BSI has recently published three new standards – one on systems, and the other two on products that may be used in fire detection and alarm systems. They are BS EN 54-13, BS EN 54-17 and BS EN 54-18.
BS EN 54-13:2005 specifies the requirements for compatibility and connectability of components used in a fire detection and alarm system. The standard only includes system requirements when these are necessary for compatibility assessment.
The standard also specifies requirements for the integrity of fire detection and fire alarm systems when connected to other systems, but not the way systems are designed, installed and used in any particular application (this can be found in BS 5839-1).
The standard is applicable to systems where the components are connected to control and indicating equipment, and where they are interconnected by electrical wires. For fire detection and fire alarm systems that use other means of interconnection – radio for example – it may be used for guidance. A European standard is in preparation for fire detection and fire alarm components using radio links.
BS EN 54-17:2005 Short-circuit isolators requires that a functional test procedure is developed to verify the manufacturer’s specification, and some example procedures are given in an informative annex.
BS EN54-18 covers a wide range of different types of input/output devices, so it does not include detailed functional requirements. Instead, it requires manufacturers to state the device functions correctly in accordance with their own specifications. The standard specifies requirements, test methods and performance criteria.
Both the new product standards have an annex, which establishes the conditions for the CE marking of the relevant product.
To purchase copies of these standards, or for further information, contact BSI Customer Services (tel: +44 (0)20 8996 9001 or email: [email protected]).
