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F i re D e t e c t i o n & A l a r m D e s i g n

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F I R E D E T E C T I O N
S Y S T E M
Stage 1. Talk to Interested Parties
The importance of pre-design planning
cannot be overstated. Many parties are
likely to have an interest in a fire detection
and alarm system. Those who should be
consulted before the design is finalised
may include:
4 The System Installer.
4 The Health & Safety Executive.
4 The Building Control Officer.
4 The Fire Insurer.
4 The Local Fire Authority.
4 Consultants (including architects and
engineers) and perhaps:
4 The Communication Link Supplier
and Central Alarm Receiving Station.
The considerations prior to design which
should also be detailed within the
specifications may include:
4 The purpose of the system.
4 Occupant escape times.
4 Fire Service attendance time.
4 Other actions to be taken in the event
of a fire.
4 Other occupants (particularly for
multiple-occupancy).
4 Service and maintenance requirements.
4 System operation requirements and
responsibilities.
The two principal reasons for installing a
fire detection and alarm system are for the
protection of life and for the protection of
property. Each needs a different approach
to a system design and equipment
selection.
Most buildings will need both life and
property protection to differing degrees.
one
& A L A R M D E S I G N
D E S I G N
There is a classification of systems in
BS 5839: Part 1: 1988 which is used in this
guide.
Systems for Protecting Property (P)
A satisfactory fire alarm system for the
protection of property will automatically
detect a fire at an early stage, indicate its
location and raise an effective alarm in
time to summon the fire-fighting forces
(both resident staff and the fire brigade).
Type P1 - A system covering all parts of
the premises.
Type P2 - A system covering only those
parts of a building having a
high fire risk.
Systems for Protecting Life (L, M)
A satisfactory fire alarm system for the
protection of life can be relied upon to
sound a fire alarm while sufficient time
remains for the occupants to escape.
As a guide, an escape route may be
considered blocked once visibility drops
below 10 metres.
Protecting life and property from fire.
Type L1 - Systems installed throughout
the protected building.
Type L2 - Systems installedonly in
defined parts of the protected
building; a type L2 system
should normally include the
coverage required of a type
L3 system.
Type L3 - Systems installed only for the
protection of escape routes.
Type M - Manual alarm systems, and
have no further sub division.
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F I R E D E T E C T I O N & A L A R M D E S I G N

S Y S T E M D E S I G N

Stage 2. Site Manual Call Points

DESIGN TIP!
All manual call points whatever the system
Consider ‘natural’ exits type should be sited:
in the case of an 4 On all escape routes and exits to the
emergency such as open air.
warehouse bay doors. 4 So that nobody has to travel more than
30 metres to reach one.
4 On floor landings and staircases.
4 In conspicuous and well-lit positions
against a contrasting background.
4 So that they can be seen easily.
4 1.4 metres above the floor.

Stage 3. Select and Site Fire Detectors

It is important to have an adequate Fixed Temperature Heat Detector

number of detectors to fully cover the For protection of property, particularly
areas requiring protection. Additionally where temperature can fluctuate for
the type of detection must be matched to natural reasons:
DESIGN TIP! the environment and the potential fire 4 Near large windows
hazards likely to be present. 4 Industrial heat producing processes
Use optical smoke
Optical Smoke Detectors Beam Detector
detectors with built-in
For slow smouldering fires. Although traditionally restricted to
sounders for bedroom
4 Corridors specialist applications, beam detection
applications.
4 Wood or paper stores may provide more cost effective solutions
4 Escape routes to point detection over long distances.
Do not use in steamy, dusty or smoky 4 Corridors
environments such as kitchens, bathrooms 4 Warehouses
or showers. 4 Ceiling voids
4 Hangars
Ionisation Smoke Detectors
4 Open shopping areas
For fast burning, high energy fires.
Do not use in the direct line of sight of an
4 Solvent stores
infra-red source such as tungsten or high
4 Switch rooms
intensity arc lights.
A mixture of optical and ionisation sensors
can be used to ensure comprehensive Duct Detector
coverage in areas of high value, such as The duct housing unit is designed to
computer rooms. detect smoke in air conditioning systems.
It is fitted to the outside of the duct and
Heat Detectors
has 2 probes that protrude inside the duct
Heat detectors are used where the
to monitor the air.
environment is subject to constant levels
of smoke or dirt.
4 Boiler rooms
4 Busy kitchens and laundries
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F I R E D E T E C T I O N & A L A R M D E S I G N

S Y S T E M D E S I G N

Stage 3. Site Fire Detectors (cont.)

