The BSI’S newly-published version of BS 5839 Part 1: ‘Code of Practice for the Design, Installation and Maintenance of Fire Detection and Alarm (FDA) Systems’ is said to represent “a major opportunity” for installers – particularly with regard to continuously-monitored FDA systems and set-ups.
The Standard states: “A system installed for property protection is unlikely to fulfil the objective without connection to a remotely monitored 24-hour manned centre… A system in which the transmission path is continuously monitored should be preferred”.
In the case of fire engineered solutions, the need for detection systems to satisfy a high standard of operational stability and accurate information transmission is highlighted. For Category P systems and certain L1 risks, or where the risk assessment deems it necessary, automatic transmission of alarms to the fire service is the recommended option.
