The Advance of Wireless Fire Detection – Part 3

07/08/2022 |

The Advance of Wireless Fire Detection - Part 3

Hochiki Ekho - A New Generation of Hybrid Wireless Fire Detection.

Ekho is a wireless based family of products which can be fully integrated into Hochiki’s renowned ESP intelligent hardwired system. At the core of the system is the wireless Translator module.

It is hard-wired to the fire alarm control panel loop and communicates continuously with the wireless devices. Wireless Expander modules are used to extend the radio mesh network, increasing the reach and capacity of the overall system.

Self-Configuring Mesh Network

The Ekho Expander modules create a self-configuring mesh network, which constantly relays field device signals back to the Translator module.

Each wireless device determines which Expander has the strongest signal path and automatically connects to it. The Expander mesh network guarantees an “always on” connection between the wireless devices and the Translator/fire control panel

Key benefits of the Ekho range

– Patented Wireless technology
– ESP Compatible
– Expandable
– Simple Installation
– Self Configuring Mesh Network
– Hybrid System Capable
– Robust and Secure Communication
– Fully Intelligent

Ekho Devices

A full complement of Hochiki Wireless devices are available such as Wireless Traslator Modules, Optical Sensors, Heat and Multi Sensors, Call Points and Sounders.

Adaptable for a broad range of environments

Castles, Cathedrals, Churches, Museums, Modular Construction, Remote Buildings, Asbestos sites, Temporary structures, Banks, Aesthetically sensitive interiors, Concrete structures, Historic / protected buildings, Prisons, Hotels and Offices

RES delivering Ehko

RES have completed a number of installations using the Ehko technology in a Country Manor House, a local School and a Retail Property.

See our latest Hochiki Ekho Case Study here

Images © Hochiki Europe, LLC

The Advance of Wireless Fire Detection – Part 2

04/22/2022 |

The Advance of Wireless Fire Detection - Part 2

The EMS FireCell Solution

EMS FireCell is a “comprehensive analogue addressable fire detection solution with a set of features that make it one of the most advanced fire detection systems available – all without the need for cable.”

EMS has a number wireless / hybrid solutions available that can be used for almost any application.

All solutions are full EN54-25 third party approved products.

Fully Scalable

EMS FireCell is fully scalable from standalone smaller single loop systems through to multi building networks.

It’s “Hub” and “Cluster” infrastructure enables Firecell to be used as a 100% wireless system or as part of a hybrid system.

Control Panel

At the heart of the EMS FireCell Solution is the Taktis Control Panel which features a 7” colour touch screen which provides a powerful yet easy to understand interface.

The Taktis Control Panel enables complex configurations to be setup as well as diagnostic functions to be performed.

Taktis Fire Control panels can be upgraded from 2 to 8 loops, accommodating 126 FireCell wireless devices.

Additional surface mounted repeater panels are also available which can be added around your premises.

Other EMS Fire Control panels are also available in the FireCell range, such as the Syncro AS Control Panel.

Wireless Devices

A complete range EMS Wireless devices are available to complement the solution such as wireless Smoke Detectors, Heat Detectors, Sounders, Beacons, Call Points, Door Controllers, Radio Hubs and Repeater Panels.

The EMS FireCell Solution is ideal for all customer applications, offering flexibility, reliability – all at a competitive price point.

RES Wireless Fire Detection and Alarm Installations

RES have now successfully installed a number of EMS FireCell solutions using the Syncro AS Panel at various customer sites such as at a Health Clinic and a Residential Apartment block.

Please see our case studies for delivered EMS FireCell Installs:
Wireless Fire Detection and Alarm System for Residential Property

Wireless System for Prestigious London Apartments

Our next article will cover the Hochiki Ekho Wireless Solution

The Advance of Wireless Fire Detection – Part 1

03/30/2022 |

The Advance of Wireless Fire Detection

RES provide comprehensive Fire Detection and Alarm System installation and maintenance services to our customers, and as part of this service we continually strive to offer the latest technology and products to our customers.

Our engineers undertake regular training, either in house or via our suppliers/manufacturers on the technological advancements such as the latest wireless fire detection and alarm equipment available.

In a series of three articles, we will look at three powerful Wireless Fire Detection solutions on offer that we can employ for customer installations.