Under flat horizontal ceilings.

Diagram 1. Maximum dimensions:
4 Area covered by 1 detector:
Smoke 100m2 Heat 50m2
4 Distance between any part of the wall
and the nearest detector:
Smoke 7.5m Heat 5.3m
4 Distance between detectors:
Smoke 10.6m Heat 7.5m

Diagram 1.
Semi-flush mounting kits reduce sensor
profile and improve aesthetics.
Wall

7. 7.
5 m 5 m
m 5 m 5
7. 7.

10.6 m
Smoke Smoke
Detector S S Detector
Plan View

Wall
5. 5.
3 m 3 m
m 3 m 3
5. 5.

7.5 m
H H
Heat Detector Heat Detector

Diagram 2. Minimum dimensions:

4 Distance between detector and wall:
0.5m.
4 Maximum spacings between detectors
are reduced when obstructions are
present.

Diagram 2.

Obstacle
0.5m 0.5m
Min Min
End
View
If greater than
10% of ceiling
height treat as
wall
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F I R E D E T E C T I O N & A L A R M D E S I G N

S Y S T E M D E S I G N

Stage 3. Site Fire Detectors (cont.)

Corridors
Detectors in corridors may generally be
spaced more widely.
7. 7. Wall
5+ 5+

5m
1. 1. 4 This is NOT applicable to life safety
1.
5m 5m
5+
7.
applications unless all adjoining rooms
Smoke 17.9 m Smoke have smoke detection.
2m

Detector S S Detector
4 This is NOT applicable to corridors
7.
5m

greater than 5 metres wide (treat as for

5m
5+
1.
1.

1.
5m
5+

5+
flat horizontal ceilings).
7.

7.

Plan View Detectors may be placed at horizontal

distances extended up to 50% of the
5. 5. Wall
3+ 3+ difference between the actual corridor
5m

1. 1.
1.

5m 5m width and 5 metres (see table).

3+
5.

E.g. (5-2) x 0.5=1.5m.

Heat 13.5 m Heat
2m

Detector H H Detector
5.
3+
5m

5m

1.
1.

1.

5m
3+

3+
5.

5.

Detector spacing along corridors.

Corridor Spacing between detectors (max)

width
(m) Smoke (m) Heat (m)

1.2 18.8 14.4

1.6 18.3 14.0

2.0 17.9 13.5

2.4 17.4 13.0

2.8 17.0 12.5

3.2 16.5 12.0

3.6 16.0 11.5

4.0 15.5 10.9

4.4 15.0 10.3

4.8 14.4 9.7

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F I R E D E T E C T I O N & A L A R M D E S I G N

S Y S T E M D E S I G N

Pitched Roofs
A row of sensors should be installed along
Roof
the apex of any pitched roof or ‘north-
light’ roof.
Smoke sensors should be not more than
600mm from the apex of the roof. 20º 600mm
Max
Horizontal spacing between sensors may
20º pitch allows spacing
be extended when used under pitched to be extended 20% for
roofs. The horizontal distance may be example from 7.5m to
9.0m
extended by up to 1% for each degree of
slope of the roof (relative to horizontal) up
to a maximum of 25%.

Heights
Maximum heights of detectors are
dependant on the fire brigade response
available:

Detector/ General applications Automatic link to a manned

Sensor type centre. Fire brigade response is
normally within 5 minutes.
(m) (m)

Smoke 10.5 15.0

Heat grade 1 9.0 13.5

Heat grade 2 7.5 12.0

Heat high temp. 6.0 10.5

Beam 25 40

Siting Limits for Smoke Beam Detectors

Minimum (m) Maximum (m)

Height of optical beam above floor 2.7 25*

Optical beam length 1 100

Distance of optical beam from a flat ceiling or apex 0.3 0.6

Horizontal distance between optical beams measured at - 14

right angles to a beam

Horizontal distance between optical beam and an adjacent See Notes 8

wall or partition

* The height may be increased to 40m provided that the general height to which combustibles are stored in the
building does not exceed 5m and that the fire brigade can attend within 5 minutes.
NOTE: Generally the beam should not pass closer, to a wall or partition, than 500mm and not closer to an
obstruction, than 600mm. However, up to 3m of the beam may be closer than this. Always consult Gent 24 if in
doubt.
Where the beam detector is mounted in the apex of a pitched or ‘north-light’ roof the horizontal distance can be
1/9

increased by 1% for each degree of slope up to a maximum of 25% (eg 20º slope of roof 20% of 7.5m = 1.5m).
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F I R E D E T E C T I O N & A L A R M D E S I G N

S Y S T E M D E S I G N

Stage 3. Site Fire Detectors (cont.)

