Fire Risk Assessment.

Timeserved:

Zoomup:

How can I access B.S. 5839 without having to take out a second mortgage?


Z.

Hi Zoomup,

I really don't want to come across has unhelpful, but I think you need to ask yourself if you should really be installing fire alarms If you don't hold a current copy of bs5839:how else do you know if you're installing to the correct standard?


A FRA will if you're extremely lucky nominate a category for you to install to but they will not design the system for you has they usually are not qualified or experienced to this level. 


Has a good rule check if the FRA is PAS79 qualified ether way you can always challenge them if you feel that the advice given is incorrect, don't forget to put the standard disclaimer in your proposal. 

Regards Ts

You are absolutely correct Timeserved. I know my limitations and want to do things properly. I am currently doing work in a large holiday let property that has multiple entrances, corridors, two log burners (air vents lacking I feel) , an oil Rayburn in the kitchen and two levels.


I feel that every room and corridors require alarms, either smoke or heat, plus CO alarms as well. Also emergency lighting and exit signs. This will make the old country holiday cottage look like a hospital, but that does not matter.


The owner is getting in a fire risk assessor soon so that I can receive some professional advice. I prefer to go overboard rather than produce a less than safe result.


Z.

Timeserved:

Have you ever thought about pulling in a more experienced fire engineer to work along side you on certain jobs?

I have a local electrician who I use and also supplement my working knowledge on electrical stuff it's just nice to have someone to bounce off as by trade I'm a fire & security engineer. It works has this arrangement helps us both. 

Regards Ts

A fire engineer eh? That sounds expensive. I might be tempted to buy a copy of B.S. 5839 instead. The trouble is that I live in the middle of nowhere. Civilization, where the technically educated people live, is a few miles away.


I did read B.S. 5839 a few years ago when I had access to a copy, but I do not have it now, and I expect that there is a new version. Still, there is a lot available as Sparkingchip says in guides on the subject.


Le's see what my customer's expert has to say when he finally arrives. He may well be a fire engineer. My customer has several rented properties and uses this man for consultations and advice.


Z.

Timeserved:

Maybe I'm not being clear hear basically split the cost of the job with the fire engineer, what you gain in return will be invaluable going forward, however if something doesn't sit right with you do your research and again challenge him!  I know I have a couple of times, sometimes I've been wrong other times the other sparks has had a rethink and tends to agree. 

Regards Ts

Update. The customer's expert attended yesterday when I was not there. He said exactly what I had said about types of alarms and locations according to the house owner. Basically every room will have an alarm, either smoke or heat and CO where fuel burning appliances are sited.


I watched the whole of the video quoted above.....see, I am keen to learn.


Z.

Timeserved:

If you go down the route of mains powered battery backup if using wireless interlink don't forget Thier will be an upper limit of devices that can be interconnected. 

Regards Ts

Thanks Timeserved,


we are going to use Kidde Slick stuff..


 

• 230V mains powered with alkaline back-up battery

• Available in Ionisation, Optical and Heat versions (1SFWRF, 2SFWRF, 3SFWRF)

• Interlinks via radio frequency with up to 15 units, no cables required between units

• Kitemarked, CE marked and suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade D2 installations

• All alarms also act as repeaters

• Please note: alarms are sold individually

• Also suitable for the 2022 Scottish legislation

Zoomup:

Timeserved:

If you go down the route of mains powered battery backup if using wireless interlink don't forget Thier will be an upper limit of devices that can be interconnected. 

Regards Ts

Thanks Timeserved,


we are going to use Kidde Slick stuff..


 

• 230V mains powered with alkaline back-up battery

• Available in Ionisation, Optical and Heat versions (1SFWRF, 2SFWRF, 3SFWRF)

• Interlinks via radio frequency with up to 15 units, no cables required between units

• Kitemarked, CE marked and suitable for BS 5839-6: 2019 Grade D2 installations

• All alarms also act as repeaters

• Please note: alarms are sold individually

• Also suitable for the 2022 Scottish legislation

Z.

I have just started installing this system. I am disappointed so far with the system.


1. The wireless base electrical connections are not easy to use. They are Wago style push in connections. The 1.00mm2 solid conductor has to be pushed in VERY FIRMLY indeed to get a good grip on the cable. I am having to use thin nosed radio pliers to assist me. Also the wireless transmitter/receive unit gets in the way of being able to push the cables in at the right angle, thus the need for radio pliers.


2. The smoke and heat detectors do not easily affix to the bases. You have to struggle to get them home.


3. The pairing of the separate units is a bit of a phaff. I will try again quietly tomorrow.


Z.