Wireless Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
There are a number of solutions available, however the three most reliable and adaptable systems we offer are:
EMS FireCell

EMS – FireCell
A comprehensive analogue addressable fire detection solution providing one of the most advanced fire detection systems available – all without the need for cable.
http://emsgroup.co.uk/

Hochiki Ekho

Hochiki – Ekho
A new generation of Hybrid Wireless Fire Detection.
https://www.hochikieurope.com/product/ekho-hybrid-wireless

Hyfire Taurus

HYFIRE – Taurus
The newest, incredibly powerful and easy to configure EN54-25 wireless system on the market today.
https://hyfirewireless.com/

Why the difference in wireless solutions?

RES are focused on keeping our engineers informed and trained on the latest solutions available today. As a result, we recognise that certain solutions may benefit customers if different ways, the main reasons being:

  1. The existing Fire detection and alarm system may have the capability and capacity to be extended upon, therefore a suitable solution wireless solution that can be linked to the existing protocol can be used.
  2. Each wireless system has its own features and specifications, ranging from differing signal technology, the style and size of the wireless units and the capacity of devices. The system recommended by RES would depend on the specific requirements of the customers premises.
Wireless Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

The Main Benefits of Wireless Fire Detection

  • – Eliminate the need for complex cable networks
  • – Quick and easy installation with minimal disruption
  • – Future Expandability and Greater Flexibility
  • – Can be used to extend an existing system

Let’s look firstly at the Hyfire - Taurus Solution

hyfire taurus wireless fire detection and alarm system

Designed and built around the latest standards, Taurus benefits from Hyfire’s consolidated experience in wireless fire protection.

hyfire taurus wireless fire detection and alarm system

This highly flexible solution is suited to Commercial Properties, Residential Buildings, Highrise Buildings, Healthcare and Education, Hospitality and Catering Facilities, Public and Government Buildings, Schools and Universities, Historic and Landmark Buildings and Temporary Event Sites.

“Taurus ensures unprecedented fire detection performance, application scale and superior reliability. The Taurus wireless platform can easily answer the needs of both small-medium or large sites”

Hyfire’s control panel connects to Taurus translator devices which in turn communicate with up to 128 Taurus wireless devices per each translator. The system is energy efficient and environmentally friendly due to it’s innovative electrical design, ensuring battery management is optimised, giving 10 year battery life on inputs (detectors and call points) and 5 years on outputs (sounders, VADs).

hyfire taurus wireless fire detection and alarm system

The design of your system is undertaken in Hyfire’s innovative TauREX software, which allows the drag and drop of devices onto your imported floor plan. This process reduces on site install times and provides a complete system overview for easy maintenance.

hyfire taurus wireless fire detection and alarm system

The Taurus solution uses Hyfire’s Pathfinder technology, which delivers the perfect balance of range and confidence.

RES can see multiple customer applications for this solution for Hybrid installations, where it is more cost effective and practical to install wireless devices across a site.

RES recently completed an installation using the Hyfire Taurus solution – click here to read more.

In our next article we will look at the EMS FireCell solution

The Importance of Regular Fire Safety Inspections and Maintenance – October 2021

10/12/2021 |

It is vitally important to regularly inspect and maintain your buildings fire safety equipment. As a business owner, you are responsible for the safety of your building, employees and visitors. This includes the provision of adequate fire safety equipment and systems throughout the building. With more and more businesses returning to the office, it is essential to check that your fire safety equipment is regularly inspected.

Fire Extinguishers­

Fire Extinguishers need to be inspected and maintained by a competent person once a year in accordance with BS 5306. During these thorough checks your extinguisher is serviced and any necessary repairs are carried out or a replacement is recommended. A basic service would include checking it is in date, hasn’t been tampered with, is in good working order, is the correct weight and pressure and has the correct signage and positioning.

BS5306 recommends that fire extinguishers are tested by discharge every five years (water foam and powder) and refilled or replaced, and every ten years (CO2).  CO2 bottles are hydraulically tested at the ten year point, or the extinguisher is replaced.

It is also a requirement to keep a record of all servicing, maintenance and inspections of fire extinguishers.

Outside of the annual inspections, the responsible person for the premises should ensure that a visual inspection is carried out on all fire extinguishers monthly as follows;

    • – Check that the extinguishers are in the correct location
    • – Check that the anti-tamper seals are not missing
    • – Check the pressure gauge is in the green section
    • – Check for any damage to the extinguishers
    • – Confirm the operating instructions are legible
    • – Ensure the extinguishers not obstructed and are visible

RES extinguisher engineers are BAFE accredited (BAFE BS 5306 Part 3- Portable Extinguisher Maintenance).