Further Considerations (checklist) 3 Care should be taken when siting to

3 For a Type P1 system every part of the ensure that adverse conditions such
building should be suitably protected. as high levels of shock or vibration are
For this purpose each effectively not encountered.
enclosed space should be considered
separately.
DESIGN TIP!
3 Areas covered by a Type P2 system
should be separated from unprotected
It is good practice to areas by a fire resisting construction.
site detectors in toilets, 3 Voids not more than 800mm deep
however they need need not be protected unless fire can
not have independent spread through them from one to the
coverage if cover is other.
provided in a common
3 Where rooms are divided by partitions
lobby.
or storage racks reaching to within
300mm of the ceiling each section
should be protected separately.
3 Shafts for elevators, lifts, hoists,
escalators and enclosed chutes
through floors and stairways should be
protected by detectors at the top of
the shaft and within 1.5m of openings
on to each floor.
3 Where an escalator or staircase has a
sloping ceiling a detector may need to
be sited on that ceiling.
3 Enclosed staircases should be
protected by detectors on each main
landing within the staircase.
3 Lantern lights should be protected by
a detector unless they are less than
800mm in height above the ceiling
and are not used as ventilation.
3 Extra detectors may be needed to
cope with structural features within a
room. Consideration must be given to
possible adverse air flows when air
conditioning and ventilation systems
are in use.
3 If a detector is concealed, it may be
desirable to provide a remote visible
indication of its operation.
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F I R E D E T E C T I O N & A L A R M D E S I G N

S Y S T E M D E S I G N

Stage 4. Site Alarm Sounders

Life Protecting
The minimum sound levels must be
produced in all occupiable parts of the
building. Occupiable parts include
restricted areas such as service ducts
where people could be working on Typical ambient noise levels dB (A)
occasion. As audible alarms are essential
for the protection of life, a minimum of
two independent sounders must always Light Street
Noise
be provided to guard against the failure of
Average Office
one. A minimum of one sounder should Noise
be provided in each fire compartment. Stock Room
Noise
Property Protection
Light Assembly
In Type P systems the minimum sound Room Noise

levels must be produced in the areas Dispatch Room

Noise
required to summon fire fighting
Heavy Street
assistance. A sounder should also be Noise
provided close to the control and Heavy Assembly
Room Noise
indicating equipment and there should be
Light
one outside to direct services to the Machine
Noise
correct entrance. In practice most fire
Punch Press
detection and alarm systems involve Room Noise

elements of both property and life Boiler Threshold

Factory Noise of Pain
protection. Most systems should therefore Heavy
Whisper at Conversation
meet all the above requirements. 1m at 1m Machine
Noise
Hammering
In general, fire alarm sounders must not on Steel
be used for any other purpose, with the 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140
established exception of class changes in
dB(A)
schools where coded signals of not more
than five seconds duration can be used.
Public address equipment can be used to
give warning of fire subject to certain
conditions. Visual alarm signals should be
considered to complement alarm
sounders where there is a high level of
noise or the occupants may be hearing
impaired.
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S Y S T E M D E S I G N

Stage 4. Site Alarm Sounders (cont.)

DESIGN TIP!
Sound Output Attenuation
1. Use sensor sounders All sounders in a building should be of a Fire alarm sounders may often be heard in
in small rooms where similar type, do not mix electronic adjacent rooms but the sound level will be
the sound level has sounders and bells. attenuated by any door.
been attenuated by
The sound level will reduce by 6 dB every Typical attenuation figures are:
door partitioning (Vigilon
time the distance from the sounder is 4 20 dB by an internal door.
systems only).
doubled. Sound levels are normally
4 30 dB by a fire door.
quoted on-axis, i.e. directly in-line with
the middle of the sounder. It is also important to consider the room’s
This is normally the loudest position. use. Are there any obstacles (including
85dB
(1m) In order to assess the sound level at any furniture) to the sound, and how many
100dB particular point it is necessary to allow for people will be present in the room? Both
(1m)
the distance from the sounder AND the people and furnishings will attenuate the
angle off-axis. sound level.

