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Do you install fire alarm systems?

Chris Pearson
Bit of thread drift going on elsewhere, so I have started a new one.


"Do you install fire alarm systems?" - a question which is asked on insurance renewal, but what does it mean?


IMHO, there is a world of difference between providing a mains supply with third core for linking for a couple of smoke detectors and a heat detector in the kitchen on the one hand (i.e. the minimum grade D2 LD3); and a full on panel with separate detectors and sounder etc. (grade A LD2) in a large house. I consider myself perfectly capable of providing the former, but have never attempted the latter.


So where does the threshold lie? I'd be interested in views on certification too please.
  • 0
    John, that's exactly what bothers me. If you are doing anything from re-wiring a studio flat to a new build, there is going to be at least one smoke alarm. If customer or architect or whoever specifies the design (rather like I want sockets here, here, and here), what is the sparks's responsibility?
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    what is the sparks's responsibility?


    To hand over the prescribed certificates and tell the client to get the appropriate specification/drawing/signatures before the sparks start. Unless of course it is one of those "build and design" projects..................


    Regards


    BOD
  • 0
    On an EICR it is the problems that are highlighted, not the things that are okay.


    So if there’s hardwired smoke alarms in good condition or not, the most I would say is the are X number of alarms stating the manufacturer, type and expiry dates, just report what is there without going over board.


    you have to remember that you may not be able to issue a inspection report for the alarms saying they comply with the British Standard, because they may not comply with the BS, but may comply with Building Regulations or the requirements for privately rented homes which set much lower standards.


    I had had a conversation with a guy who does EPCs, inventories and advertising photo shoots for landlords, vendors, estate and letting agents about how to write very precise non-committal reports. He has sets of stock phrases to cover most eventualities, basically to just state what is there without being judgmental.
  • 0
    The issue with doing anything other than Part 6 systems is there needs to be a maintenance plan and the contractor needs to be available along with spare parts to do rapid response repairs.


    However landlords and letting agents think Part 6 systems are “fit and forget” and when they have had the slams installed they have discharged their responsibilities, because as far as they are concerned once the alarms are installed they think testing and maintenance is the tenants responsibility.


    Unfortunately well over half of privately rented homes don’t have smoke alarms that are fit for purpose at the start of new tenancies, landlords and letting agents don’t actually examine the alarms and their batteries, as far as most of them are concerned if there’s an alarm on the ceiling it will do and they never actually check they are fit for purpose.


    If there is a fire all the investigator can deter is if there was an alarm by looking for the remains of it, but they cannot tell if it was fit for purpose after it has been burnt.

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