Fire Alarms

British Standard: BS 5839 recommends any installed fire alarm system in your premises be maintained by a competent person at least twice a year. This includes detectors, call points and panels. A competent person is someone who has sufficient technical knowledge, understands the different types of fire alarms and how they work, is familiar with the makes and models, and has a good understanding of the legal requirements including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO/FSO) and the BS 5839.

Routine fire alarm maintenance checks should be carried out by a competent person and include the following:

    • – Control panels
    • – Devices (sensors and detectors)
    • – Call points
    • – Voice alarms
    • – Batteries
    • – Reporting (Log book entry is a requirement)

RES provide fire alarm regular checks, servicing and maintenance. RES fire alarm engineers are BAFE accredited to BAFE SP203 – Fire Detection and Alarm System Modular Scheme SP203 – Part 1.

Emergency Lighting

Emergency Lighting is covered by BS EN 50172 / BS 5266-8 which provides guidance on the minimum level of testing dependant on the type of site you operate. Your responsible person should oversee the appropriate schedule.

Testing is as follows:

Monthly – Test all emergency lighting systems and ensure all luminaries and signs illuminate and are clean and present. A quick flick test is adequate.

Annually – To check that the lights remain illuminated for their full rated duration.

For safety reasons, the standards advise that the emergency lighting testing should be carried out at times of least risk to the buildings occupants or if possible, when the premises are unoccupied or in unoccupied portions of those premises.

RES provide Emergency Lighting Inspection and Testing, Fault Finding, Repairs and Regular Checks

RES fire alarm engineers are BAFE accredited to BAFE SP203 – Fire Detection and Alarm System Modular Scheme SP203 – Part 1.

Passive Fire Protection – Fire Doors

It is good practice to regularly inspect that your fire doors function correctly and that it will perform to its designed standard. Fire doors where traffic is high are more likely to be damaged and should be checked once a week/month (dependent on usage) by the responsible person for the property.

Periodic checks should be carried out every six months. Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO/FSO) makes it a legal requirement to ensure that fire resisting doors and escape doors are correctly installed and adequately maintained in order for them to be fit for purpose.

RES passive engineers are FIRAS Certified for Fire Door Maintenance.

Passive Fire Protection – Fire Stopping

According to FIRAS, fire protection measures can be degraded over time and it is the legal responsibility of the Responsible Person that the fire protection be adequately maintained. It is the responsibility of the responsible person to ensure that regular inspection takes place. Fire stopping is the compartmentation of a building bounded by fire resisting elements such as walls, floors and ceilings. Fire resisting elements are used around cables, pipes and ventilation systems.

We recommend your fire stopping is inspected every six months.

RES passive engineers are FIRAS Certified for Penetration Sealing (Fire Stopping).

Smoke Control / Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs)

Smoke vents have moving parts such as struts, hinges, pistons and actuators which remain stationary for long periods of time. As a result these systems can be prone to failure or fault. These systems should be regularly checked and subject to two maintenance visits per year to ensure they operate correctly.

RES undertake the servicing and maintenance of Smoke Control / Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs).

Dry Risers

BS 9990 requires that Dry Riser systems to undergo an annual static pressure test and inspection and a six monthly visual inspection, by a competent person. This ensures that the Dry riser system is maintained and functioning correctly for the fire brigade at all times.

RES can undertake dry riser servicing, testing and maintenance.

Fire Hydrants

BS 9990 requires that private fire hydrants to undergo an annual test and inspection and a six monthly inspection by a competent person to ensure the hydrant remains ready and in a working condition for brigade use. The Responsible Person should make periodical inspections of all Hydrants on a weekly and or a monthly basis.

Contact RES for ALL your Servicing, Testing and Maintenance needs.

This article is for general guidance only, please get in touch if you need assistance

Fire Alarm systems for Domestic Premises – 4th August 2021

08/04/2021 |

Fire Alarm systems for Domestic Premises

Domestic fire detection and alarm system standards are outlined in the BS 5839-6:2019, as amended 2020 Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems for domestic properties.

In this edition there have been some changes to the “Grades” of systems from the previous edition.

The type of domestic premises covered by this British Standard are:

A) designed to accommodate a single family;

B) houses in multiple occupation comprising a number of self‑contained units, each designed to accommodate a single person or family;

C) sheltered housing, including both the dwelling units and the common areas;

D) supported housing.