Sensor sounder in a small Sounders should produce:

office. 4 Minimum sound level of 65 dB or at
least 5 dB greater than any background
2. Always site sounders noise that is likely to persist for more
in toilets and bedrooms. than 30 seconds.
3. Install “Back-to-back” 4 75 dB is required at the bedhead of a
sounders wherever sleeping person.
possible to reduce
Note: The sound level near the control
wiring costs.
panel should not be so high that a
telephone cannot be used to summon
help from the fire brigade.
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F I R E D E T E C T I O N & A L A R M D E S I G N

S Y S T E M D E S I G N

Stage 5. Select Control & Indicating Equipment

It is now possible to obtain both Siting Control and Indicating

conventional and analogue addressable Equipment
control panels to suit a wide variety of Control and indicating equipment should
building sizes and types. be sited:

There should be a plan of the building, 4 In an area of low fire risk.

showing at very least the entrances, to be 4 On the ground floor in the vicinity of
placed on or near the control equipment. an entrance used by the fire brigade.
If there are several entrances,
4 In an area common to all building
consideration should be given to the
users.
provision of a repeat panel at each
4 Where automatic detectors are in use,
entrance.
the control equipment area must be
When selecting the control equipment the protected.
current consumption of both detection
4 Where ambient light levels are such
circuits and alarm circuits must be
that visual indications can be clearly
considered, this will be found in the
seen.
relevant product literature.
4 With a first alarm sounder sited
Many control and indicating panels adjacent.
include an integral power supply unit but
in the larger systems it may be necessary
to provide an external unit either in place
of or in addition to the internal unit. The
need for extra standby power can be
determined from the total current
consumption of the system and the
specification of the supply.

Standby Period
In the event of a mains failure, the
minimum standby period is 24 hours in
normal conditions followed by 30 minutes
at full alarm load. In special circumstances,
such as the availability of a standby
generator, these periods can be reduced.

When a building is unoccupied for

significant periods, the normal condition
standby period should be extended to 24
hours longer than the period of
non-occupation. For example, if a
building is unoccupied from 6.00 p.m.
Friday to 8.00 a.m. Monday, the fire
system should have a standby period of 86
hours normal condition, followed by an
alarm period of 30 minutes.
1/13
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F I R E D E T E C T I O N
S Y S T E M
Stage 5. Select Control & Indicating Equipment (cont.)
Door Retainers and Relays
Door retainers will hold doors open
during normal conditions but allow them
to close in the event of fire. A manually
operated switch may also be included if
required.
The mechanism comprises a powerful
electromagnet and a door plate.
The electromagnet may be wall or floor
mounted.
Batteries
Most internal and external power supply
units will normally be supplied with (or
have provision for) sealed lead-acid cells
as they need a minimum of maintenance.
System Interfaces
While a fire detection and alarm system
must be capable of operating in isolation,
other building systems may need to
receive a signal when a fire alarm is
activated - or may need to activate the fire
alarm system when they are operated. For
example, a fire detection system may
need to shut down the normal ventilation
system or to activate a fixed extinguishing
system.
Conversely, if a fixed extinguishing system
is manually operated or a gas detection
system is activated, the fire alarms may
need to be sounded.
In such cases, a system interface is
needed, which may be a simple relay for a
conventional system or a number of
addressable inputs and outputs for an
addressable system.
1/14
& A L A R M D E S I G N
D E S I G N
Power Supply Units
Gent control and indicating panels include
a stand-by power supply unit complete
with batteries. However, in larger systems
the current requirements are often very
different and therefore a separate power
supply unit, external to the control panel,
may be needed.
Manned Centre Links
Where the system includes the need for
rapid fire service attendance an automatic
link to a permanently staffed centre can
be provided. There are several methods
available and before selecting one it is
recommended that the matter be
discussed with Gent 24 on 0800 013 8824.
Fixed Extinguishing Systems
Where the protection of property is
important and a rapid attendance cannot
be guaranteed, the provision of a
fixed extinguishing system should be
considered. Gent 24 can supply a range
of gaseous extinguishing systems which
are ideal when a liquid extinguishant,
such as water, might itself cause
extensive damage.
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F I R E D E T E C T I O N & A L A R M D E S I G N

