Fire starter!

It is very much a chicken and egg vicious circle: those not already initiated into the black arts from former positions within larger companies, fear fire and miss out on the many opportunities which that industry offers.

I would like to start by briefly explaining a bit about where I come from and move onto a summary of the role of a fire alarm system, pointing out the standards governing them, identify trade associations and the benefits of good supplier relationships with established manufacturers.

I won't profess to make you a millionaire overnight but hopefully I can help you to lift the veils, dispel the magic and point you in the right direction, enabling you to design, install and commission fire alarm systems to the same high standard currently enjoyed by your core business; simultaneously giving you access to new opportunities within your market place.

If you are anything like me you may like to know a bit about the person commenting before you spend any time in hearing what they have to say; so here goes.

I am a time served, approved electrician, focusing on life safety and security projects through the electrical contractor. I moved jobs to concentrate on the above, particularly fire, through a small/medium specialist service provider, eventually undertaking the role of installations manager actively involved in attaining NACOSS accreditation for the company.

I changed companies to undertake a more customer-facing role as project/technical support manager for a local manufacturer of life safety and security products in Peterborough. The aforementioned company was integrated into Novar as part of ED&S (Electrical Devices and Systems) where I currently enjoy the role of Fire Product Manager (don't let the title fool you!).

While I would certainly not classify myself as an out-and-out expert I would like to think that I have been fortunate enough to have a broad view of the industry and how it has changed these past ten years.

The role of a modern day fire alarm system, regardless of the technology employed, is to provide indication of a fire condition on premises deemed to present a risk to life or property.

I hasten to add that "fire protection" is a term sometimes mistakenly used in the same way that "protection" may be misused in context with security systems and should be avoided with the exception of extinguishing systems (not covered in this article).

With this in mind a system may comprise manually operated devices, sometimes known as BGUs (Break Glass Units), automatic detection such as smoke or heat detectors, and electronic sounders or Xenon beacons for audible and visual indication of a fire alarm condition. These would in turn be connected back to a control panel, much the same way as you would with your intruder alarm system.

The similarities between security and fire end there I am afraid. For instance, the type of cable you use must be fire rated throughout e.g. MICC (Mineral Insulated Copper Clad) or a soft skin cable (depending on the level of mechanical protection required) and the zones will often have more than one device, up to a maximum of around 20 per zone. Unlike intruder alarm systems, you have to have two or more sounder circuits installed throughout the premises; two are required so that in the event one fails you still have partial coverage within the building.

The location, selection and subsequent installation of all fire alarm equipment must be carried out in accordance with the current British Standard, BS5839 pt 1 available from the British Standards Institute. This standard has been revisited with a view to bringing the changes into force.

The draft is still available to buy, but is now closed for comment and I would certainly consider purchasing it once you have got to grips with the current standard, as there are quite a few variations to consider.

Your client base will almost certainly have fire alarm systems already installed so why not ask if you can maintain these as well?

The type of system required governs the design, as with intruder alarm systems. It may be necessary to perform a risk assessment in conjunction with the "Fire Precautions in the Workplace regulations" and in all circumstances it is advisable to consult the local fire prevention or building officer to see if there are any considerations specific to that location.

For the most part you will probably be involved after the above has been carried out, responding to a request from an end user to provide a quotation. This may be in the format of the risk assessment or a basic plan of the building, outlining the areas to be covered.

Two types of alarm
There are two main types of fire alarm system in common use today: conventional and analogue addressable. The first is the most common whereby the devices are wired in radials, called zones, extending out from the control panel. In the event of a device activating, the panel will identify only the zone the device is within, simultaneously activating the sounders, and is commonplace in small to medium premises and would be considered the easiest to install.

An analogue addressable system has its devices wired in a loop(s), picking up all of the field devices (with the exception of conventional sounders) and then returning back to the panel. Once programmed and commissioned the system will identify the zone, loop device number and text assigned to that device e.g. loop 1 zone 3 (ground floor) device 12 stationery office.

With most analogue addressable systems, greater control is afforded over the sounders, with Cause and Effect particularly if they are loop powered e.g. phased evacuation for a multi-storey office complex!

All of the above device location text and cause and effect information does have to be programmed into the panel and in most cases facilitates the need for a lap-top computer and panel software enabling you to complete the site files (panel configuration) away from site. So all you need to do is confirm the cabling is free from fault and installed correctly then upload the information into the control panel and then commission.

This type of equipment is generally required for medium to large premises where greater control and quicker identification of the origin of an alarm condition are required.

Don't be daunted
If the above daunts you, then this is where the importance of a good supplier relationship can help, as many manufacturers offer free advice, training and design guides in their product literature. Many will undertake the design of the system for you and will offer a commissioning service once the installation has been completed, providing a commissioning certificate to hand over to the end user.

As with intruder alarm systems, fire alarm systems have to be maintained – again, BS5839 provides you with all the relevant information to enable you to maintain a system. As a security installer you will most likely already have a maintenance database and a 24-hour call-out facility to service your existing client base.

This client base will almost certainly have fire alarm systems already installed, so why not ask if you can maintain these as well? It will almost certainly be easier for the customer to have one point of call for both systems!

While the object of this article is to lift some of the fog surrounding the installation of fire alarm systems, I would like to take a moment to emphasise the importance of adequate training and knowledge in this field. It is crucial to understand the importance of a fire alarm system and your responsibility as an installer and maintainer.

What better way to gain this understanding than seeking impartial advice and training from the industry's leading trade association, the BFPSA (British Fire Protection Systems Association). This is a trade organisation representing the UK fire manufacturing and installation industry. There is a membership fee, but don't let that put you off, as membership entitles you to discounts on many of the BFPSA products and will give you access to a members-only part of the website www.bfpsa.org.uk

You will have access to industry specific publications, other trade organisations, discussions on standards, and a whole range of training from installation to advance system design. One of the BFPSA's goals is to eliminate unwanted false alarms in automatic fire detection systems. And as a responsible installer/maintainer you can contribute to this reduction by the type, location and correct installation of the equipment you use and standard of on-going training your staff receive.

Where to start?
I personally would get hold of the standards, draft and current. Start to get an appreciation of what is involved and your responsibility to your customers and the environment.

Get yourself down to your local wholesaler and ask for catalogues with design guides. Get some demonstrations set up with would-be suppliers and evaluate the equipment for you, and also perhaps visit a relevant exhibition.

Get your staff trained in the installation of fire alarm systems and get them familiar with the equipment you intend to install. You could get some free samples and set up a portable test station with the devices pre-wired and look at the possible faults that could manifest themselves.