The recommendations within the standard apply to both new and existing domestic premises with the types of domestic property’s covered include:

– Bungalows,

– Multi-storey houses,

– Individual flats,

– Individual maisonettes,

– Mobile homes,

– Individual sheltered accommodation as well as their common parts,

– Houses in multiple occupation (HMOs),

– Certain NHS housing in the community,

– Mansions,

– Shared houses,

– Houses divided into several self-contained single-family dwelling units.

It also applies to premises used for self-catering holidays if occupied by not more than ten persons, and premises with short-term paying guests in the home of a resident operator with not more than eight guests.

It is limited to premises in which guest accommodation is not located below a ground floor or above a first floor, and in which no storey is greater than 200 m2 in area. For larger premises, the recommendations of BS 5839‑1 apply.

This standard does not to the following property’s:

– Hostels,

– Caravans or boats (other than permanently moored boats used solely as residential premises),

– To the communal parts of blocks of flats or maisonettes.

It does not apply to any premises used for purposes other than as domestic premises (e.g. small shops, factories or similar premises used solely as places of work).

This British Standard breaks the fire alarm and warning systems down into 8 “Grades”.

System grade relates to the engineering aspects of the fire detection and fire alarm system. Higher grades of system tend to provide a greater level of control and monitoring of the system, or greater reliability and availability to perform correctly in the event of fire. The grade of system that needs to be installed depends on the nature of the premises, the level of fire risk and the characteristics of the likely occupants.

Grade A

  • – This system is designed and installed in the main according to the recommendations of BS 5839‑1:2017, (Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems for non domestic properties). The detectors, sounders and the central control and indicating equipment with a back-up power supply conform to British Standards BS EN 54-2 and BS EN 54‑4.

Grade B

  • – Not currently defined

Grade C

  • – A system of fire detectors and alarm sounders (which may be combined in the form of smoke alarms) connected to a common power supply, comprising the normal mains and a standby supply, with central control equipment.

Grade D1

  • – A system of one or more mains powered detectors, each with a tamper‑proof standby supply consisting of a battery or batteries

Grade D2

  • – A system of one or more mains-powered detectors, each with an integral standby supply consisting of a user‑replaceable battery or batteries.

Grade E

  • – Not currently defined

Grade F1

  • – A system of one or more battery-powered detectors powered by a tamper‑proof primary battery or batteries

Grade F2

  • – A system of one or more battery-powered detectors powered by a user‑replaceable primary battery or batteries.

In the case of Grade D and Grade F systems, where more than one smoke or heat alarm is installed, these normally need to be interlinked.

Levels of Protection/Categories of System

There are three categories for domestic fire detection and fire alarm systems these categories  outline where the detectors/sounders should be installed and level of protection given, the “LD” indicates that the fire detection and fire alarm system is intended for the protection of life.
All domestic premises need to be provided with an appropriate fire detection and fire alarm system, for full coverage a Category LD1 is installed, such a system gives the earliest practicable warning of fire to occupants, wherever ignition occurs.

However, a good level of protection can normally be obtained from a Category LD2 system, in which detection is only provided at points where the fire risk is high or where combustion products would present a significant hazard to life. A Category LD2 system might, for instance, have detectors only in the circulation areas of premises, the living room and the kitchen; other areas might be left without detector coverage. The areas protected by a Category LD2 system include escape routes, i.e. those areas that would be protected by a Category LD3 system.

A Category LD3 system is intended only to protect circulation areas that would be used as escape routes.

Category LD1

  • – A system installed throughout the premises, incorporating detectors in all circulation areas that form part of the escape routes from the premises and in all rooms and areas other than those with negligible sources of ignition, such as toilets, bathrooms and shower rooms.

So detectors/sounders are typically installed in Hallways, Landings, Living Rooms, Kitchens, Bedrooms, Airing cupboards/Meter cupboards etc

Category LD2

  • – A system incorporating detectors in all circulation areas that form part of the escape routes from the premises and also in all specified rooms or areas that present a high fire risk to occupants, including any kitchen etc.

So detectors/sounders are typically installed in Hallways, Landings, Kitchens etc

Category LD3

  • – A system incorporating detectors in all circulation areas that form part of the escape routes from the premises.