S Y S T E M D E S I G N

Stage 6. Zoning

Zoning Notes:
DESIGN TIP!
For several reasons a building must be 1. A fire compartment is an area bordered
split into a number of fire detection and by a fire-resisting structure usually at
alarm zones. least 30 minutes resistance. Remote indicator lamps
2. Zone limits can be relaxed only in can be used to reduce
The prime purpose of zoning is to identify
certain Type M systems. the need for small
the location of a fire or fault. The following
complex zones.
criteria govern the number and size of 3. To avoid misleading indication of the
They are also useful
zones: position of a fire, consideration should
for voids and locked
be given to the separate zoning of
4 The floor area of a single zone should cupboards.
manual call points, particularly those
not exceed 2000m2.
on staircase landings. This can be
4 No person in a zone should have to
achieved by indicating automatic
travel more than 30m to visually
detectors and manual call points
determine the position of a fire.
separately.
4 The zone should not cover more than
one storey unless the total building
area is less than 300m2. Stairwells, lift
shafts and flue-like openings should be
treated as separate zones.
4 It is permissible for a zone to cover a
whole number of fire compartments, or
for a fire compartment to contain a
whole number of zones, but a zone
cannot extend over parts of two or
more fire compartments.
4 For multiple-occupancy buildings the
occupancy boundaries should coincide
with zone boundaries.
4 If there is an area of special fire risk,
consideration should be given to
setting up a separate zone for rapid
identification of a fire in that risk area.
4 When addressable systems are ring
wired the units on the same ring should
not cover an area of more than
10,000m2.
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F I R E D E T E C T I O N & A L A R M D E S I G N

E X A M P L E S

Stage 2. Site Manual Call Points (Example)

4 On escape routes and exits to the open

air.
4 So that no one has to travel more than
WC WC WC
30m to reach one.
Office
Stores WC 4 On floor landings and staircases.

Reception Manual Call Point

Travel distances >30m require a call

point.
Office
Boiler Assembly Area
Room

Canteen

Warehouse

Stage 3. Site Fire Detectors (Example)

4 Area covered by smoke detector

= 100m2 max.
4 Area covered by heat detector
WC S WC WC
>1 = 50m2 max.
7.5
m H S Office S
WC
H Reception 4 Distance between smoke detectors
Stores S S = 10.6m max.
S 4 Distance between heat detectors
= 7.5m max.
H S S S
Office 4 Check special rules for corridors less
Boiler than 5m wide.
Assembly Area
Room approx 550m2 S 4 Maximum beam length =100m.
S 4 Cover toilets and stairways.
H S S S
H S Optical Smoke Detector
Canteen
B B
H Heat Detector
Warehouse
S
B Beam Detector
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F I R E D E T E C T I O N & A L A R M D E S I G N

E X A M P L E S

Stage 4. Site Alarm Sounders (Example)

4 Minimum 65 dB required or 5 dB
greater than background noise.
4 75 dB required at bedheads.
WC WC WC
4 Sound level reduces by 6 dB for every
time the distance from the sounder is Stores Office WC
doubled i.e. Reception
100 dB - 1m
94 dB - 2m
88 dB - 4m
82 dB - 8m Office
Boiler
76 dB - 16m Room Assembly Area
4 Sound level is attenuated by 30 dB for
fire doors and 20 dB for internal doors.

Canteen

Stage 5. Site Control Equipment

Warehouse

4 For ease of access by the fire brigade.

Fire Panel.

Stage 6. Zoning (Example)

4 Floor areas should not exceed 2000m2.

Remote LEDs.
WC WC WC
Office
Zone 1 Stores WC

Zone 2 Reception

Zone 3

Zone 4
Office
Boiler Assembly Area
Room

Canteen

Warehouse
1/17
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F I R E D E T E C T I O N & A L A R M D E S I G N

FA L S E A L A R M S

False Alarms

Many false alarms result from causes

that were not considered at design or
installation stages and could otherwise
have been avoided. Common causes of
false alarms include:

4 Electrical or mechanical faults, perhaps

caused by vibration, impact or
corrosion.
4 Heat, flames or smoke generated from
industrial processes or cooking.
4 Fumes from engine or machine
exhausts.
4 High air velocities caused by strong
draughts or air conditioning.
4 Work being carried out in the protected
new pic area without the necessary precautions
being taken.
4 Servicing or testing equipment without
prior notification to those likely to
receive indication.
4 Electrical transients or radio
interference.
4 Inadequate servicing.
4 The build-up of dust or dirt or the
presence of insects within a detector.
4 Changes, including change of use
within the building.
4 Accidental or malicious operation.

