Ask the experts/Technical
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We continue with our series of answers to some of the more frequently asked questions put to our Technical Helpline.
QUESTION
ANSWER
Is it necessary for a fire alarm detector to be installed in the lounge of new domestic premises to provide life protection where a Grade D Category LD2 system is installed?
Yes. Guidance documents issued by governments for the building regulations in the United Kingdom jurisdictions, namely Approved Document B – Fire safety (England and Wales), the Technical Handbook – Fire (Scotland) and Technical Booklet E – Fire safety (Northern Ireland) recommend the installation of a fire detection and fire alarm system in accordance with BS 5839-6 (the standard for fire alarm and fire detection systems) for new domestic premises. Consequently, BS 5839-6 recommends that the lounge of new domestic premises (defined as a ‘principal habitable room’) should incorporate a smoke detector. Alternatively, for such rooms a carbon monoxide fire detector (CMFD) may be installed ((Note D) to Table 1 of BS 5839-6 refers).
QUESTION QUESTION Regarding the above answer, under what circumstances might a carbon monoxide fire detector be installed?
ANSWER
QUESTION
ANSWER
I plan to install a final circuit and control wiring for a central heating system (CHS). Is it necessary to issue an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) for the circuit and associated control wiring?
Yes. The fundamental principles of BS 7671 state the requirements intended to provide for safety of electrical installations and within these requirements Regulation 134.2.1 calls for appropriate inspection, testing and certification of any erected installation. Therefore, where a new circuit is installed for a CHS and associated controls, as for any other circuit, an EIC needs compiling and issuing to the person ordering the work. Similarly, where existing final circuit or control wiring associated with a CHS is being altered or added to, either an EIC or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (where appropriate) will require compiling and issuing.
A carbon monoxide fire detector (CMFD) may be suitable in a dwelling where a fire safety risk assessment reveals that a smoke detector may increase the risk of false alarms, for example, where the lounge is open to the kitchen. False alarms in fire systems can have a detrimental effect on fire safety and therefore an emphasis is placed on keeping false alarms to a minimum (clause 12 of BS 5839-6 refers). It should be noted that CMFDs respond faster to slow burning fires than typical smoke detectors but respond slower to flaming fires than smoke detectors. Therefore, the risk assessment should also consider the number of floors, rooms and circulation areas in the premises and the ability of the occupants to move to a place of safety in the event of fire, so that this slower response time does not impair evacuation of the premises.
Connections Spring 2015
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