So detectors/sounders are typically installed in Hallways, Landings etc

This article is intended as a summary guide and is not a substitute for the full Code of Practice of BS 5839 Part 6: 2019, A1:2020. More information can be accessed here:

You can buy the full BS 5839-6 online from the BSI Shop

Building Regulations are available for free from gov.uk

Components of a Fire Detection and Alarm System – 19th July 2021

07/19/2021 |

Components of a Fire Detection and Alarm System

There are a variety of components that form a fire alarm system – the requirements of fire alarm system are subject to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the design and installation of fire alarm systems is subject to British Standard BS 5839-1:2017.

Control Panels

Control panels continuously manage and monitor the fire alarm device circuits and provide power to these circuits. They provide indication of fire alerts, faults and location. Control panels enable the configuration, testing, disablement and triggering of fire alarm signals and devices. Control Panels are usually located in a low fire risk area such as an entrance / exit lobby and should be accompanied by a zone chart.

Smoke Detectors

Ionization Smoke Detectors

Ionization chamber smoke detectors detect smoke by the reduction it causes in the current that flows between electrodes in an ionization chamber within the detector.

Optical Smoke Detectors

Optical smoke detectors detect smoke by means of the light scatter that results from the presence of a small light source within the detector.

Optical Smoke Beam Detectors

Optical beam detectors operate by detecting the obscuration of the light source that occurs in the presence of smoke.

Combustion Gas Detectors

Combustion gas detectors are point-type detectors that respond to one (or more) of the gases produced by a fire. For example, carbon monoxide is produced when incomplete combustion occurs as a result of restriction of the amount of oxygen available to support the combustion process.

Flame Detectors

Flame detectors detect the infrared and/or ultraviolet radiation that is emitted by flame. Both types use radiation-sensitive cells that “see” the fire either directly or through built-in lenses or reflectors.

Heat Detectors

Heat detectors may take the form of either point type detectors or line type detectors. The detection system may be designed to respond when a fixed temperature is reached. The heat detector may also include a sensor that responds to the rate of rise of temperature. In this case, the detector responds when either the temperature rises at more than a certain rate, or when the fixed temperature is reached.

Multi Sensor Detectors

In a fire detection and alarm system incorporating multi-sensor detectors, each multi-sensor fire detector contains more than one sensor, each of which responds to a different physical and/or chemical characteristic of fire. For example, with a heat and optical multi-sensor detector the optical sensor might be disabled during the day. If this is the case, it is vital that the detectors are spaced for the least sensitive sensor, in this case, heat.

Manual Call Points

Manual call points or Break Glass call points are a key component of a fire detection and fire alarm system which is used for the manual initiation of an alarm. Manual call points should be sited where they can be easily seen next to premises exit doors but not where they are likely to be exposed to accidental damage. It is recommended that they should be fitted with protective covers to reduce the likelihood of a false activation.

Alarm Sounders

Fire alarm sounders are an audible fire alarm device such as a Bell, Dome Bell, Sirens Solid Sate Sounder and Horn and operate throughout the building to indicate the need for evacuation of the entire building. Traditionally, a sound pressure level of 65 dB(A) has been regarded as the minimum acceptable sound pressure level for fire alarm signals or 75 dB(A) in sleeping accommodation. Also the fire alarm sound level should be a further 10 dB(A) above any ambient noises that may be present in a premises.

Power Supply The power supply for the fire detection and fire alarm system is normally derived from the low voltage mains supply in the building. The mains supply needs to be reliable and capable of supplying the largest load that can be placed on it under normal, fire and fault conditions. The mains supply needs to be backed up by a standby supply that is able to support the system while the fault in the mains supply is corrected.

Regular Testing

It is vital that a regular weekly and monthly test to be carried out to ensure that there has not been any major failure of the entire system, or a significant part of the system. For full guidelines please refer to BS 5839-1:2017 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises

Weekly tests:

– A manual call point should be operated during working hours (as the purpose of the test is to familiarise and ensure the occupants of a premises can hear the alarm), at approximately the same time each week.

– A different manual call point should be used each time.

– Voice alarm systems should be tested in accordance with BS5839 Part 8Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of voice alarm systems

Monthly tests:

– Any automatically started generator used for the fire detection and fire alarm system should be tested

– Any vented batteries used as a standby power supply for the fire detection and fire alarm system inspected

Inspection and Servicing

Fire alarm systems need to be inspected and serviced every Six Months by a competent person. Due to the specialist nature of the work, fire alarm inspections are usually contracted out to a fire alarm service organization such as RES, whose competence can be assured via third-party certification and accreditation.

