detectors changes further,
conforming to Ceiling obstructions such as beams dependant on the ceiling height and
EN54–5 Class A1 greater than 10% of the ceiling height the depth and spacing of the
(threshold 58ºC) 9m should be treated as a wall, and will beams. Reference should be made
thus divide a room. Detectors to relevant standards for details (in
High temperature
should not be mounted within the UK BS5839 Part 1: 2002, 22.3.k
heat detector
500mm of such an obstruction. figure 3 and 19).
conforming to
En54–5 Class B
(threshold 78ºC) 6m >10% of Ceiling Height
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:47 Page 22
partitions and racking sloping ceilings used, in this example 10.5m +18%.
Where the gap between the top of a Where the ceiling is pitched or Where the slope finishes within the
partition or section of racking and sloping, the slope of the roof tends adjusted detection radius, the
the ceiling is greater than 300mm, it to speed the rise of smoke or heat standard distance to the next row of
may be ignored. If the gap is less to the apex, hence reducing the detectors, 10.5m, should be used.
than 300mm it should be treated delay before the detectors are Care must be taken when placing
as a wall. triggered. For sloped roofs with a the next row that no gaps are left in
pitch height greater than 600mm for detection coverage.
To maintain a free flow of smoke smoke detectors, or 150mm for heat
and heat to the detector, a clear detectors, a row of detectors should corridors
space should be maintained for be placed within a maximum vertical
In corridors less than 2m wide,
500mm in all directions below distance of 600mm or 150mm for
detectors should be spaced at a
the detector. smoke or heat detectors
distance of 15m for smoke
respectively from the roof apex.
detectors and 10.6m for heat
Sloped roofs rising less than 600mm
detectors, with the maximum
Max 600mm for smoke detectors or 150mm for
15m dimension to a wall at the end
heat detectors may be treated as a
40°
of the corridor being 7.5m and
18° flat ceiling.
5.3m respectively.
%
12.39m
unequal the spacing down the increased from the standard 10.5m.
slopes can be unequal, however
Figure 24: Spacing of smoke detectors along the roof apex spacing the
under a pitched roof
stairwells and lift shafts
lesser of the two figures should be
Internal stairwells and lift shafts and
6.88m 13.75m other vertical service ducts through
a building provide a clear path for
smoke to pass between floors of a
building as if they were chimneys.
It is therefore important to
protect these, preferably using
6m
7.5
smoke detectors.
m
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:47 Page 23
In internal stairways, a detector extensively through the voids before maintenance intervals, and possible
should be mounted on each main detection, or unless the fire risk in nuisance alarms.
landing (Figure 26). In addition, if the void is such as to warrant
the detectors on the landings are protection. Use of heat and smoke Detectors above a false ceiling may
separated by more than 10.5m, detectors in voids greater than be used to protect the area below it,
intermediate detectors should be 800mm high is dependant on if the false ceiling is perforated
mounted on the underside of the protection category, and fire uniformly across the complete area
the stairs. risk assessment. of the ceiling, with the holes making
up over 40% of the ceiling surface
Detectors should also be fitted into Where they are installed into voids, area, having a minimum size of
any room opening directly onto a a detector's sensing element should 10mm and the false ceiling having a
stairway other than a WC cubicle. be mounted either in the top 10% or thickness of less than three times
the top 125mm of the void space the dimensions of the perforations.
whichever is greater. Although it can
voids and false ceilings
be difficult to install detectors the In all other cases, the areas above
Detectors need not normally be correct way up in void spaces, care and below a false ceiling should be
installed in voids less than 800mm should be taken as incorrect treated as separate, and thus should
deep, unless on the basis of a fire orientation of a detector can lead be protected separately with detectors
risk assessment it is thought that to increased ingress of dirt and below the ceiling, and if necessary
fire or smoke could spread dust, leading to reduced in the void above the ceiling.
1.5M
1.5M
< 10.5M
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:47 Page 24
Maximum 100m
Maximum
Minimum 7.5m
500mm
Transmitter or
Receiver or
Transmitter/Receiver
Reflector
Maximum
15m
Transmitter or Receiver or
Transmitter/Receiver Reflector
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:47 Page 25
Volume at
Minimum Bed Head
75dB(A)
65dB(A) down
Minimum Minimum
Min 60dB(A)
Area < 60m²
65dB(A) 65dB(A)
-20
• In stairways the SPL may
-25
be reduced to 60dB(A)
-30
0 5 10 15 20
• Enclosures less than 60m2 Distance (Metres)
may be reduced to
Where the alarm is intended to
60dB(A) In open space, as the distance from
wake people, an SPL of 75dB(A) is
a sounder doubles, the sound level
• There is no minimum required at the bed head. Generally
will be reduced by 6dB(A), as
for enclosed areas less this will require a sounder to be
shown.
than 1m2 placed within the room.
• At specific points of It is preferable to use multiple
limited extent the SPL quieter sounders to achieve the
may be reduced to required sound level, rather than a
60dB(A) smaller number of loud devices.
This is to prevent points of
Where a continuous background excessive volume, which may lead
Fire Door Standard Door
noise level greater than 60dB(A) is Reduces by Reduces by to disorientation or damage to
30dB(A) 20dB(A)
present the fire alarm signal should hearing. Two sounders providing
Sounder
be 5dB above the ambient, but not Volume 115 - 30 = 85 - 20 = equal sound levels will combine to
115dB(A) 85dB(A) 65dB(A)
greater than 120dB(A). add 3dB(A) to the SPL.
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:47 Page 26
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Fire detection systems 8/8/06 11:47 Page 27
It is recommended to perform
regular functional tests on all fire
detectors annually. These annual
tests may be carried out over the
course of two or more service visits
during the twelve-month period.
27
Fire Systems
local distributor