Fire detection and alarm equipment is

designed to minimise false alarms,
particularly with the introduction of
advanced, analogue systems. However,
even very sophisticated equipment
cannot compensate for a badly designed
system or a poor installation. It is therefore
vital that potential causes of false alarms
are considered and the risks minimised at
the design stage.
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F I R E D E T E C T I O N & A L A R M D E S I G N

C A B L E I N S TA L L AT I O N

Wiring

Since every site is different, it is only Group 2

possible to give general guidance, refer Cables 1 or 2 from group 1.
to BS 5839 for more details. Cables 3 to 9 from group 1, providing that
A fire alarm system depends on its wiring. they are protected either by burying them
There are 2 group classes of cable: in a wall and covering them with 12mm of
plaster or equivalent, or
4 Cables NOT required to operate after a
protecting them from a significant fire risk
fire has been detected e.g.
by shielding them with a wall, partition or
detectors and manual call points
floor having a minimum demonstrable 30
(group 1).
minutes fire resistance.
4 Cables required to operate during a
fire, e.g. power supplies and sounders These requirements may in some cases
(group 2). be reduced when included in areas of low
fire risk or when covered by an automatic
While mineral insulated cables are
extinguishing system.
preferable for all fire alarm applications
the following cables can be used for the Certain cables may also need mechanical
two groups: protection against impact, abrasion or
rodent attack. As a guide, cables 1, 6 and
Group 1
7 will not need further protection but all
1. MICC to BS 6207: Part 1 (with or
others may in risk circumstances.
without sheath).
BS 5839: Part 1 gives full details.
2. Cables complying with BS 6387
Other types of cables can be used
categories AWX, SWX, A or S.
provided that their suitability can be
3. PVC - insulated to BS 6004 sheathed
demonstrated.
or non-sheathed with mechanical
protection. Conductors carrying fire alarm power or
signals should be separated from
4. Rubber insulated to BS 6007.
conductors used for other systems.
5. PVC single type BK, BR and BU to
BS 6231.
6. PVC insulated SWA to BS 6346.
7. Cross-linked polyethylene or hard
ethylene-propylene rubber insulated
SWA to BS 5467.
8. Polyethylene insulated PVC sheathed
coaxial cable to the dimensional
requirements of BS 2316: Part 3 but
with a minimum of 16 strands /0.2mm
diameter central conductor.
9. Cables designed for the detection of
heat must be configured to initiate
the alarm system should a fire occur
along the cable.
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C A B L E I N S TA L L AT I O N

Installation of Cables

Cables should be installed in accordance In effect these regulations mean that

with the good practices recommended in
the 16th Edition of the IEE Wiring
Regulations (BS 7671).
Other than the segregation of cables the
regulations exclude fire alarms if they are
fed from a safety source. In effect this
applies to extra low voltage systems,
which include systems in general use for
fire alarm circuits.
All cables and apparatus directly
connected to a public supply 240V a.c.
(low voltage) such as supplies to indicators,
power supplies and mains operated door
holders must comply with the 16th Edition
in respect of the installation of cables and
the provision of isolation and switching.
Connection to mains supply should be
via an isolating switch fuse reserved solely
for the purpose. Its cover must be painted
red and labelled FIRE ALARM - DO NOT
SWITCH OFF.
If required a separate RCCB should be
used for fire alarm systems. Fire alarm
cables are defined as ‘Category 3 Circuit’.
unless MICC is used, fire alarm cable
circuits must never be mixed with any
other circuits; neither should they be
mixed with any other circuits in a
multi-core cable.
Conductor size should take voltage drop
into account. In any case conductors
should have a cross-sectional area of not
less than 1mm2 or if stranded of not less
than 0.5mm2.
Where possible cables should be routed
through areas of low fire risk.
Cables installed in damp, corrosive or
underground locations should be PVC
sheathed. Where there is a risk of
mechanical damage, cables should be
protected accordingly.
Cables in cavities or voids should be
separated from other cables by 300mm
unless enclosed in a conduit, ducting or
trunking.

Cables of Category 1 Circuits (low voltage

and connected directly to a mains supply)
must not be drawn into the same conduit,
duct or ducting as Category 3 (fire alarm
circuits).

Where Category 3 Circuits are installed

in a channel of trunking containing circuits
of any other category, these circuits must
be segregated from the latter by
continuous partitions, such that the
integrity of the Category 3 (fire alarm
circuits) is not reduced.
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