RES are accredited to British Standard Institute BSI EN ISO 9000, are a BSI Kitemark Licenced Fire Alarm Installer, and have BAFE Accreditation for Fire Detection and Alarm System Modular Scheme SP203 – Part 1. RES are also members of The British Fire Consortium, Fire Industry Association, The Fire Protection Association.

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Fire Detection and Alarm System Categories Explained – 16 July 2021

07/16/2021 |

Fire Detection and Alarm System Categories Explained (non-domestic premises)

There are eight categories of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems as defined in the British Standard 5839 Part 1 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises. Each category falls under three different type of system.

M – Manual system, no automatic fire detectors so the building is fitted with call points and sounders

L – Automatic Systems intended for the protection of life.

P – Automatic Systems intended for the protection of property.

A fire risk assessment should be carried out to establish which alarm type and category is required for your premises.

Category M – Manual fire alarm system

Category L1 – Maximum life protection automated fire detection and alarm system

Category L2 – Additional life protection automated fire detection and alarm system

Category L3 – Standard life protection automated fire detection and alarm system

Category L4 – Modest life protection automated fire detection and alarm system

Category L5 – Localised life protection automated fire detection and alarm system

Category P1 – Maximum property protection automated fire detection and alarm system

Category P2 – Minimum property protection automated fire detection and alarm system

Category M – Manual fire alarm system

Category M fire alarm systems are common for places of work, such as offices, shops, factories, warehouses and restaurants. Fire alarm systems in this category are manual, where the alarm must be activated by a person using a Manual Call Point. Typical adoption of this category are offices, shops, factories, warehouses and restaurants. A Category M system normally satisfies the requirements of legislation. It is, however, often combined with a Category P system to satisfy the requirements of insurers, as company policy for protection of assets, or to protect against business interruption.

M Category Fire Alarm System

Category L1 – Maximum life protection automated fire detection and alarm system

Category L1 fire detection and alarm systems provide the maximum level of life protection and are often provided in large or complex buildings such as stadiums, hospitals, care homes, shopping centres, large mixed use office blocks as well as sleeping accommodation such as hotels, hostels, student accommodation, houses under multiple occupation. Automatic fire detection is installed in all rooms and areas of the building including roof spaces and voids.

L1 Category Fire Alarm System

Category L2 – Additional life protection automated fire detection and alarm system

Category L2 fire detection and alarm systems are designed to give an early warning of fire to occupants beyond the room in which the fire originates and provide early detection in areas of high risk. Example areas of high risk include boiler rooms, plant rooms, computer/server rooms and other areas with heavy plant machinery. Typical adoption of this category are factories and medium sized sleeping accommodation residential properties.

L2 Category Fire Alarm System

Category L3 – Standard life protection automated fire detection and alarm system

Category L3 fire detection and alarm systems provide warning to occupants beyond the room in which the fire originates, enabling occupants to use the escape routes such as corridors and staircases before they become filled with smoke. Automatic fire detection should be installed on all escape routes and in all rooms that open onto an escape route. Typical adoption of this category are medium sized office blocks and commercial buildings with stairs.

L3 Category Fire Alarm System

Category L4 – Modest life protection automated fire detection and alarm system

Category L4 fire detection and alarm systems provide automatic fire detection within escape routes comprising circulation areas and spaces, such as corridors and stairways. An L4 system would not satisfy the requirements of legislation in buildings in which people sleep. Typical adoption of this category are commercial premises.

L4 Category Fire Alarm System

Category L5 – Localised life protection automated fire detection and alarm system

A category L5 fire detection and alarm system is designed specifically from the recommendations of a fire risk assessment. This custom category needs to be specified by a qualified fire engineer usually include automatic fire detection which is installed to meet the occupiers use of the premises.

L5 Category Fire Alarm System

Category P1 – Maximum property protection automated fire detection and alarm system A category P1 fire detection and alarm system protects buildings that are critical to the operation of a business. Maximum protection is provided to the whole site such as having automatic fire detection in all areas of the building, enabling the prompt detection and neutralisation of a potential fire as quickly as possible.

P1 Category Fire Alarm System

Category P2 – Minimum property protection automated fire detection and alarm system A category P2 fire detection and alarm system protects high risk areas of a building and provides early detection from the most likely sources of a fire and helps to minimize the damage to a property and business.

P2 Category Fire Alarm System

RES are accredited to British Standard Institute BSI EN ISO 9000, are a BSI Kitemark Licenced Fire Alarm Installer, and have BAFE Accreditation for Fire Detection and Alarm System Modular Scheme SP203 – Part 1. RES are also members of The British Fire Consortium, Fire Industry Association, The Fire Protection Association.

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Types of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems – July 2021

07/14/2021 |

Types of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

There are generally four main types of Fire Detection and Alarm Systems commonly found in commercial properties

  • Conventional
  • Addressable
  • Wireless
  • Aspirating

Fire detection and alarm systems are a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order for non-domestic premises such as Offices, Shops, Hotels, Public Venues.

Conventional Fire Alarm Systems

Conventional fire detection and alarm systems can be found in smaller premises such as shops and restaurants and are comprised of dividing a building into a number of detection zones in a circuit that are linked to a control panel. If a detector is activated, the control panel will identify the circuit where the detector is located and therefore the zone from which the fire alarm has come. These systems tend to be less expensive to install than other types of fire detection and alarm systems.

Analogue Addressable Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

Addressable fire detection and alarm systems can be found in larger, more complex premises such as offices, schools, hospitals, hotels, manufacturing facilities. These systems are able to locate a specific detector in the event of an alarm which enables the emergency services to tackle the exact position of the potential fire. An addressable system reduces the risk of false alarms and can also be extended more easily.

Wireless Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

Wireless fire detection and alarm systems are suited to premises where it is impractical to run cables throughout a property such as listed buildings. Detectors and call points are connected using radio connectivity. These systems are typically more expensive to buy but are less expensive to install and upgrade than conventional and addressable systems.

Aspirating Smoke Detection and Alarm Systems

Aspirating Smoke Detection and Alarm Systems can typically be found in warehouses and unmanned data rooms. These systems use a fan to draw air from around a building using a network of sampling zones. Precision detectors constantly analyse the air and give warning when it detects smoke particles. These systems are typically more expensive to install due to the network of pipes and air filtration detection required.

RES provides a complete fire detection and fire alarm system design, installation and commissioning service, ensuring your premises are compliant to British Standards.
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New Evacuation Alert Systems – May 2021

05/17/2021 |

New Evacuation Alert Systems.

New evacuation alert systems are coming onto the market that facilitate the safe and orderly evacuation of buildings containing flats.

In the aftermath of the Grenfell tragedy the fire industry responded with the introduction of a new standard BS 8629:2019. The code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of evacuation alert systems for use by fire and rescue services in buildings containing flats.

Below are details of two new products that have come to our attention.

Advanced.

EvacGo – Evacuation Alert System

Advanced have brought out the EvacGo – Evacuation Alert System. Advanced have worked closely alongside fire industry experts who wrote the standard to create our BS 8629 solution and are custom manufacturing our EACIE (Evacuation Alert Control & Indicating Equipment) to reflect each individual building’s evacuation zones.

C-TEC.

EVAC Alert

Another solution comes from C-TEC, called the EVAC Alert. This 8629: 2019 compliant evacuation alert system specifically designed to assist the fire and rescue services in evacuating high-rise residential buildings in fire emergencies.

British-built and comprising a range of evacuation alert panels, single and multi-way flat interface units, self-testing evacuation alert sounders and Equality Act-compliant visual indicators and vibrating pillow pads, EVAC-ALERT facilitates the safe and orderly evacuation of buildings containing flats.

Check out the product video here …

FIA GUIDANCE.

FIA - Fire Industry Association

Read the full FIA Guidance on BS 8629:2019

https://www.fia.uk.com/news/guidance-notefia-guidance-document-bs-8629-2019.html

The installation of Evacuation Alert Systems is covered by the BAFE SP207 Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Evacuation Alert Systems Scheme.

RES will bring you further updates on this later in the year.

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Fire Alarm System

07/24/2019 |

Choosing a fire alarm system

Fire alarm systems are essential to all businesses and corporate/commercial use buildings in case of a fire. Fire alarm systems save lives by alerting occupants within a building of the present danger so that they can evacuate a building quickly and safely in the event of a fire.
The type of fire alarm system installed in a building depends on the structure of the building, the purpose of the building and how these two criteria relate to current fire safety legislation. All non-domestic premises including common parts of houses in multiple occupations (HMOs), those premises used by the self-employed (including family-run businesses) and the voluntary sector must comply with The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

Mains Powered Systems

BS 5839-6:2019 Fire detection and fire alarm systems for buildings. Code of practice for the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in domestic premises.

Types of fire alarm system
Fire alarm systems all generally work in the same way. If a fire or smoke detector detects fire or smoke, or if someone breaks the glass on an alarm system wall unit (known as a manual call point), an alarm will sound to warn people in the building that they need to evacuate due to the risk of fire. It is also possible to have a fire alarm system that sends a signal to a local fire brigade so they are sent out to the building as soon as the alarm is raised. There are four main kinds of fire alarm system, these are:
⁃ Conventional
⁃ Analogue addressable
⁃ Addressable
⁃ Wireless

Conventional fire alarm systems
With a conventional fire alarm system, there are a number of detectors that form a network that is wired to a main control panel in zones. A ‘zone’ is a circuit, and normally there is one ‘zone’ or ‘circuit’ per floor in a building. A conventional alarm system enables you to determine which zone the alarm was first raised in. This makes it easier to determine where the fire originally started and is essential information for firefighters. There is typically an end of line device on all circuits for monitoring. There must always be a zone plan clearly displayed next to the fire alarm control and indicator panel for reference purposes.

Analogue addressable fire alarm systems

With an analogue addressable fire alarm system, you can receive details about individual detectors so that you have a higher level of detail in comparison to details of a ‘zone’ where the fire started. This type of alarm system is most common in large commercial buildings to give better identification of a fire’s source. As a result, they can be more expensive. The fire control panel receives details from each detector device regarding whether there is smoke, heat or a fire present.

Addressable fire alarm systems
Addressable fire alarm systems are similar to conventional systems, except that the control panel is able to find exactly where the alarm was first raised. The alarm system is wired as a large loop, with multiple devices connected. This enables a person to quickly determine an alarm’s location. The positives of an addressable fire alarm system include better handling of false alarms, better reliability, lower wiring costs, and a large loop that is less likely to lose connection.

Fire alarm system design
If you hire a fire alarm system designer, they will need to determine the following information:
⁃ The type of system that is required
⁃ The parts of the premises that need a fire alarm system
⁃ How occupants will be affected
⁃ How the fire brigade will be contacted (i.e. should the device need to do this for you)
⁃ How many manual call points you will require
⁃ Fire safety procedures currently in place
⁃ Any other ongoing work that is currently taking place in the building (contractors may have to be consulted)

Wireless fire alarm systems
Although a wireless fire alarm system is more expensive, for some types of building (such as a listed building), where wiring for a fire alarm system is not do-able or permitted, a wireless system makes a great solution. With a wireless system there are no cables present between the control panel and detection devices, so there is no need for cable testing. All wireless systems must comply with EN54-25 standards, and must have multi-frequency links to ensure that signal strength is high at all times.
RES is an approved Hyfire wireless alarm installer – a brand that is synonymous with advanced and innovative wireless fire alarm solutions. The Hyfire system integrates both wired and wireless devices with industry-standard control equipment.

Fire alarm systems from RES
RES provides comprehensive fire detection and alarm system design solutions, as well as installation and testing/maintenance services to ensure that your building complies with British Standards BS5839 Pt1.

Depending on our inspection of your premises, we may recommend the following products to you that we can install:
⁃ Manual call units (also known as ‘break glass’ units
⁃ Point detectors (to detect smoke, fire, heat, radiation or carbon monoxide)
⁃ Multi-sensor detectors (to reject false alarms by working with currently installed detectors)
⁃ Optical beam detectors (for larger spaces)
⁃ Line type heat detectors (detectors for averse conditions or large industrial spaces such as car parks)
⁃ Aspirating fire detectors (fire detectors that analyse the air and send this air to a central detection unit through pipes)
⁃ Wireless fire alarm systems
⁃ Visual alarms and beacons (in case there is a risk of audio fire alarms not being heard in the cases of disability or building occupants wearing ear defenders)

RES covers the South of England including London, Berkshire, Bracknell, Windsor, Middlesex & Surrey, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex & Kent, West & East Sussex, Reading, Maidenhead, Slough, Newbury and the surrounding areas.

RES has highly experienced fire risk assessment officers, alongside well-trained fire alarm system designers, technicians and engineers. We provide cost-effective yet high quality, industry-standard fire alarm systems for our clients to keep their buildings and occupants safe.